Granite is a well-known and highly coveted natural product. Silestone, while popular, is man-made and doesn’t lack some of the more appealing qualities of granite. If you find yourself trying to make a decision regarding which one of these countertop options is right for you, consider the comparison information offered here. After all, knowing the basics can help give you confidence in the decision you make.
All About Granite
Granite is a solid rock that is extracted from the ground. Fabricators cut the granite into blocks of stone and then process them into tiles, slabs, or another form. When it comes to the creation of granite, Mother Nature does all the work – there is nothing removed or added to the material.
There are countless companies, all over the world, offering granite for sale. There are some companies that process the stone to provide consumers the final product. However, there are others that sell the granite in varying degrees of the finished product. In some cases, you can even purchase it in rough blocks.
One of the biggest upsides to granite is that there are hundreds of different colors and looks. The price of granite is extremely competitive, and you can find countless options to choose from.
All About Silestone
Silestone is a material that is made by mixing crushed stone with man-made products. It is completely produced in a factory. The latest product that is being used to diversify the look of Silestone is called “Microban.”When added to the mixture, it alters the look of the final product.
Silestone is made by just one manufacturer. This means there is a limited supply of this material on the market today and, as a result, the cost is often high. Also, since the same product is producing the product, again and again, there is no uniqueness present.
Uses: Granite vs. Silestone
Inside the home, there are some places that both granite and Silestone are an option. These include as backsplashes, countertops, web bars, walls, shelving, desktops, fireplace surrounds, vanities, and tabletops. Granite, however, is also used for hearths, stairways, and outside the home. Granite is a great product to install and use for wall cladding, walkways, sills, paving, exterior stains, and benches.
Additional Factors about Granite vs. Silestone
There are a few more areas where these two stones can be compared. These include:
Color Consistency
With granite, each slab is unique. No two slabs are going to look the same, which means a perfectly matching surface is virtually impossible to achieve.
Silestone has some shade variances, but the color is more consistent than what is offered in granite. It is easier to match with another piece if necessary.
Colors and Patterns
There are natural blemishes and color variations in granite, and the material is colored all the way through. There are countless colors and shades to choose from.
In 2009, there were only 74 color options offered by Silestone. However, the color is found all the way through the material.
What’s Right for You?
In most cases, the answer to this question is going to lie on your personal preferences. Take some time to read over the information here so you can make an informed decision regarding if granite or Silestone is right for your home and needs. When you are informed, you can easily compare all the factors that make each product stand out. Remember, installing granite in your home can increase the value if you ever have plans to sell. This is quite beneficial and yet another reason to consider installing granite in your home, regardless of if it is in the kitchen, or another location.