Tag Archives: silestone countertops

Is It Hard To Change Kitchen Countertops?

If your current countertops are old, out of style, or you simply no longer like them, you can always change them. If this is your first time, you must wonder, is it hard to change kitchen countertops?

The ease of replacing the countertops depends on your skill level. If you have never done it before, it’s wise you don’t do it as you risk causing excessive damage. Instead, hire an installation professional.

On the other hand, if you are a DIY ninja, you can take on the project. To execute the project successfully, you need to consider plenty of factors that include:

Ease of removing the existing countertop material

To install the new countertop material, you have first to remove the existing one. The ease of removing the material depends on the individual material. For example, laminate countertops or solid-surface materials are easy to remove as they are often screwed into place.

Hard stone counters are hard to remove as they easily crack or pit. Thankfully, if you aren’t planning on reusing them, you can crack them, making your work easy.

Plumbing system

The other thing you need to pay attention to is the plumbing systems. When replacing stone or engineered composite countertops such as Silestone, you have to replace the sink unless the sink is mounted under the existing countertop.

When you have to replace the sink, you have to deal with the plumbing issue, as changing the sink will also impact the faucet configuration. In most cases, you will have to replace the faucet upon replacing the countertops.

Quality of the cabinets

You often place countertops on top of cabinets, so you need to think whether the cabinets can carry the additional weight when making the switch.

If you plan to change the cabinets later on down the road, hold off replacing the countertops until you have fixed the cabinets. This is because removing the countertops in the future will be too expensive, not to mention the risk of damaging the countertops in the process.

Also, most contractors refrain from doing it due to the many risks that come with it. To avoid all this, if you don’t like your cabinets’ current look or have always wanted to improve them, first address them. You will even be better off spending money meant for the countertops to fix the cabinets, then find countertop money later on.

The backsplash material

Countertops and backsplash are like yin and yang—they go together. This means when you install the countertops, you need to think about the backsplash as well. For a uniform look, ensure that the countertop materials match or coordinate with the backsplash.

Lighting

You need to think about how the countertops will look at night or when little sunlight is getting in the house. One of the most attractive lightings is under-cabinet lighting that is easy to install but hard to figure out the wiring, so you will need to take your time and understand it.

While attractive, under-cabinet lighting can cause eye-straining glare when you aim it directly onto a polished stone, so you need to be strategic in your installation.

Old appliances.

How your old appliances will look upon installing the new countertops is an important factor to consider. If you have had your appliances for decades, chances are they are too old, and installing new countertops then leaving the appliances in place is synonymous with wearing a new outfit with an old pair of shoes. It doesn’t look good, does it?

If this is your situation, besides thinking about replacing the countertops, also start shopping for new appliances to give your house an inviting, uniform look.

If your appliances are relatively new and in good shape, you have nothing to worry about as they most likely look the part.

Take your time

The key to successfully changing your countertops is to not be in a hurry. Research the best materials that will look the best for your home. You also need to think about how the countertop materials will look after installation.

While you save money when you install the countertops by yourself, it’s always wise to have an expert countertop replacement NC expert do the work as they do a better job. You also have someone to blame if things don’t go as planned, which is good, isn’t it?

Knowing about the kitchen countertop materials

At first glimpse, kitchen countertop can make the kitchen look beautiful and new. Kitchen countertops are one of the major elements of any kitchen. To maintain the beauty of kitchen countertop for a long time, it is important to select a kitchen countertop material which is not only pleasing to the eyes but also posses the scratch resistant quality.

Upgrade the countertop and add value to your kitchen

There are a number of countertop materials available in the market like the granite, Silestone, marble, natural stone etc. But while selecting a countertop for your kitchen do not make the mistake that everyone does by selecting the top trending countertop material. Select a cost-effective countertop that is beautiful and strong at the same time.

5 Budget friendly countertops materials

If you are planning to upgrade your kitchen, then below mentioned are 5 most cost effective yet attractive countertop materials:

Ceramic countertops

The ceramic countertops are easy to set up. There installation is so easy that you can install them by yourself. If you like to keep your place plain and simple then the ceramic countertops are one of the best options available for you.

Silestone countertops

Silestone countertops come in a variety of dynamic colors that boost their visual allure. You can choose this material for your countertop as the silestone countertops are less expensive compared to the quartz and granite countertops.

