Understand the difference between Silestone worktops and granite worktops

In today’s times, there is a great variety of kitchen worktop materials available in the market and Silestone and granite are the leading ones. The best part of these materials is that both of them can be used in two major spaces of your home – kitchen and bathroom.

Investing in any other worktop material will cost you more on long-term basis and as these crucial surfaces are used on a daily basis, it is necessary for you to understand the differences between the two so that you can make the best decision for your space.

Sealing

Cheap granite worktops by many companies are typically not sealed and therefore due to this cost cutting, cheap granite worktops can be susceptible to stains. All kind of granite worktops may need to be resealed from time to time.

On the other hand, sealing Silestone worktops is not required as this material is already non-porous. Silestone will battle stains caused by spills for years without ever requiringhaving a defensive coating.

Hygiene

Whether you buy granite or Silestone countertops, homeowners will find that both of them are easy to clean. In extreme cases, wiping them down with a damp sponge is enough to wipe out dirt and food particles from either of them. A regular spray cleaner or a solution of washing-up liquid and hot water can also be employed for cleaning purpose. Please keep in mind to avoid using harsh chemicals on granite worktops, as it would cause the protective sealant to tear off, therefore requiring it to be reapplied.

Anti-bacterial properties

Silestone enjoys a clear advantage over granite as bacteria are less expected to collect on the surface. This is due to the composition of Silestone that makes it hard for bacteria to cultivate on this material. In addition, Silestone also encompasses a unique bacteriostatic safeguard system which is developed to resist bacteria; granite does not get this property.

If you are extremely mindful in your food-preparation or have young children in home, it is recommended that you go for Silestone instead of granite as it will be more resistant to bacteria.

Heat & Scratch Resistance

One of the causes why granite has been an ultimate choice is because this material is highly heat resistant. When hot objects are put on top of a granite worktop, it doesn’t crack or scorch. Silestone worktops on the other hand are heat resistant, but can be sensitive to extreme sudden changes in direct surface temperature.

Both Silestone and granite are scratch-resistant materials, resulting into wonderful choices for kitchen worktops. Granite may be a bit more scratch-resistant than Silestone due to its hardness.