Silestone
From MaterialProject.org, the free architectural material catalog
Contents |
Material analysis
MasterFormat Number: 00 00 00
Definition
- Silestone is dense, non-porous quartz solid surfacing. The quartz is mixed with resin for bonding and pigments for color.
- It is composed of at least 90% inorganic components: essentially natural quartz and silicone
Traditional uses
- Solid Surfacing
- Kitchen countertops
- Vanity tops
- Shower walls
- Tub surrounds
- Wet bar tops (residential and commercial)
- Flooring
- Fireplace surrounds
- Wall Cladding
- Backsplashes
Finish and aesthetic qualities
- Scratch, scorch, and stain resistant surface.
- 65+ unique colors
- 50+ edge styles
- Polished finish and honed finish (Silestone Leather)
Surface forms / shapes
- Can be shaped to any counter top or vanity
- Solid surfacing
- Integrated sink forms in 14 shapes/styles and 39 colors
- Customizable tiles sold individually or in sets of 9
Cost analysis
- $45 to $95 / SqFt:
Material properties
Primary structural use
- Non-structural
Material performance
- Silestone is a non porous and dense countertop surface, which means it does not absorb liquids, it is not marred by acidic substances and does not require sealing like natural stone surfaces such as granite.
- Silestone has Microban(an antimicrobial product) built in that fights the growth of microbes, bacteria, mold and mildew.
- Scratch resistant surface
- High shock resistance
Manufacturing process and assembly
- Seems may be visible similar to granite installs.
- Silestone has greater color consistancy so seems are less conspicuous.
- Sheets avalible in either 55" or 52" widths by 120" lengths.
- Thickness of sheets are standard 7/16", 3/4", or 1 1/4"
- Maximum overhang is 8-12" beyond cabinetry or supporting structure.
- Silestone countertops do not need plywood substrate, but may be needed in some cases.
- 4" x 4" x1/4" tiles sold individually or in sets of 9 held together with mesh backing (Silestone MURO)
Care and Maintenance
- Can be cleaned with soap and water or common household cleaners.
- Countertops have built-in Microban protection to minimize the growth of bacteria and microorganisms.
- Some of the bacteria it acts against are: Salmonella, Listeria, E-coli, Staphylococcus, Aspergillus, IVRE
- Silestone countertops do not have to be sealed.
Environment and Life Safety
Environmental impact
- Silestone has received Greenguard Indoor Quality Certification as safe for use in commercial and residential indoor spaces.
- Low-to-no emission of toxic chemicals into the air
- Production process uses 98% recycled water and participates in the restoration and natural erosion control of the quarries used.
- Existing colors include post consumer recycled glass from 35% to 70%.
Flammability rating
- Class 1
Coefficient of friction
- Dry 1.02
- Wet 0.51
References
Notes
- http://www.silestone.ro/specifications.htm
- http://www.e-counters.com
- http://www.silestoneusa.com
- http://www.nssurfaces.com/tech_sheets/silestone/Silestone_tech_sheet.pdf
- http://www.silestone.com/producto.asp?lan=UK
- http://www.amcsilestone.com/
Student contributions
- Heather Gray, Spring 2009
- Hope Hassell, Spring 2010
- Tera Stoneman, Spring 2010