Laminate countertops

In the crowd of countertop materials, the laminate countertops are the most inexpensive countertop material. The laminate countertops are beautiful and easy to install, but their only drawback is that they are vulnerable to abrasions, cuts, and high temperature.

Quartz countertops

Quartz countertops can make anyone fall in love with their appearance in just one glance. They are less porous and long-lasting countertops. However, they are a bit expensive than the other countertop materials mentioned above.

Granite countertops

The granite countertops do not require any introduction or specification, almost everyone knows about the specialties of this countertop material. Granite is the most preferred countertop material all around the world. The granite countertop can bear every type of wear and tear without losing their luster. Yes, they are expensive, but the price worth the granite countertop material.

Silestone countertops vs. Marble countertops

Silestone or marble countertops! Which is suitable for my kitchen?

Kitchen improvement is one of the most hectic tasks of the world. The most difficult thing in the entire kitchen renovation process is decision, decision. One of the most essential part of the kitchen is kitchen countertop and deciding which countertop is most suitable for you is not going be easy for you especially when plenty of choices are available to you. It is not easy to resist the natural beauty of marble and also the shine offered by the Silestone. Indeed, it is really a confusing task to decide which countertop is going to appropriate for your kitchen, but you can make your decision according to usability of countertop. Let’s take a quick glance over various features of both countertops:

Highlights of Silestone and marble countertops:

When it comes to appearance the white marble countertop is unmatchable and Silestone countertop lies nowhere near to them. Marble countertop can add aesthetic beauty to your kitchen. The white countertop has its own appeal which is irresistible. Well…. Well, it is a kitchen, and the countertop is the place where most of the kitchen tasks are going to happen. That’s why it is recommended that if you can afford frequent cleaning then the marble is suitable for you; otherwise you can opt for Silestone countertop.

In terms of durability the silestone countertops give neck to neck competition to marble countertops. Both countertops are highly durable and capable of giving long lasting services without any sort of problem. Silestone is a non-porous material which even offers scratch resistant and stain resistant service which marble could not. Yes! Marble is prone to scratch and stain.

Marble countertops are for white lovers because there is no other color option available in these countertops, but Silestone countertops have oodles of color option for you. To cut a long story into short, it can be concluded that both countertops are good, but as per kitchen’s applications, Silestone countertops are found to be a more appropriate alternative. For sure marble countertop can beat Silestone countertop when it comes to bathroom. Yes, marble countertops are more suitable for bathroom countertops. But people with classic taste can also think of marble countertop in kitchen as well.

Marble is a beautiful countertop but the drawback is that it stains very easily. Spills and solvents if left for a long period of time may cause permanent stains. Wipe away spills immediately to avoid any stains. Use a mild cleaning product, warm water and washcloth to clean it. Clean and wipe it daily with a mild cleaner. Do not use very harsh and strong cleaners as it will damage it. Marble is also very porous so you will need to get it sealed once every year so that liquids and food particles do not penetrate.

5 of the Best Kitchen Countertops

marble countertop

The Kitchen countertop is the core of any kitchen, and the look of the countertop will give your house that regal effect. The kitchen is one of the most remodeled parts of many houses, and the kitchen countertop is given the first consideration. There are many countertops one can go for their kitchen, but it depends on the purpose and the number of people that will be using the countertop. If you are wondering what countertop will perfectly serve your kitchen, then read on for an in-depth analysis of each type of kitchen countertop.

What qualities should one look out for in a countertop

  • Easy to clean

You want a countertop that you can easily clean and maintain. Some countertop requires sealing after use for a specified period. A few of the countertops are maintenance free.

  • Durable

Choose a countertop that will last for long and serve the purpose you intend.

  • Cost

There are several options available and depending on the budget choose one that suits your pocket.

  • Appearance

Granites and marbles will give your kitchen an ultimate look. Choose the countertop depending on the appearance you want to portray.

The best Kitchen countertops

  • Granite

Granite countertops are the undisputed king when it comes to countertops. Though a bit expensive, it’s still one of the most commonly used for kitchen countertops. It has a variety of colors to choose from and last long. Granite is unique and has rare color, and if you are looking for an outstanding kitchen, this is the way to go. The main disadvantage of the granite is it requires to be sealed regularly to protect it from stains.

