Silestone Quartz Countertops: Honest Review With Pros & Cons
This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our Disclosure Policy.
As an interior designer and homeowner who lives with her design choices, I’m always looking for materials that blend beauty with practicality. When I renovated my kitchen three years ago, I went all in with Silestone quartz countertops, and today I’m sharing my honest thoughts about these beautiful countertops that have become such a popular choice in homes today.
If you’re planning a kitchen remodel, you might also want to check out my Dekton Countertop Review to compare another engineered surface option, explore The Best Kitchen Cabinet Colors for a Timeless Look or get all the insight on the best countertop heights for your home.
Take a Video Tour Of The Kitchen Renovation
What Are Silestone Countertops Made Of?
Silestone is a brand of high-quality quartz countertops made by Cosentino, a global leader in surface materials. Unlike natural stone like granite or marble, Silestone is engineered with about 90% quartz minerals, plus resins, pigments, and even bits of recycled glass to create a strong, non-porous surface. This means it resists stains and scratches better than many traditional materials.
What makes it even more special is its Hybriq+® technology, which reduces crystalline silica content while incorporating premium minerals and recycled materials. This results in a more sustainable, innovative, and high-performance surface—perfect for kitchens and bathrooms. Plus, because it’s manufactured rather than quarried, Silestone offers a consistent look with a huge variety of colors and patterns you won’t find in natural stone. It’s a stylish, durable choice for any home!
The Pros of Silestone Quartz Countertops
Stunning Aesthetic Appeal
When I was selecting my countertops, I instantly fell in love with Ethereal Noctis with a suede finish. The deep black-blue veining on a white canvas adds interest and contrast to my kitchen while maintaining a classic look that won’t go out of style.
What I particularly love about this brand is the range of finishes. I opted for the suede finish, which has a soft, leathered texture that gives the stone an organic feel. This matte finish not only looks beautiful but has practical benefits too (more on that later!).
Since my home installation, I’ve been so impressed that I decided to add them in a different colorway to my office space as well in Ethereal Glow. Clients love seeing a full slab on the island, appreciating both the elegance and durability these premium counters bring to the space.
Incredible Durability
After three years of daily use, I can confidently say that this countertop is a workhorse. In my kitchen, these beautiful countertops have served as prep spaces, makeshift desks, craft areas for the kids, and even impromptu dining surfaces.
The quartz composition makes Silestone remarkably resistant to scratch damage compared to softer natural stones like marble. I’ve chopped vegetables, set down heavy pots, and even let the kids do art projects without worrying about permanent damage to this solid surface.
Low Maintenance Dream
As both a busy professional and someone who loves to entertain, easy maintenance was a top priority for me. This stone has delivered on this front spectacularly! The non-porous material means liquids stay on top rather than soaking in, giving you ample time to wipe up spills from everyday products like coffee, wine, or cooking oils.
Unlike natural stone, Silestone doesn’t require periodic sealing, which saves time and expense over the years. A simple wipe with a damp cloth and mild cleaner is all that’s needed for daily cleaning.
The matte suede finish I chose has been particularly beneficial because it doesn’t show streaks or fingerprints the way glossy finishes can. This truly low maintenance aspect means less obsessive cleaning and more enjoying the space!
Stain Resistant Performance
One of my favorite aspects of this countertop is its exceptional stain-resistant properties. Even notorious culprits like red wine, coffee, and turmeric haven’t left a mark on my countertops (I am careful to clean them up right away to avoid long exposure). This stain resistance is due to the non-porous nature of the material, which prevents liquids from penetrating the surface.
MUST READ: To keep them looking their best, check out my tips on how to clean quartz countertops and learn how to remove stains from quartz surfaces with ease.
Design Versatility
In my kitchen remodel, I was able to do some special design details with stone that elevated the space. I ran the countertop into the window sill and even used it to frame the entire window casing, creating a beautiful focal point.
I also used a Silestone slab to replace the false panels on my sink base, giving the illusion of a custom-made sink without the cost of a completely new sink base.
The Negatives of Silestone Quartz Countertops
No material is perfect, and in the spirit of complete honesty, here are the drawbacks I’ve experienced with my Silestone countertops:
Temperature Sensation
Quartz countertops are cold to the touch. This can be refreshing in summer but a bit jarring on winter mornings. If you’re sensitive to temperature, this is something to consider, especially in cold-climate homes. Although, compared to the Dekton countertops from the same brand, these are not nearly as chilly feeling.
Edge Marking
While the surface is incredibly durable, I’ve noticed that the edges can be more susceptible to marking. My jeans button sits at counter height when I’m standing at the kitchen island, and over time, I’ve noticed some marks along the edge. Fortunately, these clean up easily, and it is nothing to worry about, but when you’re hunting for cons… I’d say I notice this vs. other quartz I’ve used.
Water Marks Around the Sink
Despite the material’s water resistance, I do occasionally see water marks if dribbles are left around the sink area. These are temporary and easily wiped away with a cleaner, but I’ve found it’s best to keep the area around the sink dry to maintain that perfect look.
