Silestone or Granite Countertops? Homes for sale in Isleworth have many different types of countertops, and two of the most common ones are Silestone® and granite. These countertops are often placed in two of the most important rooms of the home -- the kitchen and bathroom. Since these surfaces will be used quite often, it is important for potential homeowners to know the differences between the two. Granite Countertops Granite is a type of rock that can consist of many different types of rock, with the two most common being quartz and mica. This material varies in color and pattern based upon the type of rock it contains. It is mined from the earth’s crust, and is found in abundant quantities in India, Brazil, and China. After being mined, granite is normally cut into slabs and then polished to make the surface smooth and shiny. Some of the homes for sale in Isleworth may have granite countertops or fireplace mantels that were custom fitted to fit specific dimensions. Silestone® Silestone® consists of a combination of quartz and resin, which are fused together to form a very solid material. Referred to as “engineered quartz”, Silestone® is popular in many of the homes for sale in Isleworth because of its durability and versatility. There are numerous choices that range from solid colors to patterns that look like natural stone. Some of the designs even have the appearance of marble, while other look like they are made from leather. Silestone® can be cut to exact dimensions, and is around the same weight and density of granite. Sealing Granite countertops must be coated with a sealer upon leaving the factory. This is because granite is a porous material, so countertops that are not stained properly can be prone to stains or water damage. A protective sealant also helps give granite a brilliant sheen. Some of the homes for sale in Isleworth that already have granite countertops may need to have them resealed from time to time. Sealing countertops is not needed when using Silestone®, as this material is already non-porous, so it will resist stains caused by spills for years without ever needing to have a protective coating. Cleaning No matter whether homes for sale in Isleworth have granite or Silestone® counters, homeowners will find they are both easy to keep clean. In most cases, wiping them down with a damp sponge is sufficient to remove dirt and grime from them. A mild spray cleaner or solution of dish soap and hot water can also be used to clean them. Homeowners should avoid using harsh chemicals on granite countertops, as doing so could cause the protective sealant to break down, therefore requiring it to be reapplied. Anti-bacterial Properties Silestone® has a distinct advantage over granite in that bacteria are less likely to accumulate on the surface. This is because the composition of Silestone® makes it difficult for bacteria to harbor in this material. In addition, Silestone® also includes Microban®, a compound that is designed to resist bacteria. Microban® is added to Silestone® during the manufacturing process, but granite does not contain this material. This means that homes for sale in Isleworth that have Silestone® instead of granite countertops may be more germ-resistant. Environmentally Friendly Silestone® is generally considered to be more environmentally friendly than granite is. This is because this material does not contain any radon, which is a harmful gas found in some natural substances. The fact that Silestone® does not
contain any radon means that homes for sale in Isleworth that have these countertops may have cleaner indoor air quality than those with granite countertops. This is because granite tends to emit small amounts of radon once it has been installed. Heat Resistance One of the reasons why granite has been used for years in homes for sale in Isleworth is because this material is extremely heat resistant. When hot objects are placed on top of a granite countertop, it rarely cracks, breaks, or scorches. This is not the case with Silestone® as it is extremely sensitive to changes in temperature. Unfortunately, it may crack when exposed to high temperatures, or parts of it may bubble up if a hot pan is placed on it. Homeowners who have Silestone® countertops should take care to always use trivets whenever placing hot pans on the surface. Installation Both granite and Silestone® should be installed by a professional contractor. This is because each countertop needs to be carefully cut to precise measurements, and this is difficult to do without the use of special tools. Many of the big box home improvement stores do not carry standard-sized countertops and require their customers to purchase an installation package along with the product itself. The workmanship is often guaranteed for 10 years when using a certified contractor. Customers will not be stuck with a product they cannot use if too much is cut from one end or the other because the contractor will bear the cost instead. Scratch Resistance Both Silestone® and granite are scratch-resistant materials, making them good choices for kitchen countertops. Even so, granite may be slightly more scratch-resistant than Silestone because of its hardness. In addition, if granite countertops do become scratched, these imperfections can be buffed out by someone who is trained to resurface them. This is not possible with Silestone®, as it cannot be polished in this manner. As a result, homeowners who do end up scratching their Silestone® countertops may not have a remedy for the situation aside from a total replacement. Cost The cost of granite and Silestone® are comparable to one another in both cost of materials and installation charges. Granite tends to add more value to homes for sale in Isleworth because it is a natural product. Even so, the cost of maintaining granite might be slightly more than it costs to maintain Silestone®. Granite rarely needs to be replaced, whereas Silestone® countertops may need to be replaced if they are not cared for properly. When all these things are considered, both materials are about equal in value. The current trend in homes for sale in Isleworth leans towards Silestone® rather than granite. This is likely due to the number of choices that are available along with the fact that it has antibacterial properties. Both materials are aesthetically pleasing and durable, so homeowners should consider all the advantages and disadvantages of each one before making a decision.