Silestone Benefits

Silestone is an emerging star in the countertop world for many reasons. Learn more about this amazing stone:

  1. silestone-cambria-ecoSilestone is easy to maintain. If there is a polished finish, it can easily be cleaned with a mild household cleaner and a rag.
  2. It is dense and nonporous. There is no need to worry about wine, coffee or makeup staining the countertops.
  3. It is also scratch resistant making it a great option for countertops, bathrooms and floors. Due to its durability, it can be cleaned with sponges to remove stubborn spills.
  4. There are over 65 beautiful colors allowing it to match any household color palette or style. 

Kitchen Sink Selection

imagesThe kitchen sink should be a considered as a continuation of the style and functionality of your kitchen, utilizing the unique style of your home and strength to perform all tasks. A great deal of emphasis is placed on the countertops, but what considerations should be made when selecting the best sink for your kitchen countertops?

  • Overall aesthetics and style of the kitchen.
  • Functionality to assist in daily chores.
  • Durability to last for many years and endure the magnitude of cleaning for your household.
  • Matches with your budget.

There are also material considerations:

  • Stainless steel: most modern and easy to maintain.
  • Composite granite: extremely durable and range of colors.
  • Enamel-coated cast-iron: beautiful but very heavy and expensive.

Stone Backsplash

Granite-Backsplash-7When designing the kitchen of your dreams, don’t neglect the backsplash. Not only is the backsplash a practical consideration, as it protects your walls from kitchen messes, but it also provides aesthetic value to the space.

 

Stone backsplashes are more upscale, versatile and durable. Due to their strength, they won’t easily be harmed by scratches, spills, water and most do not stain easily. They will also be easier to clean, as there will be less grout to contend with so splatters can be effortlessly cleaned with the wipe of a rag. Furthermore, you can use the same stone as the countertop to make the space appear more seamless and polished.

 

Stone backsplashes can fit any style as they come in different stone types, colorations and finishes. However, when selecting which stone to use for your backsplash, consider the following:

  • Does the stone stain easily?
  • Will it absorb moisture easily?
  • How will it look with your countertop? (Unless using the same for both!)

Granite Cladding Breakdown

Granite cladding refers to a thin layer of granite being applied to a structure made of a material other than stone, like concrete or steel. The is very common when applying sheets of granite as backsplashes, shower surrounds, or accent walls.  It is also quite common on store fronts or other commercial uses. This is a great way to add character and style to your home or business!

 

Cladding doesn’t only provide an aesthetically pleasing option to the materials used to build the architecture, but it also offers protection and acts as a first line of defense for your home including temperature stability. Granite is a hard, durable stone that does not scratch or experience the normal ware and tare easily.

 

Types of Stone Countertop

SilestoneMost people want stone countertops for their strength and durability, but are only familiar with granite. Granite used to the be only go-to option for kitchen countertops, but there are other stones and materials making their way onto the kitchen scene to offer tons of different looks and character to your kitchen!

 

  1. Quartz: Quartz is a super hard and durable material that is clean and stylish and stands the test of time. It comes in a range of colors and requires little to no maintenance. However, quartz is a super heavy material.
  2. Silestone: Silestone is seamless and classic looking and is also very durable and requires little to no maintenance. Added bonus: it is scratch and scorch proof!
  3. Lava stone: Lava stone is new to the kitchen scene and gaining some traction. It is very attractive looking and super glossy, but is also hygienic due to its nonporous nature and requires little to no maintenance. Since it is new to the scene, it will be one of the more expensive options.

Cambria Quartz Information

Cambria QuartzCambria is a company that specializes in natural, quartz surfacing for things like countertops, flooring, fireplace surrounds, bars, showers, and many other things. Being that quartz is one of the hardest natural minerals found in the earth, it is great for strength and durability. Cambria quartz also is non-porous and comes in great natural looks and colors just like granite and marble.

Cambria is 93% quartz so Cambria is quite strong. There is also no maintenance required since it is non-porous; all you have to do is wash it off with soap and water. However, quick changes in temperature like putting a hot pan on the surface can damage the stone.

Cambria is also one of the only US quartz products available to consumers.

Quartz Facts

imgresGranite and marble are classic, timeless kitchen countertop options, but quartz countertops are making an entrance. Quartz is durable, strong and beautiful engineered stone. If you’re considering quartz and don’t know what you’re looking for, here are some tips and information to help you select the right quartz countertop for your needs and design!

 

1. Quartz is a mineral found in stones, meaning quartz countertops are a combination of mostly quartz with the remaining additions being resin and color additives.

