Silestone is a premium brand of quartz surfaces that are used for countertops, flooring, wall cladding, and other interior design applications. Composed mainly of natural quartz, Silestone surfaces are highly durable, stylish, and low maintenance. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore everything you need to know about Silestone quartz, from its composition and manufacturing process to design options, pros and cons, costs, maintenance, and more.
What is Silestone?
Silestone is the market-leading brand of quartz surfaces, manufactured by the Spanish company Cosentino. It is made from 90% natural quartz crystals combined with polyester resins, pigments, and other proprietary compounds. This combination results in a non-porous, highly resilient surface that retains the look and feel of natural stone, while offering greater consistency and durability.
Unlike granite and marble which are mined in quarries as natural stone slabs, Silestone is engineered and manufactured in state-of-the-art production facilities in Spain and the USA. This gives Cosentino much greater control over the aesthetic and performance qualities of the final product. Silestone has become an industry leader, with its surfaces installed in over 100 million properties across the globe since its inception in 1990.
Composition of Silestone
As mentioned above, Silestone derive its unique qualities foremost from its high natural quartz content. Quartz crystals make up over 90% of the material by weight. Here is a breakdown of the other key components:
- Quartz – Gives surfaces hardness, scratch resistance, and lustrous appearance
- Polyester Resins – Bind the quartz crystals and provide structural integrity
- Pigments – Added to achieve different colors and patterns
- Crystalline particles – Enhance shine and depth of appearance
- Other Proprietary Compounds – Improve workability, durability and performance
This optimal combination of quartz aggregates and high-tech polymers allows Silestone to offer a tailored balance of aesthetics and functionality for different applications.
How Silestone is Made
Silestone quartz surfaces are made using Bretonstone® technology developed by Breton S.P.A, pioneers in engineered stone manufacturing. The process starts with rigorously inspected raw quartz crystals of precise sizes and high purity. These are combined with the other components outlined above using a high pressure vacuum vibrocompaction process.
The resulting slabs are then cured, precision cut, polished and finished to specifications. State-of-the-art processes ensure minimal variability between batches, delivering consistent quality and appearance.
Here is a brief overview of the manufacturing process:
- Quartz crystals, resins and pigments precisely measured and blended
- Mixture compacted under vacuum conditions
- Slabs produced in specific sizes and thicknesses
- Computer-controlled cutting for precision
- Polishing and finishing of surfaces
- Quality inspections at every stage
- Packaging and shipping
The dedication to advanced technology and quality control has enabled Silestone to become a top choice for quality quartz surfaces.
Designs, Colors and Finishes
One of the biggest appeals of Silestone is the wide range of options available in colors, textures, and patterns. From minimalist solid tones to bold variated designs, Silestone offers over 90 choices.
Here is an overview of the collection:
Solid Collection
The Solid collection offers a palette of 36 color options with a smooth, uniform appearance. Choices range from whites, beiges, greys, browns, and blacks to more vibrant reds, blues, greens and purples. Popular choices include Blanco Zeus, Calacatta Gold, and Eternal Emperador.
Ethereal Collection
This collection recreates the visual texture of natural stone with subtle color variation between quartz grains. It provides the look of marble and granite without the maintenance issues. There are over 19 Ethereal designs.
Décor Polished Collection
The Décor Polished series features eight options with bold veining patterns to make a design statement. These dynamic surfaces lend high-end style to any space.
Silestone Metallics Series
This exclusive series incorporates real metal shavings into the quartz to create an opulent, glamorous look. There are currently two choices – the copper-flecked Kensho and silver-veined Seigla.
Silestone Exteriors
Specially formulated options from the Solid and Ethereal collections which are suitable for exterior applications.
With such an expansive range, Silestone provides endless possibilities whether you want a minimal, natural or bold dramatic look.
Benefits of Silestone Quartz Surfaces
Silestone has attained immense popularity owing to the many advantages it offers over natural stone and other quartz brands. Here are some of the top benefits that set it apart:
Extreme Durability
With high quartz content and flexural strength, Silestone is exceptionally resilient against scratches, chips, cracks and heat damage making it ideal for heavy-use areas.
Minimal Maintenance
Silestone’s non-porous surface does not need recurrent sealing and is highly stain resistant. Simple cleaning restores its like-new look.
Consistent Quality
Silestone offers minimal variation in performance, color and finish between slabs, unlike natural stone.
Hygienic & Safe
The non-porous, bacteriostatic surface does not harbor pathogens and is NSF certified safe. It does not emit volatile organic compounds (VOCs) making it safe for homes.
