The Difference Between Silestone & Granite

Silestone and granite are both popular materials used to make countertops. Silestone is a brand name for engineered quartz. Each material has distinct advantages, as well as some disadvantages.

Benefits

Silestone and granite are very durable materials. Both are quite resistance to heat, scratching, bacterial growth and corrosion. If properly maintained, Silestone and granite countertops can last for several generations.

Considerations

Both materials are quite heavy. Because a solid quartz or granite countertop can weigh hundreds of pounds, it is recommended that countertops made of these materials be installed only by experienced professionals.

Comparison

On the Moh's scale of hardness, quartz is ranked just above granite as a harder material. Quartz is considered to be non-porous, which means it never needs sealing. Granite, on the other hand, requires some level of sealing every year or so to maintain its integrity. Granite offers many more pattern and color options than quartz.

Cost

Granite and quartz countertops are considered to be "high end" materials that both come with hefty price tags. Silestone and granite countertops can cost consumers anywhere between $50 and $90 per square foot installed.

Facts

Both materials are natural. Granite is mined in large blocks and cut into slabs of varying lengths and thicknesses. Because of the odd shape quartz occurs in nature, quartz must be ground up after it is mined before it is engineered into slabs like granite.

References

• Keidel.com
• CountertopSpecialty.com