2. Quartz countertops can look like natural stone in addition to having various colors and patterns to make your kitchen stand out due to the color additives. This also means it comes in a wider array of colors than natural stone.

3. It is non-porous and very durable, making them strong, easy to clean and care for and attractive. It does not need to be resealed like other natural stones.

4. The price ranges, just like granite and marble based on various factors such as color selection.

Countertop Review: Granite, Marble, Quartz & Silestone

One of the largest choices you can make for your kitchen is deciding what type of countertop to use, one that is durable, cost-effective, and goes with the rest of the décor in your home. This review of granite, marble, quartz and silestone will help you decide what type is best for you.

 

Granite: Granite is a very popular kitchen countertop choice and is found in a myriad of colors and patterns. Granite is very heat resistant and its hard surface is well protected from scratches, cracks, and general wear and tear. Granite is very heavy so the cabinets need to be very sturdy, and granite also needs to be sealed every once in awhile to maintain its stain resistance. Due to granites popularity, it instantly adds value to your home.

 

Marble: Marble is very beautiful and is found typically in white with distinctive veining running through it. Marble is very heat resistant and great for those who love to bake because marble stays very cool. A con of marble is that it is very susceptible to stains, scratches, and chips. However, with the proper care, marble can make your kitchen unique and pristine.

 

Quartz: Quartz countertops are just starting to gain popularity in the market. It is an engineered stone that comes in many different colors and patterns and has the same durability as granite against chips and cracks. It is also very heat and stain resistant. There aren’t many downsides for quartz from a durability and wear and tear perspective, but it is typically quite a bit more expensive than its counterparts.

 

Silestone: Silestone is primarily made from quartz, but contains small amounts of plastic and comes in a wide variety of colors and patterns. Like quartz, silestone is a hard, sturdy material that is resistant to heat, stains, scratches, and cracks, but one of the best features of silestone is that it has an antimicrobial protection built-in to protect against bacterial growth. The main disadvantage of silestone is that it is more expensive.

Stone Kitchen Island Trends

There are so many benefits to having stone countertops in your kitchen. They are easy to clean, show very little wear and tear, won’t stain, and are very attractive to look at.

You have so many options to consider when choosing your stone kitchen island. There are so many different styles and colors to choose from! Here are some trends to consider when designing and choosing your next stone kitchen island.

  • Natural Granite Countertops: This isn’t necessarily a new trend, but granite is such a great material that is heat-resistant, requires low maintenance, and is absolutely beautiful. Granite countertops range in colors to easily match any color scheme in your home.
  • Marble Countertops: Unmatched in beauty, marble does have some maintenance involved. It scratches and stains more easily that granite, but makes for a great cooking surface!
  • Soapstone Countertops: Soapstone is making a huge comeback, and gets even more beautiful with age. Soapstone darkens over time, but doesn’t absorb stains or discolor. It is one of the only stones that doesn’t require sealant.
  • Quartz: Quartz is one of the more popular alternatives to granite for it’s sturdiness and durability. Quartz also doesn’t require sealant and is heat tolerant.
  • Lava Stone: This is a newer stone making its way into the kitchen island arena. It is smooth like glass, comes in a variety of colors, and is non-porous so it is resistant to stains, heat, and scratches.

cleaning-granite-syngergy-granite-austin

How to Incorporate Granite in your House (besides the kitchen and bath)

Granite is a beautiful material that beautifully compliments any home. On top of being stunning, granite is also a wonderfully heavy and durable material that makes it perfect for use in the kitchen and bathroom. If your home did not come with granite installed and there is no remodel in your immediate future, there are three notable ways to still have it featured in unexpected ways.

outdoor-kitchen-with-granite

Outdoor kitchens are probably on the top of men’s “wants” in their dream houses. Make it a reality with heavy duty and gorgeous granite countertops. Weather won’t bother the stone and your wives will be happy with how beautiful it looks. (And hoe easy it is to clean!)

outdoor-granite-countertop-synergy

Patio furniture has come a long way from plastic chairs and foldable tables. A granite table is perfect for any weather and is heavy enough to stay put all year long. Though you should still pay special attention for care and maintenance, granite is a very viable option for outdoor entertaining.

Granite-Marble-Coffee-Table

Inside your home, a granite side table in the living room or hallway quickly adds a touch of elegance. Granite is available in multiple colors, so matching it to the décor already established is the icing on the cake.

If you have an idea on how to incorporate granite into your home in a new and unexpected way, Synergy Granite is ready to help with all of your imaginative home projects. If you would like suggestions on installing granite in unconventional places, Synergy Granite has the experience to get your project up and running!