Range of Applications
Silestone can be used to stunning effect for kitchen countertops, bathrooms, flooring, cladding, and outdoor areas.
Rich Appearance
Silestone finishes have a refined clarity, vibrancy of color, light reflectivity and elegance that isdifficult to match in natural stone.
10 & 25-Year Warranties
Cosentino offers a 10-year warranty for residential use and 25-year warranty for commercial applications – indicative of its high standards.
These attributes make Silestone an ideal low-maintenance and damage-resistant surface for the most demanding settings.
Pros and Cons of Silestone Quartz Surfaces
Like any building material, Silestone quartz surfaces come with their own set of advantages and limitations. Being aware of these pros and cons can help assess if it is the right fit for your needs.
Pros
- Extremely durable and resilient to cracking, scratches and heat
- Stain, mold and mildew resistant
- Low maintenance – doesn’t require sealing
- NSF certified for safety and hygiene
- Consistent coloration and minimal variation
- Stylish high-end aesthetic appeal
- Good value retention after installation
- Long manufacturer’s warranties
Cons
- Higher cost than laminates and some natural stone
- Limited number of designs compared to stone
- Can be damaged by excessive heat and strong impacts
- Small seams may be visible between slabs
- Non-recyclable and non-renewable
- Requires professional installation
While it does come at a higher average cost, Silestone offers great long-term value with its unmatched combination of durability, performance, and style.
Cost of Silestone Quartz Surfaces
The installed price of Silestone quartz countertops ranges between $60 – $120 per square foot. This can translate to $3000 to $8000 for a typical kitchen. However, exact costs vary based on:
- Type of Silestone selected – rare/premium varieties cost more
- Edge profiles and backsplashes add labor and material costs
- Complexity of project and installation requirements
- Number of joints needed – larger slabs means fewer seams
- Location – prices are higher in some markets
- Experience and reputation of the contractor
On average, Silestone is approximately 15-20% more expensive than granite and marble. The specialized fabrication and installation required also adds to the costs. However, its benefits of durability, consistency and low maintenance offset the higher initial investment over time.
How to Care and Maintain Silestone
Thanks to its non-porous composition, Silestone requires very little maintenance to keep looking pristine. Here are some simple care guidelines:
- For everyday cleaning, use a damp soapy microfiber cloth or paper towels
- Rinse with clean water and dry with a soft cloth
- Avoid abrasive cleaners, scouring pads, bleach or ammonia
- For stubborn stains, use a specialized quartz cleaner
- Reseal joints between slabs annually with a flexible caulk
- Don’t cut food directly on quartz surfaces
- Use cutting boards and trivets for hot pots to prevent scratching/burns
- Clean up spills immediately to prevent staining
With these basic practices, it is easy to keep Silestone surfaces gleaming like new for years. An annual professional deep clean is also recommended to revitalize the finish.
FAQs about Silestone Quartz
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about Silestone quartz:
Is Silestone better than granite?
Silestone is comparable to granite in durability and water resistance but offers more consistent coloring and patterning. It is resistant to chips, scratches and heat damage. Being non-porous, it also doesn’t require periodic sealing like natural stone.
What thickness is best for Silestone countertops?
A standard thickness of 2 cm (3/4″) is suitable for most residential kitchen countertops. Go for 3 cm (1 1/4″) thickness for heavy commercial use or flooring applications.
Can you cut on Silestone quartz?
Avoid direct cutting on Silestone surfaces as knives can scratch and damage the surface over time. Always use a separate cutting board.
Can Silestone withstand hot pans?
While resistant to brief exposure, consistent direct contact with very hot pots can damage the surface. Using trivets is highly recommended.
How long does Silestone last?
With proper care and maintenance, Silestone has an exceptionally long service life of 15-25 years. Many installations outlast this timeframe while retaining their original beauty.
Does Silestone need to be resealed?
No, Silestone does not require periodic sealing unlike natural stone. Its non-porous surface retains its water repellency with routine cleaning.
Can you repair scratches in Silestone?
Minor scratches can be buffed and polished out professionally. Deeper gouges may require a full slab replacement. Refinishing restoration is also an option.
Conclusion
Silestone has cemented its status as the industry-leading quartz surface, combining incredible durability, hygiene, style and consistency. With minimal upkeep, it retains its refined finish for decades making it well worth the investment despite the higher initial cost compared to stone. If you choose Silestone, be sure to work with specialized certified fabricators and installers to get the best results. With the right care, your Silestone surfaces can stay looking stunning for a lifetime.