Silestone vs. Granite

Silestone vs. GraniteIf you are interested in planning a renovation for your home, the choice of material is the most important one. As one of the most sought-after stones used in home improvement projects, granite is an option that should be considered. It is not only extremely durable and long-lasting but very elegant. 

Silestone is a manufactured option that combines a lot of practical and aesthetic benefits. It is highly resistant and easy to maintain. While both granite and Silestone are great alternatives, which one is the right option for you? Keep reading to learn more about Silestone vs. granite to decide the best one for your needs and lifestyle.

What is Silestone?

Silestone is an engineered material used in home improvement projects. It mainly consists of quartz and other raw materials that give the stone strength and beauty. As opposed to natural materials, Silestone offers a consistent look throughout the slab, making it the ideal option for anyone interested in achieving a uniform look.

Silestone is a household name in interior design. It is available in a wide range of colors and patterns, making it a versatile option for various purposes. Its engineered structure allows features such as enhanced stain resistance making it a great choice for high-traffic areas that require durability.

What is Granite?

Granite is one of the most popular stones used in home improvement projects. Granite can be used for various purposes such as kitchen countertops, bathroom countertops, island tops, vanity tops, flooring, and more.

Granite is a natural stone and it forms under the crust of the earth over millions of years. Its formation conditions create its signature speckled appearance. As it is a natural stone, it is the perfect option for people looking to implement its organic and earthy aesthetic in their space. Each slab of granite has unique quirks that make it one-of-a-kind. Its timeless appeal has made it a classic option for both homeowners and interior decorators.

The Composition Differences

Most of the differences between Silestone vs. granite stem from their different compositions and the way they are created. Silestone is a half-engineered stone made up of a combination of natural and manufactured materials. Silestone slabs consist of around 90% of natural minerals such as quartz and the rest is a mixture of resins and pigments that enhance the stone with strength and beauty.

Granite is a completely natural igneous stone. It is created through the cooling down process of magma. Over millions of years, granite has endured immense pressure and heat that makes the stone very strong and dense. As a natural stone granite slabs have no synthetic materials and thus have less consistent patterns.

Appearance, Patterns, and Colors

While both Silestone and granite are gorgeous, they both offer unique benefits that fit different styles and aesthetics. As mentioned before, Silestone has a uniform appearance throughout the slab that makes it a great option for modern and sleek design styles. The consistent look pairs perfectly with the clean lines and minimalist details of the room.

Granite features natural and unpredictable patterns, specks, and splashes of color throughout, making the stone the right choice for anyone interested in a rustic feel. The different hues throughout the slab create warmth and earthiness. Its small imperfections are a part of its charm and lived-in look.

Durability and Strength

Durability is undoubtedly one of the most important features to consider when trying to decide on the right material. The added resins in Silestone make the stone non-porous, meaning it is very resistant against stains and discoloration. Moreover, Silestone is less likely to crack or chip thanks to the added durability.

Granite is also incredibly strong and dense. However, it is a natural stone, meaning it has certain weaknesses. For example, it is a natural stone and it could get stains unless it is sealed regularly. Furthermore, granite is very resistant to pressure and impact damage but it is slightly more susceptible to cracks compared to Silestone.

Heat and Scratch Resistance

Heat and scratch resistance are extremely important factors for kitchen countertops. Although Silestone is highly resistant to scratches, the same can’t be said for its heat resistance. The natural minerals used in the creation of Silestone are heat resistant but the added resins that make the stone non-porous are not heat resistant. In other words, for Silestone kitchen countertops, the use of trivets or hot pads is recommended to preserve the structural integrity of the stone.

Granite is a naturally heat-resistant material. Moreover, it is less prone to scratching compared to Silestone. Its resilience against heat and scratches makes it an ideal option for busy kitchens in which you can place hot pots and pans on the countertops without worrying about causing damage to the stone.

Maintenance and Care

It is important to think about the long-term requirements of the stone before making such a big investment. Ease of maintenance is an important factor that all busy homeowners should consider before making their final decision.

As a non-porous stone, Silestone requires very minimal maintenance and care. The resins added during its manufacturing process ensure that it is highly stain-resistant and doesn’t require sealing.

While cleaning and maintaining granite is an easy process, it does require resealing once a year to preserve its durability and beauty. Unless it is sealed, spills and dirt can seep into granite and cause stains or even bacterial growth.

Stain Resistance

As mentioned, Silestone is a great option for anyone who values maintaining the beauty of the stone above all else. Its non-porous surface will disallow dirt and debris to cause stains or discoloration.

Granite can also be highly stain-resistant once it is sealed. The sealer that is applied on its surface will make the granite stain-resistant. However, it is still important to pay attention to the stone and wipe up spills as soon as possible. Wiping the spills immediately becomes especially important in the case of highly staining liquids such as wine or coffee.

Cost Comparison

While factors such as longevity, durability, and beauty are incredibly important, none of them is the final deciding factor like budget is. Both stones are available in options that cater to different price ranges.

The cost of Silestone usually ranges between $50 to $100 per square foot. This cost also includes the installation. Factors like grade, thickness, and customizations affect the price significantly. Premium slabs will have a higher price tag than mid-range ones.

Granite is usually available for $40 to $80 per square foot. However, exotic or rare types of granite can be more costly. Moreover, if the slab you are interested in requires international shipping, that will also raise the price.

Longevity and Resale Value

While these stones might cost more upfront compared to synthetic alternatives, they are also a much wiser and long-lasting investment. Alternatives such as laminate offer a more affordable option. However, as it is less durable, it needs more frequent replacing, causing you to spend more in the long run.

Furthermore, investing in high-quality materials like Silestone or granite raises the resale value of your property significantly. Potential buyers opt for homes that support higher-quality fixtures as it indicates that these fixtures won’t need replacing anytime soon. Choosing Silestone or granite is an investment that will pay for itself in the future.

Environmental Impact

The environmental impact of the material is an important factor for eco-conscious homeowners. While neither of these options can boast zero carbon footprint, there are areas where they shine.

Silestone often incorporates recycled materials. This not only reduces materials that would go to landfills but also prevents the use of resources for new production. Moreover, it is created with controlled resources and has a production process that is meticulously designed to minimize energy waste and consumption as much as possible.

Granite is a fully natural material. However, the quarrying and transportation steps require the use of unrenewable resources. On the other hand, a well-taken-care of granite slab can last a lifetime without needing replacement. Its longevity can offset its initial impact.

In short, both Silestone and granite are great options that bring a variety of benefits and advantages to any space they are installed in. Both stones are not only incredibly durable and functional even in high-traffic areas, but they can also fit in with any aesthetic design style, elevating the sophistication of the space.

The final choice between Silestone vs. granite depends on your personal preference and style. If you want a modern and sleek appearance that requires minimal upkeep, then Silestone is the choice for you. If you want to place hot pans on the countertops without worry and love natural charm, granite is the perfect stone. Either way, you will love these amazing stones.Silestone vs. Granite

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