When remodeling your kitchen, you may choose to replace your countertops as well as your cabinets, flooring, and appliances. Two very popular types of countertops used today are granite and Silestone. Each product has pros and cons that you should consider before making your final decision.
Granite countertops, as the name implies, are made from granite stone. This means that granite countertops are extremely durable. You may also find granite to be a very beautiful material that enhances your kitchen’s appearance greatly. Granite is available in a wide range of colors to match your decor. It is also naturally heat, scratch, and resistant to bacteria, which makes it a perfect material for kitchen countertops. You’ll never have to worry about damaging granite countertops with hot pans or knives. Granite countertops are also easy to clean.
There are some disadvantages to installing granite countertops, however. One of the most common concerns with granite is that it is rather expensive. In addition to the material cost, granite countertops also come with a higher price tag for installation than many other types of countertops do. Granite countertops must also be periodically sealed to maintain their appearance and function. Although granite is rather durable, lower quality granite may become damaged. Since granite is a natural material, color variances will occur, making it nearly impossible to match colors exactly if you need to replace a section or you add an island or more counter space to your kitchen after the original remodel. Finally, granite installation is pretty much permanent. Removing granite countertops is a very labor-intensive process that often damages the cabinets beyond repair.
Silestone countertops are made up of a composite material that includes quartz. Silestone is very durable, easy to clean, and resistant to heat and scratches, just as granite is. Since Silestone is a non-porous product, it also is resistant to bacterial growth. Silestone also has a pleasing sparkle to the surface, due to the quartz content. Silestone also is much easier to match in color if you need to repair or add countertops to your kitchen.
However, Silestone is not available in as many colors as granite, which can severely limit your decor options during your kitchen remodel. Silestone may also be a bit more expensive than granite in some cases. However, it is not typically considered as being an upscale product like granite is, and therefore may not add as much monetary value to your home even if it costs more.
Overall, granite and Silestone countertops are very comparable products. Your lifestyle and future plans will likely be the deciding factors in which of the two you choose to have installed. If you don’t plan to make any changes in your kitchen countertops for many years, or you plan to sell your home in the future, granite may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you like to change your home frequently or resell value is not a concern for you, Silestone may come out the winner. Consider the pros and cons of both granite and Silestone countertops carefully, and you will arrive at the perfect choice for your home and family.
