Do You Want to Know the Difference Between Cambria, Silestone, and Corian Quartz Countertops? The Answer Might Surprise You!
There’s nothing quite like walking into a kitchen with pure, symmetrical quartz countertops. Not only do these highly desirable materials turn up the aesthetic heat in your kitchen, but they also raise the sellability and value of your home as a whole.
When you look at quartz rock, you can see why it has become such a sought-after material for kitchen countertops. It’s strong (some quartz has nearly the same hardness rating as diamonds), resistant to scratching, and highly durable. Where the real difference between Cambria, Silestone, and Corian* countertops can be measured is by using these three points:
- Price
- Additional materials and production processes
- Features
And it’s these three main points of difference we are going to discuss here. We want our customers to be able to make an informed decision before making the leap and changing your kitchen for the better!
Differences in Price and Why
Cambria is proudly made right here in the U.S.A. This family-owned premium grade quartz countertop manufacturer is not just the only highest quality producer in the country, but is regarded as one of the best countertop fabricators in the world. When someone offers to integrate Cambria countertops into your kitchen, you know you’re getting the very best. And because it’s not some cheap import and only uses quartz quarried in the States, it has a higher price tag.
The peace of mind that comes with placing Cambria quartz countertops in your kitchen is more than just the outstanding beauty in brings to the space. 100 per cent of the water used during the engineering and manufacturing process is both reclaimed and recycled. The product’s scrap material is also recycled to be used as road base for local construction and landscaping projects.
The thoughtful, high-end fabrication of Cambria is reflected in the price – and worth every penny in our estimation.
Silestone belongs in the “engineered” stone category. This means that the material has approximately 5 x fewer resins then other solid surface material options, making it more stone-like than other quartz-based materials. Because Silestone has been engineered and enhanced, it provides some positive benefits to your kitchen design.
It includes a bacteriostatic protective surface in every slab, called Microban®. This means you don’t have to worry that your new countertops will be prone to engrained damp and food causing bacterial growth or mold and mildew. The specialist features of Silestone place it in the medium price bracket.
Once called Zodiaq, but now better known as Corian Quartz, it has proven to be one of the most popular kitchen countertop materials currently in production – and with good reason. If you are into naturally produced materials, then Corian Quartz maybe wouldn’t resonate with you. It contains polymers and consists of about 33% acrylic resin. The remaining 66% consists of natural minerals, however, and the look is exactly the same as genuine stone.
The best thing about Corian Quartz is its cost-effective affordability. If you’re on a budget, but still want to enhance your kitchen’s beauty, Corian is the best priced quartz countertop for you.
Additional Materials and Production Processes
The price point of quartz kitchen countertops is linked to facts such as from where the quartz materials are sourced, the composition of the quartz material itself (additional constituents that enhance the product), and where the quartz is fabricated (which country). Extra eco-friendly production processes, such as recycled and repurposed water sources can also add to the price and the desirability of the finished product.
Features
Cambria Quartz countertops are elegant and timeless. When you look at their attractive selection of colors and patterns, you will detect the professional eye of a masterful artist and craftsperson at work. If part of your lifestyle aesthetic is to support the American economy while surrounding yourself with premium quality, responsibly sourced materials, Cambria Quartz countertops are for you.
The high quality of these kitchen countertops means that you will never need to worry about your surfaces staining, scratching, and chipping. Remember how we mentioned about quartz being strong and resilient? Well, it’s also nonporous and repels bacterial growth, mold, and mildew too. Add a lifetime warranty to that package and you have yourself the perfect countertop!
Silestone Quartz countertops contain the highly advantageous Microban® protection against bacteria. This is a great feature for any kitchen surface to have. Silestone have paid attention to individuality by offering three gorgeous texture options and over 100 color choices. Choose from perfectly polished, subtle suede, or edgy volcano: textures can really add another featural dimension to a kitchen – and as for color – Silestone leave you spoilt for choice.
Corian Quartz countertops by DuPont offer superior durability and strength. The Corian Quartz signature calling card is that it’s truly built to last. Not only are these breathtakingly beautiful stone surfaces available in over 60 different colors and tones, but they arrive with a 10 year warranty as well. That guaranteed to foster real worry-free ownership!
As a premium quality engineered stone, you will never have to treat the surface with kid gloves. Feel free to leave polishing, waxing, and silicone sealant behind you forever.
Recommended Maintenance and Care for Quartz Kitchen Countertops
It doesn’t matter what material you choose for your kitchen, it’s always a good idea to read up on how to keep it looking gorgeous for years to come:
- Quartz countertops must always be professionally installed because of their size and weight.
- Special structural assessment must be made before installation because of the weight.
- Minimal cleaning is required because of quartz’s natural sanitation. It’s also resistant against corrosion from household cleaning products, oils, and other liquids.
- Fresh spills can be wiped off easily with a damp, soft cloth.
- Scrape off hardened substances with a plastic putty knife.
- Keep heat away from your precious quartz countertops!
Compared to the short life span of laminate, it’s no wonder that quartz kitchen countertops have become de rigueur for any contemporary kitchen. Look after yours and they will be beautifying your kitchen for many years to come.
* Cambria, Silestone, and Corian are all registered trademarks.
