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Stain Reistance back to top
Some countertop materials are succeptible to staining, while others are not. As a general rule, counter materials that are porous can be stained as liquids can potentially penetrate the surface of the material. Silestone and other quartz surfaces, as well as solid surface materials, are virtually impossible to stain. While most granite countertops need to be sealed at the time of install and periodically thereafter, some granite countertops are sealed before they are installed, so there is no work for you to do however you will want to re-seal your granite countertops about once a year beginning one year after they are installed.
Scratch Resistance back to top
Silestone and other quartz surface materials are more resistant to scratches than any other stone material, although no stone surface is completely impervious to scratching. While Corian and Gibraltar solid surface countertops can be scratched, these counters can be repaired by simply buffing or sanding out any scratches that may occur.
Heat Resistance back to top
Silestone and other quartz surfaces are as heat resistant as any stone countertop material, however any stone can be damaged from heat if exposed to sudden or exteme temperature changes. Solid Surface materials such as Corian and Gibraltar may scorch or crack if exposed to sudden and/or extreme temperature changed. With any countertop material, e-counters.com recommends using a hot pad or trivet to protect the counters from exposure to sudden or extreme temparature changes.
Built-In Microban Protection back to top
Silestone quartz surfaces feature Built-In Microban protection. No other stone countertop material boasts this feature. Microban protection inhibits the growth of microbial elements such as mold and bacteria constantly and for the life of the countertops, making Silestone the safest countertop material available for food preparation and daily living. While agents that may reduce the growth of microbes may be available to add to other counter materials, Silestone has Microban protection built-in, offering protection that never stops or requires you to do any work.
Need to Seal back to top
Silestone and Avanza quartz surfaces and Corian and Gibraltar solid surfaces are non-porous, and resist staining without ever having to be sealed. Granite countertops need to be sealed periodically during the life of the counters to protect the surface from absorbing damaging or discoloring liquids.
Color Consistency back to top
Synthetic materials such as Corian and Gibraltar solid surface counters have the most color consistency of any counter material, as they are not subject to natural variations that occur with stone quarried from the earth. While Silestone and Avanza quartz surfaces are composed of over 93% natural quartz and stone, and do therefore have the possibility of dislaying natural variations in shade and appearance, they offer color consistency that is not normally possible with other stones such as granite and marble. Granite countertops show the color and shade variations that nature creates, ensuring that the look of your granite counters will truly be one of a kind.
Plywood back to top
Corian and Gibraltar solid surfaces, although they are solid surfaces, are flexible enough that they can rest directly on cabinetry without requiring a plywood substrate. Silestone and Avanza surfaces usually can be installed directly on cabinetry as well; although in areas of the country where movement or shifting of foundations occur, and for counter projects where a laminated (double-thick) edge is chosen, a plywood or similar substrate is recommended. Granite counter materials will usually require a plywood substrate installed between the cabinets and counters.
Integrated Sink back to top
A counter and sink made from one piece of solid, non-joined, material is called an integrated sink. This is possible only with molded synthetic counter materials such as Corian and Gibraltar brand solid surfaces. Integrated sinks are not possible with Silestone or Avanza quartz surfaces or granite countertops.
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