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5 important questions to ask when selecting a countertop material

If you're looking to give your kitchen a refresh, the surfaces are a great place to start. The countertop material and backsplash occupy a significant portion of the kitchen and can dictate the look and feel and overall vibe of the space. Purchasing a new countertop represents a significant investment, so it's important to ask the right questions in order to make the perfect selection for your lifestyle, budget and desired aesthetic. 

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With many countertop material options on the market, we know it can get overwhelming, but we’re here to help! Check out the five most important questions you need to ask on your countertop renovation journey. 

What countertop material is best for you?

Mineral Hybrid Surfaces: a sustainable countertop material

A new category of high-performing Silestone surfaces composed of low silica minerals and recycled materials. This type of countertop material is perfect for a busy, multifunctional kitchen, as it is resistant to scratches and stains and is anti-microbial. What’s more, this type of surface does not require any special treatment or sealing and can be cleaned with common household essentials. Available in a variety of colors, designs, and finishes, Silestone is ideal to add elegance and design to any interior project.

Silestone XM Blanc Elysee from the Le Chic Boheme collection | Manufactured with low silica minerals and recycled materials 

Granite: the beauty of nature

Granite is natural stone, which means it has a one-of-a-kind design where every slab is unique. When working with this type of countertop material, it is important to view and select your slabs in person as patterns can vary from slab to slab. Granite is durable and stain-resistant, but as a porous stone, it needs to be sealed to avoid damage. Cosentino’s Sensa line offers Granite with special protection called SenGuard, a proprietary treatment that alters the stone on a molecular level to protect it against stains. With SenGuard, the Sensa by Cosentino granite does not need to be sealed.

Dekton Ultracompact: multifunctionality at its finest

This ultracompact porcelanic surface is created with cutting-edge sintering particle technology, allowing for great technical and aesthetic properties. This is the perfect solution for high-traffic kitchens or outdoor spaces where surfaces will be exposed to the elements and daily wear and tear. Dekton is resistant to stains, scratches, and extreme temperatures. It is the ideal countertop material for a busy kitchen while not compromising on beauty.

Sensa Vancouver granite | Treated with SenGuard technology

Is the countertop material manufactured sustainably and safely?

Homeowners are increasingly concerned with bringing into their homes materials that are sustainably and safely made. When on your sustainability journey, make sure to ask the hard questions, like “How is this material manufactured?” “Does it have any sustainability certifications?” “What is the material composed of?” and more. Silestone, for example, is manufactured with Hybriq, a proprietary technology that creates next-generation surfaces with low silica content and recycled materials in its composition. It is also produced with 100% renewable electric energy and 99% recycled water. If you're looking for a sustainable surface and are a fan of organic aesthetics, look no further than EARTHIC. In collaboration with FormaFantasma studio, this new Silestone collection is created with an innovative composition and complex production process utilizing a selection of premium minerals, recycled glass, PET, bioresin, and Dekton fragments, limiting the extraction of raw materials, soil erosion, and CO2 emissions.  Dekton is the only cradle-to-grave carbon neutral solid surface on the market and it also has recycled materials in its composition. Its cutting-edge manufacturing process process utilizes entirely renewable electric energy and 99% recycled water, and 0% liquid discharge.

What maintenance and sealing is required?

Each countertop material is unique and requires different levels of care to maintain. Make sure you ask about the upkeep before committing to one. For minimal maintenance, we recommend Silestone mineral hybrid surfaces and Dekton ultracompact.

Dekton Trevi & Sandik | Full lifecycle carbon neutral

Does the surface come with a warranty?

Make sure you ask about the product's warranty and what it covers, that way you can have peace of mind when making your purchase. Silestone and Dekton come with 25-year warranty and Sensa with a 15-year warranty.

What's the installation process like?

It is important to inquire about the length of the process and what steps to expect so you can be best prepared. You also want to have clarity on additional considerations such as how the large slabs will be brought into your home, if the existing cabinet structure can support the countertop, access to your home during the process, and how long everything will take from start to finish.

Are you interested in learning more about Free Silica Artificial Stone Slabs(ru,ko,ja)? Contact us today to secure an expert consultation!

Working with Cosentino you have access to a certified network of fabricators, installers, and kitchen and bath dealers that will ensure you get a seamless and easy experience.

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Cracks are generally not covered under Lavistone’s Warranty, as they are most often caused by issues during fabrication or installation, or by mechanical stress. These types of cracks are not considered defects in the Lavistone product itself.

If you notice a crack, we recommend contacting the kitchen company or stonemason who completed the installation, as they will be best positioned to assist you further.

Common external factors that can lead to cracking include:

If you are looking for more details, kindly visit Zero silicon artificial stone.