Installation-Related Issues
In one area, I’ve noticed slight discoloration along one seam, but I believe this is related to the installation process rather than an inherent issue with the material itself. This highlights the importance of choosing skilled fabricators and installers for your countertop project.
Cost Consideration
Let’s talk money. Silestone isn’t the most budget-friendly option on the market. It typically runs between $60-$140 per square foot installed, which is significantly more than laminate but comparable to mid-range granite. For my kitchen, I initially used laminate countertops when I built the house and saved up for the upgrade.
Was it worth the investment? Absolutely. The durability, low maintenance, and timeless aesthetic have proved to be worth every penny. But if you’re on a tight budget, there are certainly less expensive options available.
How to Care for Silestone Quartz Countertops
Based on my three years of experience, here are my top tips for maintaining Silestone countertops:
- Promptly clean spills: Though stain resistant, it’s still best to clean spills quickly, especially around the sink area.
- Daily cleaning: Wipe with a soft cloth and mild cleaner or a specialized quartz cleaner.
- Avoid harsh chemicals: Skip the bleach, nail polish remover, and drain cleaners on your countertops.
- Use cutting boards: While Silestone is scratch-resistant, it’s not scratch-proof. Protect your investment by using cutting boards.
- Use trivets for hot items: Direct heat from pots and pans can potentially damage the resin in quartz countertops, so always use a trivet under hot cookware.
Is Silestone Quartz Worth It? My Verdict
After three years of living with these countertops in my home, I can honestly say I love them just as much as the day they were installed. As a design professional, I confidently recommend them to clients who want beautiful countertops with a low-maintenance profile that will stand the test of time.
For families, busy professionals, or anyone who wants their kitchen to look great without constant care, Silestone is an excellent choice. The initial investment pays off in longevity, minimal upkeep, and enduring style that complements both modern and traditional materials throughout your home.
The wide variety of color options ensures that there’s a product to match virtually any design scheme. Whether you prefer the natural colors of stone-inspired patterns or bold, contemporary hues, there’s likely an option that fits your vision.
If you’re planning a kitchen or bathroom remodel, I’d recommend requesting samples from a Cosentino dealer to live within your space for a few days. Pay attention to how they look in different lighting conditions and how they coordinate with your cabinetry and flooring.
FAQ
Yes! Silestone is quartz—but with some extra benefits, and in many ways, even better!
Silestone is a premium brand of engineered quartz, made with about 90% natural quartz, combined with resins and pigments for added strength and style. What sets it apart is its Hybriq+® technology, which reduces crystalline silica content and incorporates recycled materials, making it a more sustainable choice.
Unlike some quartz surfaces, Silestone is non-porous, meaning it naturally resists stains, scratches, and bacteria without needing to be sealed. Plus, it comes in a wide variety of consistent colors and patterns that natural stone just can’t offer.
So, if you’re comparing Silestone to other quartz options, it’s not just “as good”—in many ways, it’s even better!
Yes, Silestone quartz countertops are not the most budget-friendly option, typically ranging between $60-$140 per square foot installed. However, the durability, low maintenance, and timeless aesthetic make it worth the investment.
Have you installed quartz in your home? I’d love to hear about your experience in the comments below! And if you’re considering it for your upcoming renovation, feel free to ask any questions—I’m happy to share more insights from both my personal and professional experience.
Yes, hot pans can damage quartz countertops. While quartz is highly durable, it’s not heat-proof—only heat-resistant to a certain degree. A quick touch of a warm dish is usually fine, but extended exposure to heat can cause permanent damage.
Last updated: February 2025
Silestone quartz countertops have proven to be a stunning, durable, and low-maintenance choice for my kitchen and office spaces. Despite a few minor drawbacks, the overall benefits of Silestone, including its incredible durability, stain resistance, and design versatility, make it a worthwhile investment. If you’re considering quartz for your upcoming renovation, I highly recommend exploring the wide variety of colors and patterns that Silestone offers. Thank you for joining me on this journey of exploring Silestone quartz countertops, and I hope my insights have been helpful for your own design decisions.
A huge thank you to all the partners who helped make this project possible. For More Coastal kitchens be sure to read this post all about Coast Kitchen Inspiration.
All ideas, opinions, and selections made in this project are my own. As always and thoughts expressed in this post are my honest views.
The kitchen sink window is all my dreams come true! Is there any trim around it or how does your backsplash come up to it. I have wide trim like you have around the door and I would love to do away with it and backsplash right up to the window since its always so messy there. And the pantry doors are so cute!!
I love this! We are considering a kitchen makeover, so finding it came at a perfect time. The builder talked about replacing our cabinet doors (vs painting them), and I couldn’t imagine how it wouldn’t make it look cheaper. Instead, I think it adds a clean and more contemporary feel that what we have. I also appreciate your color selection for your countertops, because my wife loves them and that made our selection much easier.
So glad you were able to get some inspiration! Best wishes for a smooth renovation! V