  • Marble

You can hardly tell the difference between Marbles and granites. Marbles are made from limestones and its pressed under heat to form the countertop. Marble countertops are vulnerable and require a lot of maintenance and are therefore not ideal for high traffic and busy kitchens. It’s important that you seal the marble to protect it from damage. The countertops come in a variety of colors, and if you don’t mind the maintenance work, it will give your kitchen a gleaming look

  • Quartz countertops

Quartz requires minimal maintenance, and it’s therefore ideal for high traffic kitchens like hotels. The countertop will withstand any abrasive materials and stains and it’s, therefore, one of the best countertops for a busy kitchen. It’s made from a combination of minerals and resin and has a stone look. If you are looking to spice up your kitchen countertop with quartz, then you are in for a treat as it comes in a variety of colors.

  • Solid surface countertops

The solid countertop is ideal for countertops, sinks, and backsplash. The solid surface countertop is resistant to stains and minor scratches. It’s crucial that you use a cutting board while working on the surface to avoid significant scratches.

  • Silestone Countertops

Silestone is made from a combination of Silestone and other minerals. it’s hard, resilient and stain resistant. It’s non-porous making it ideal for busy kitchens. Silestone has a high percentage of quartz and thus resembles it. It comes in a variety of colors and will give your kitchen that elegant and beautiful look. The ease of maintenance and durability makes it perfect for kitchens in the hotel industry, schools, and other very busy places.

Choose the kitchen countertop that serves your purpose and lasts long . Visit the granite company and has the first experience with each of the above countertops, assess the colors and durability of each. Its imperative that you understand the maintenance needs of each to be able to select one that is ideal for your kitchen.

Silestone Countertops – Benefits Of Installing Silestone

kitchen countertop

Silestone countertops are getting popular among homeowners. This material offers benefits that no other countertop material can offer. That’s why it is becoming the top selling quartz countertop option. There are plenty of countertop materials available on the market, each having their own advantages and disadvantages. Homeowners seek the countertop material with maximum perks. And nowadays silestone is fulfilling the needs and requirements of the modern kitchen. If you are looking for a new countertop material, then check out the below mentioned benefits of silestone countertops.

Clean and Safe

Silestone countertop is very easy to clean. Their biggest sales pitch is that are a clean and safe alternative for your kitchen. It is true that when compared to other countertop options, silestone countertops can be cleaned with soap water and clothes. You need not have to spend hours in cleaning the spills and stains.

Anti-microbial Protection

Silestone countertops come with the anti-microbial protection. It is one of the most desired features homeowners look in the kitchen countertop material, because they want their cooking surface to be as hygienic as possible. Silestone’s anti-microbial properties make it an apt choice for kitchen countertop.

Eco friendly

Silestone is one of the most eco-friendly materials. It is made from quartz which is natural stone and available in abundance. This material does not harm the environment during manufacturing process as well. If you like using environmentally friendly items, then silestone countertop can be best for you.

Plenty of color choices

Silestone countertops are available in plenty of color choices including but not limited to black, grey, green and brown. You can easily find the countertop matching exactly with the color of your kitchen cabinets. Also, silestone countertops are available in plenty of textures as well.

Many more uses

Silestone is an amazing material. Apart from kitchen countertop, it can be used for making floors and staircases. If you want you can match your countertop with the existing décor of your house.

It is important to understand that not all silestone countertops are same. You need to do some market research to find the best quality. Explore various countertop options, compare their pros and cons, and then invest on the right one.

Silestone Countertops: The Pros and Cons

granite kitchen countertops

Selecting the best countertop material for your bathroom or kitchen is a complicated task.   Finalizing the ideal countertop with all of the options available on the market (like marble, granite, glass, steel, bamboo, faux-granite etc.) is a big challenge. Among all countertop materials, silestone countertops are popping out as the popular countertop material choice because of its stain resistant quality. Silestone is a manmade countertop material. It is manufactured from quartz. This countertop comes in oodles of color tones, finishes and styles for kitchen and bathroom treatments, matching many home styles.

Silestone Overview

Silestone is made from quartz crystals. Quartz is already a popular material for manufacturing of sinks, shower trays, floors, wall cladding and countertops. Silestone has inherited a lot of qualities of quartz.

Silestone is durable and non-porous in nature. This material is hard and resistant to stains, scratches and bacteria. Silestone countertops are easy to maintain and customize. You can achieve a high-end finish without the providing high-end maintenance. Many existing users of quartz countertops are opting for silestone countertops for their bathrooms and kitchens.

