What Is the Difference Between Silestone and Quartz?
When planning a high-end kitchen renovation or a sophisticated commercial project, the materials you choose matter as much as the design itself. Quartz countertops are highly popular thanks to their durability, elegant appearance, and low-maintenance appeal. Within the quartz family, however, Silestone stands out — but what exactly is the difference between Silestone and quartz?
Understanding the distinctions between Silestone and other quartz surfaces is crucial for homeowners, interior designers, and industry professionals who are curating exceptional spaces. Both materials offer performance and beauty, but they are not identical. Let’s explore their properties, performance, and where each belongs in a luxury design conversation.
Quartz: A Versatile Engineered Stone
Quartz surfaces are engineered using a blend of natural quartz crystals (usually around 90 to 93 percent), polymer resins, and pigments. This mixture is pressed and heated to create a dense, non-porous slab that’s ideal for countertops, vanities, and other applications.
While natural stones like marble and granite are prized for their unique veining and raw beauty, quartz provides consistent patterning and color, making it a favorite among designers seeking uniformity. More importantly, quartz is resistant to stains, scratches, and water — perfect for busy homes or luxury hospitality environments.
Zicana Boutique offers a range of premium quartz brands, including the Spectrum Quartz Collection, Tessa Quartz Collection, and the exquisite Raphael Quartz Collection, loved for their superior colors, finishes, and refinement.
Silestone: A Branded Quartz with a Distinct Edge
Silestone is a specific brand of engineered quartz, created by Cosentino, a globally recognized name in luxury surfaces. Like all quartz, Silestone is also made from natural quartz crystals combined with resin and pigments, but what sets it apart is its patented additives and pioneering HybriQ+ technology.
The Silestone manufacturing process incorporates sustainable practices and often features recycled materials, aligning it with the growing demand for eco-conscious luxury. Most notably, Silestone includes proprietary antimicrobial protection, enhancing hygiene — a key advantage in kitchens and bathrooms.
At Zicana Boutique, we offer the complete Silestone Quartz Collection, where each design is a masterpiece of color, texture, and contemporary style.
Comparing Silestone and Quartz: Key Differences
- Brand vs. Material: Quartz is a category of engineered stone. Silestone is a brand within that category, known for specific innovations and quality standards.
- Composition: Standard quartz surfaces contain over 90% crushed quartz mixed with polymer resins. Silestone includes additional additives for antimicrobial properties and may use advanced ecological formulations.
- Surface Protection: Silestone integrates built-in bacterial resistance, making it an ideal choice for areas with high hygiene standards.
- Design and Finish Options: While many quartz products offer beautiful uniform looks, Silestone offers greater customization with premium textures like Suede and Volcano, and ultra-realistic marble lookalikes.
- Sustainability: Silestone’s HybriQ and HybriQ+ technologies reduce the use of crystalline silica and increase recycled content, a compelling factor in LEED-certified builds.
Which One Is Right for Your Project?
For discerning homeowners, quartz offers reliable elegance and solid performance. Brands like Compac Quartz and Wilsonart Quartz bring timeless aesthetics to both modern and traditional spaces.
For clients seeking innovation in both function and form, Silestone shines. Its antibacterial protection, color flexibility, and commitment to sustainability ensure it meets the demands of prestige residential and commercial applications alike. It’s also ideal for integrated sink applications, providing a clean, seamless design many designers value.
For those designing custom kitchens, consider exploring our Made-to-Measure Custom Countertops for bespoke installations using Silestone or other quartz options.
Discover Luxury Within Reach
Whether you’re designing a penthouse kitchen remodel or specifying finishes for a boutique hotel, your material choices shape the experience of the space. At Zicana Boutique, we carry the world’s finest engineered quartz surfaces — from Silestone to exclusive boutique brands — all curated for refined lifestyles.
Now is the perfect time to elevate your space with Zicana’s Exclusive Offers Collection. Plus, enjoy significant savings with our welcome promotion: Use Promo Code WELCOME100 for $100 off any order over $1,000. Indulge in brilliance, performance, and value — all in one curated place.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Silestone more expensive than other quartz brands?
Typically, Silestone is priced slightly higher than generic quartz due to its engineered features, brand reputation, integrated hygiene protection, and sustainable production practices. However, the cost difference is often offset by longevity, aesthetics, and design flexibility.
Is all quartz non-porous like Silestone?
Yes, all engineered quartz is non-porous by nature. However, Silestone enhances this with antimicrobial properties that offer added protection in environments like kitchens where hygiene is paramount.
Can I use Silestone or quartz for bathroom designs?
Absolutely. Quartz and Silestone are excellent for bathrooms thanks to their resistance to moisture and staining. Explore design-forward options in our Bathroom Decor Collection for shelving, vanities, and wall cladding ideas using engineered or natural surfaces.
What’s the best quartz brand for mimicking real marble?
Silestone and Raphael Quartz are known for striking marble-look designs with intricate veining and realistic depth. These are ideal for clients who love the aesthetic of natural stone but prefer the low-maintenance and durability of quartz.
Elevate Your Project with Zicana
At Zicana Boutique, we believe your interior finishes should be as extraordinary as your vision. Whether you choose timeless quartz or opt for the innovation of Silestone, you’ll find unmatched quality and variety in our curated quartz offerings. Begin your journey by exploring our full Quartz Slabs Collection or our luxurious Silestone Quartz Collection.
Still deciding? Our stone specialists are ready to guide you toward the perfect surface for your project. Don’t forget to take advantage of our Exclusive Offers Collection and enjoy instant savings with Promo Code WELCOME100 for $100 off orders over $1,000. Let luxury begin at Zicana Boutique.