Silestone countertops are the latest trend in kitchen design. Silestone is unique because it is made of quartz which gives it several advantages over other kitchen countertops. Only diamonds, sapphires and topazes are harder than quartz. Silestone countertops are stronger than most countertops made from natural substances such as granite or marble.

They are less likely to chip or crack while being installed. And they can take the punishment of an out-of-control preschooler who likes to bang pots and pans or the occasional can that falls out of the cabinet. Silestone countertops are naturally scratch resistant because of the quartz in the material. That means you won't need a cutting board while chopping vegetables. However, a strong jab may scratch the surface.

Unlike other kitchen countertops, Silestone countertops do not have to be sealed. This means silestone countertops are maintenance free, an attractive option for the homeowner who does not want the hassle of resealing their countertops every few years. You will see seams in the silestone countertops. But the seams will not be as noticeable as in granite countertops, where the natural changes in color make the seams obvious.

You do not have to worry if you accidentally set a hot pot or pan on silestone counters. Limited exposure to heat will not scorch a silestone countertop. But if a hot item is going to be on the countertop for an extended length of time, place a trivet or pot holder there.

Cleaning silestone countertops is easy. But like any kitchen countertop, you will want to avoid using abrasive cleaning products. Silestone countertops are highly resistant to the toughest stains including coffee and grape juice. If you do have a difficult spill, use a mild household cleaner and soak the countertop for about 10 minutes.

Since silestone countertops are not easily scratched, you can remove hardened food by scraping the countertop. If you are worried about germs, silestone countertops have "Microban" protection. Microban is a trademarked product that fights germs 24 hours a day and was added to Silestone countertops in 2005. The Microban minimizes the growth of germs and bacteria between cleanings. Microban does not affect the look of silestone countertops.

You can find silestone countertops in almost every color from bright red hues to traditional stone colors. This means you can be as unique and daring as you want in your kitchen or bathroom without having to worry about finding a matching countertop.

Most silestone countertops have a polished finish. However you can purchase silestone countertops in a "Leather" finish. This finish is a more textured finish that resembles the matte look of some stone countertops.

You can find Silestone countertops at most home improvement stores. Many retailers sell silestone countertops online. A contractor to install your silestone countertops can be found in the phone book or by referral. Self-installation is not recommended since silestone countertops are a relatively new product. Most silestone countertops come with a limited 15-year warranty. Ask potential contractors if they are certified to install silesstone countertops.