Silestone countertops for kitchens

Kitchen is the heart of home. You want your kitchen to not only look good, but working inside the kitchen should be easy. And kitchen countertop plays an important role in the overall look and feel of the kitchen. Silestone can be a good choice for kitchen countertop surface.

No matter what is the size and shape of your kitchen, there is a Silestone countertop for you. Your countertop, floors, sink and even walls can be made with Silestone. No space is too big or too small. Silestone countertop can enhance the beauty of your kitchen and make the countertop as the focal point of the kitchen.

Silestone countertops are available in a lot of contemporary designs that provide modern look and feel to your kitchen.  You can select color, design, shape and size as per your needs and requirements.

Silestone countertops for bathroom

When it comes to bathrooms, silestone is not as popular as it is popular for kitchens. Still, many homeowners prefer silestone for bathroom vanity top installation. It is mainly because of availability of this material in oodles of colors and designs. It enhances the beauty of bathroom décor as well. If you want to make your bathroom look fancy, you can also opt for the silestone countertop.

What is Silestone and what are its competitive characteristics?

fabricated granite countertops

Silestone is an amalgamation of raw materials and natural quartz. This material is extraordinarily resilient and hard. These features combine to form an amazing surface for kitchen counters, bathroom islands, floorings and wall sidings. Silestone countertops are manufactured for outstanding kitchen and bathroom design applications. Homeowners and commercial property owners can enjoy the amazing benefits of this material at reasonable price.

All about Silestone countertops

Silestone countertops are as beautiful as natural stone countertops such as marble, granite etc. These countertops are available in wide varieties of colors and astonishing textures. The silestone countertops look amazingly beautiful wherever they are installed. You can match the countertop to the existing décor of your kitchen or bathroom.

Silestone countertops are not just pleasing to eyes. They have many amazing qualities, such as:

Stain Resistant

Silestone countertops are non-porous in nature. These surfaces are highly resistant to staining caused by wine, lemon juice, coffee, vinegar, olive oil, makeup and any other products that are useful in everyday life.

Acid Resistant

Since silestone countertops are composed of one the hardest materials, they are exceptionally durable when it comes to resistance to acids. It means, you need not have to worry about spills of vinegar, lemon juice, shampoo and cosmetic on your countertop. The silestone won’t get stained because of acids.

Impact Resistant

The high impact resistance quality of silestone countertops can be compared to granite and solid surface products. This material gets the hardness from quartz, the elasticity from polyester resin and the beauty from vibro-compression procedure used during the production of the silestone countertops. This quality increases the safety when it comes to handling hard objects such as pans and pots.

Scratch Resistant

Silestone is scratch resistant material just like quartz. This material won’t get scratched with knives, spoons, clips etc. This is the reason why it is one of the most popular choices for kitchen and bathroom countertops.

More about silestone countertops

Silestone can be an apt choice for bathroom and kitchen countertops. This material has amazing qualities to fulfill the needs and requirements of your home. The silestone countertops are available everywhere in the market, but not all silestone countertops are same. In order to enjoy all the benefits of this material, you need to invest in the right product. Thus, find the right countertop vendor of contractor to get the right product.

What is Silestone and what are its competitive features?

best countertops

Silestone is made from the quartz and other raw materials. This material is resilient and durable. It is ideal material for bathroom vanities, kitchen countertops, fireplaces, wall siding and flooring. Silestone is dedicatedly manufactured to meet the needs of bath and kitchen design applications. This material is as beautiful as natural stone and available in plenty of colors and outstanding textures. And since it is not a natural stone, it is cheaper than the original quartz. This is the reason why silestone is gaining a lot of popularity among homeowners and interior decorators. If you are thinking about renovating your kitchen and bathroom on budget, you can think about the amazing silestone countertops.

Know about Silestone

Silestone countertops can be an amazing option for homeowners who are looking for something different, something more customized, something beautiful and something cheaper. This material offers all the competitive characteristics that are required in the countertops. Whether it is kitchen countertop, island or bathroom vanity, you can opt for the silestone.

Benefits of Silestone

Highly Durable: Silestone is very durable material. This material is the ideal choice for homeowners who are looking for long-lasting countertop solution. Silestone can provide you years of services. You just need to pay attention over maintenance and cleaning. The better you care for the countertop the more it will serve you.

Stain resistant: Silestone is a non-porous material. It will not let the oil, lemon juice or food spills to stain your countertop surface. You can easily clean the spills with the help of soap water and cloth. It means your counter will look as good as new for years.

