Silestone is a leading brand of engineered quartz surfaces, renowned for its exceptional durability, aesthetic appeal, and versatility. Manufactured by the Spanish company Cosentino, Silestone is widely used for kitchen countertops, bathroom vanities, flooring, and wall cladding in both residential and commercial spaces.
Silestone is a versatile and highly durable surface material that offers a wide range of aesthetic options and practical benefits. Its resistance to stains, scratches, and bacteria makes it a top choice for both residential and commercial applications, ensuring long-lasting beauty and functionality.
Composition:
Silestone is composed of approximately 90-94% natural quartz, one of the hardest minerals found in nature. The remaining percentage consists of resins, pigments, and other additives that enhance the material’s strength, durability, and appearance. The quartz particles are bound together using a polyester resin, creating a non-porous surface that is highly resistant to stains, scratches, and impacts.
During the manufacturing process, the quartz is mixed with the resins and pigments to create a homogeneous material. This mixture is then compressed under high pressure and heat to form slabs. The slabs are polished to achieve a smooth, glossy finish, although matte and textured finishes are also available.
Advantages
– Durability: One of Silestone’s primary advantages is its exceptional durability. The high quartz content makes it resistant to scratches, chips, and cracks, which is particularly beneficial in high-use areas like kitchen countertops. Silestone’s durability ensures that it maintains its appearance and functionality even after years of heavy use.
– Stain Resistance:
Silestone is non-porous, meaning it does not absorb liquids and is resistant to stains from common household substances such as coffee, wine, oil, and vinegar. This non-porosity also means that Silestone does not require sealing, unlike natural stones such as granite and marble, making it a low-maintenance option for busy households.
– Wide Range of Colors and Finishes
Silestone is available in an extensive array of colors, patterns, and finishes, allowing for significant design flexibility. Whether you prefer the look of natural stone, solid colors, or unique patterns, Silestone offers a variety of options to suit different tastes and interior styles. The availability of different finishes, such as polished, suede, and volcano textures, further enhances its versatility in design.
– Bacteriostatic Protection:
One of Silestone’s standout features is its built-in bacteriostatic protection, which is achieved by incorporating silver ions into the material during the manufacturing process. This antimicrobial feature helps to reduce the growth of bacteria on the surface, making Silestone an excellent choice for kitchens and bathrooms where hygiene is a priority.
– Heat and Impact Resistance:
While Silestone is heat resistant, it is advisable to use trivets or hot pads to protect the surface from extreme heat to prevent any potential damage. The material is also highly resistant to impacts, which minimizes the risk of chipping or cracking due to accidental drops or knocks.
Environmental Considerations
Silestone is also recognized for its commitment to sustainability. Cosentino has developed Silestone Eco Line, a product line that incorporates recycled materials like glass, mirror, and porcelain, reducing the environmental impact of the production process. This eco-friendly option is ideal for those seeking sustainable building materials without compromising on quality or design.
Visit Sileston’s showroom at:
7324 Atoll Ave, North Hollywood 91605