| Silestone Difference | 10 Reasons to use Silestone | Silestone Myths vs Facts | | Silestone FAQ | | Silestone Warranty | Silestone Fact Sheet | Microban FAQs |

The Silestone Difference

How is Silestone different from granite?
Silestone is superior to granite because it is more consistent and therefore more reliable. Unlike granite, Silestone natural quartz does not need to be sealed. The flexural strength in Silestone makes it easier to handle than granite, reducing mishaps during fabrication, transportation and installation. And while Silestone and granite both show the beautiful depth of color unique to quartz, there is more natural quartz found in Silestone than in any piece of granite. The composition of granite is up to 40 percent quartz – less than half the quartz in Silestone.

How is Silestone different from solid surfaces?
While solid surfaces are made of plastic, Silestone is natural quartz — one of the toughest and most beautiful elements found in nature; surpassed in hardness only by diamond, topaz and sapphire. Thus, while solid surfaces are susceptible to scratches, stains and scorches, Silestone remains intact with regular use requiring no maintenance or special care.

How durable is Silestone?
Silestone keeps its beautiful looks because it is hard at the core.

Scratch-resistance
Common household accidents such as a dropped knife, a fallen piece of glass or errant scissors will not scratch Silestone because only materials as hard as, or harder than, Silestone will scratch it. Beware: no surface is indestructible. And while Silestone is highly scratch-resistant, it is not scratch-proof. Another piece of Silestone, as well as some metals and harder minerals may scratch Silestone. The surface also can be damaged if enough force or pressure is applied against it.

Stain-resistance
As for Silestone’s stain-resistance, it results from the advanced stone process that gives Silestone its consistency and density. Because Silestone is non-porous, most spills stay on the surface and are easy to clean with soapy water or a regular household cleaner. Yet as with any other stone or surface, strong chemicals and solvents such as Drano®, Liquid Plummer®, all oven cleaners and floor strippers will damage the surface and must not be used on Silestone. Heat-resistance
Silestone is heat- and scorch-resistant. It will withstand limited exposure to heat without burning or scorching. The fire of a lit match will not mar the Silestone countertop. However, as advised by crock-pot and electric skillet manufacturers, do not place these items directly on any countertop. We recommend the use of trivets when placing hot items on a Silestone surface to avoid thermal shock.

Antimicrobial protection
Silestone® with Microban® provides continuous antimicrobial cleaning action that inhibits the growth of bacteria, mold & mildew that cause stains and odors. Silestone is non-porous and therefore any bacteria that make it onto the surface, remain on the surface and are easy to eliminate. Silestone with Microban now will fight bacteria as well, keeping the surface even cleaner.

Why should builders choose Silestone® over other materials for their projects?
Silestone delivers peace of mind, reliable service and consistent high quality to builders. With Silestone, builders enhance their projects with natural quartz while enjoying a headache-free delivery system, because Silestone’s flexural strength makes it easier to transport and install with less breakage. Customers may select their Silestone colors from samples without needing to travel to a fabricator’s site. And the mature network of distributor/fabricators makes Silestone readily available to builders across the country.

All of the above, added to the Step Up Your StandardsTM with Silestone program designed specifically for builders, make Silestone ideal for builders’ projects.

Why should homeowners choose Silestone over other materials for their homes?
Because with Silestone, homeowners get it all: the beauty of natural quartz, unparalleled durability and product versatility. With Silestone, homeowners need not compromise looks over performance. Silestone is the superior choice for countertops, vanity tops, shower walls, flooring and more. Plus homeowners enjoy the 10-year manufacturer’s warranty offered by Cosentino on all Silestone natural quartz and the antimicrobial protection delivered by Microban built in Silestone.