Available in plenty of colors: Silestone can be a great choice for homeowners who want to sync their countertop with the kitchen decor. These countertops are available in plenty of colors. Moreover, silestone countertops durham nc are available in variety of amazing textures as well.

Available in plenty of finishes: This countertop is available in finishes like Polished Texture, Suede Texture and Volcano Texture. You can enjoy the beauty of this material in various finishes. In order to buy the best countertop, make sure to find the best countertop company.

The Benefits of Silestone over other countertop materials

kitchen countertop

Silestone is naturally beautiful and durable countertop material. It is apt for both kitchen and bathroom countertops. Along with, marble and granite countertops, demand for silestone surfaces are skyrocketing these days.

More about silestone countertops

Silestone is among most natural quartz. It is composed of 93% of quartz. This countertop material not only possesses the best qualities of laminated countertop materials but also provide the stunning look and feel of natural stones. Silestone counters are available on the market in variety of colors, textures and patterns, which make them ideal for modern kitchen and bathroom décor. The silestone countertops can provide perfect finishing.

Silestone countertops feature amazing heat and stain resistant property. Silestone counters are made from the non-porous quartz and thus they get least affected by the water. This stone also have bacteria fighting agent. It means silestone provide you with clean and hygienic working surface.

Benefits of silestone countertops

Stain resistant: Since silestone is a non-porous material, it offers excellent stain resistance. So, don’t worry if coffee, lemon juice, olive oil, vinegar, makeup or any other liquid get spilled on your countertop. Your countertop will not get stained. Moreover, stains are easy to clean on the silestone surface.

Acid resistant: Silestone countertops possess acid resistant quality because they are made from one of the hardest mineral present on the earth (i.e. quartz). It shows high level of resistance towards acid.

Scratch resistant: Silestone is very durable against the external wear and tear. It is not easy to produce scratches on this surface. Thus, homeowners can enjoy flawless silestone countertop for a good number of years.

Impact resistant: Whether you throw spoon, fork or knife on your countertop, silestone will not get affected by your action. The impact resistance of silestone countertops is even better than the granite counters. It also depends on the countertop contractor you opt for.

Wide range of texture and colors: The biggest advantage of opting for silestone is that you will find oodles of colors and textures options to choose from. This material looks good in every form.

So, these are the benefits of owning a silestone counter. Nowadays, many countertop companies are offering this countertop material at good price. To get premium quality and services, you should select the best company.

Your Complete Guide To Silestone Countertops

kitchen countertop replacement

Thanks to its remarkable features, Silestone has come out as the ideal countertop material. Silestone is the perfect choice to transform your bathroom or kitchen into a unique space. It is the only quartz surface which offers years of services without any wear and tear. You can find many color and texture options in Silestone countertops. This material allows you to configure your kitchen or bathroom in desired manner.

Know about Silestone countertops

Silestone has become the popular countertop material, as it creates the fantasy aura where you can freely unleash your creativity. Silestone countertops have special properties that provide ease of use and hygiene to a space where they are installed. With the help of the custom-made style of Silestone, you can turn your bathroom or kitchen into a unique space.  In fact, renowned kitchen contractors have started preferring Silestone over Granite and Marble.

Benefits of Silestone countertops

Strain resistant: Silestone is a nonporous material, thus it does not get stained easily. It is highly resistant to coffee, oil, wine, lemon, vinegar, makeup items and many more everyday products. Stain resistant features make ideal for both bathrooms and kitchens.

Acid resistant: Quartz is one of the hardest mineral in the world. This property makes Silestone countertops resistant to acid. It means now you don’t have to worry about toilet cleaning material spills.

Scratch resistant: Now you need not have to worry about ugly scratches on your countertop. Silestone is a highly durable material, which easily resist scratches.

Impact resistant: Silestone is an impact resistant surface just like granite and other solid surfaces. This feature assures the safety of the countertop when handling hard objects such as hot pan, big pots etc.

Available in a wide range of textures: Silestone countertops come in oodles of beautiful textures. You will get fair number of option to choose one according to your specifications.

Available in a variety of color choices: On the contrary, to other countertop materials which come in limited color choices, silestone countertops come in a wide variety of colors. This helps you in keeping your bathroom or kitchen décor in sync.

So, these are the amazing features of Silestone countertops. Do remember to choose the best countertop company when purchasing countertop.