What is Silestone?

Solid surface countertops have become the kitchen countertop of choice for home buyers, home builders and remodellers. Granite and quatrz, concrete and stainless steel, concrete and marble--these are among the many choices for solid surface countertops. Silestone is another option, and chances are you've seen ads for this product on television or in magazines. But what is Silestone?

Definition

Silestone is a man-made solid surface countertop made of quartz, resin for binding, and pigment (or color).

Why Silestone?

There are many manufacturers of quartz countertops, but Silestone is unique in that it incorporates a layer of germ and bacteria protection in the molecular level of the countertop during production. This protection, called Microban, and doesn't wash away or fade with use.

Hardness

Silestone countertops measure a 7 out of 10 on the Mohs scale of hardness for rocks and minerals, and as such are very resistant to heat and scratches.

Other Benefits

Silestone countertops are non-porous and resist stains much better than granite countertops. They're also much more uniform in color, because they're man-made and lack the natural irregularities of stone.

Expense

Silestone is an expensive option for countertops but is a good choice because of its beauty, durability and bacterial protection.