Granite Vs Silestone: Which Is Better?
Kitchen renovation is an exciting undertaking, but the wealth of decisions you have to make can produce a lot of stress. One of the most common sticking points for renovators is the material that they select for their countertops. Most countertops debates these days come down to either granite or silestone.
Let’s look a little deeper into this important decision.
Both are Bacteria Resistant
Many advocates of silestone argue that it is bacteria resistant, while granite becomes a breeding ground for germs. This argument primarily comes about due to the fact that granite almost always has more pockets and divots in its surface than the permanently smooth silestone.
While granite countertops due feature a more irregular surface, if you clean yours regularly than there will be nothing to worry about when it comes to bacteria.
Looking at them from a material standpoint, both granite and the quartz-based silestone naturally resist bacterial growth.
Silestone Comes Pre-sealed
This argument is true, and goes in favor of silestone. When you install a silestone countertop it will already be sealed to resist water, staining, and all other imperfections which build up over time. Granite countertops often require you seal them yourself to give them the same level of perfection against the daily wear and tear you will subject them too.
While silestone is inarguably more convenient when you first install it, the process of sealing granite is not particularly difficult, time consuming or expensive. You will only have to seal your granite countertop once, and after that initial procedure it will remain as clean and protected as silestone.
Granite Usually Costs Less
Silestone countertops are usually more expensive than granite to purchase. Silestone is a processed material, while granite countertops are cut from whole natural slabs of stone. In some markets, a silestone countertop can cost up to 30% more than an equivalently sized and shaped granite countertop.
The price of granite is variable, however, and the best deals on the material generally come from specialty sellers and not the big-box home improvement stores.
Remember that Looks Matter
While your kitchen is primarily a functional space, you have to remember that it also should be as aesthetically pleasing as possible. When it comes down to it, most people prefer the look of granite countertops over silestone countertops.
Granite countertops are cut from a single slab of stone, which gives each piece its own unique look and patterning. No two granite countertops will ever look exactly the same.
On the other hand, silestone countertops are all uniform in their construction. While silestone comes in a wide variety of colors, you will have a handful of granite colors to choose from as well if you go with the former material.
Making the Choice
At the end of the day, neither granite nor silestone are demonstrably better than the other as countertop material. The decision that you make will likely come down to nothing more than personal preference, and which fits the overall theme of your kitchen project better.
If you can afford it and if you prize convenience above all else, than silestone will be the more obvious choice.
If you are more concerned with aesthetics and spending less money, than granite makes the better option.
But at the end of the day, they are both great materials for kitchen countertops and you won’t go wrong from choosing either one.…
Incorporating Granite Into Kitchens and Bathrooms
Look in any home that has recently been remodeled and chances are, you will find granite somewhere in the house. Whether it is used for kitchen countertops or in the bathroom, granite is the preferred choice of homeowners who want a low-maintenance, yet durable stone. Consumers ask for granite because they know it is an easy way to add style and sophistication to any room in the house.
Granite has stood the test of time. It has been a popular building material for thousands of years and continues to be one of the most sought after stone products for the home. Granite has very unique characteristics that make it a preferred choice for kitchen countertops and bathroom vanities.
Granite is durable. It is one of the strongest stones in the world, second only to diamonds. This means that it is virtually scratch resistant and will not be harmed by typical food preparation practices. Granite is heat resistant so homeowners are able to place hot pots and pans on the surface without worry. If it should happen to chip, it can usually be repaired. Granite will last much longer than typical man-made alternatives.
Granite is beautiful. The beauty of natural stone simply cannot be recreated in a factory. The color palette available is enormous. The small crystals in the granite reflect the sun and change the appearance of the stone throughout the day. Each piece of granite has unique veining patterns, swirls, and specks-no two pieces are the same. With various shades and hues available, you can easily coordinate your new granite countertops with any design, style, or color that you prefer.
Granite is easy to maintain. Once sealed, granite countertops can be cleaned with warm, soapy water. Granite does not harbor bacteria, making it a sanitary surface for food preparation. Unlike other materials, granite will not fade or dull over time. It is virtually stain-resistant when sealed. With very little maintenance, your granite countertops will continue to look fresh and new for years to come.
Granite allows for flexibility. Granite countertops can be transformed into any shape you may desire. It can be cut into curves, squares, arches, ovals, and at various angles. You can use a little granite, or a lot depending on your design needs. It can safely be used in high-humidity areas, like bathrooms and even outside.
Granite is affordable. Some consumers choose not to even look at granite because they think it is out of their price range. While granite may be more expensive than some synthetic alternatives, its popularity and availability have helped to reduce its price. Plus, when you consider the durability, beauty, and quality of granite, the price you pay is a true value. While synthetic options may seem less expensive in the short run, you may end up replacing them in a few years. Granite countertops and vanities will last much longer and continue to look great for many years to come.
Before you replace your kitchen countertops or remodel your bathroom, take some time to investigate granite. It will add value and elegance to any home.…