How Much Does a Silestone Countertop Cost? [2024 Data]
Normal range: $1,800 - $5,600
Silestone countertops cost $1,800 to $5,600 or $3,700 on average. You’ll spend more for thicker countertops or those larger than 40 square feet.
There are a surprising number of quartz countertops on the market, but one of the most popular is Silestone®. Silestone® countertops cost $1,800 to $5,600 or $3,700 on average. You’ll spend more for thicker countertops or those larger than 40 square feet. Most homeowners end up spending $60 to $150 per square foot total.
- Average
- $3,700
- Low end
- $1,200
- high end
- $8,500
What Is Silestone?
Silestone® is a type of engineered stone countertop made by Cosentino®, a design company specializing in various surfaces. Not to be confused with quartzite, Silestone® countertops consist of 94% natural quartz crystals bound with resins, pigments, and adhesives. If you choose Silestone HybriQ®, which is part of Cosentino®’s sustainable line of products, it will contain at least 20% recycled materials such as recycled glass.
This material excels as a countertop because it’s resistant to staining and bacteria, but you can also use it for backsplashes, sinks, and flooring. Though white quartz countertops are among the most popular styles of Silestone®, you can choose from other colors, including blacks, grays, or various stone-like patterns.
Silestone Countertop Cost per Square Foot
Silestone® countertops cost about $60 to $150 per square foot, including materials and labor. This is similar to the cost of Corian® countertop installation. Keep in mind that this material comes in slabs, similar to natural stones like granite or marble. You’ll probably have to purchase more than the exact square footage required for your countertop.
| Countertop Size (Sq. Ft.) | Typical Price (Installed) |
|---|---|
| 10 | $600 – $1,500 |
| 20 | $1,200 – $3,000 |
| 30 | $1,800 – $4,500 |
| 40 | $2,400 – $6,000 |
| 50 | $3,000 – $7,500 |
| 60 | $3,600 – $9,000 |
Silestone Countertop Installation Cost Factors
Like any type of quartz countertop, Silestone® countertops vary in price based on different factors. Things like the overall square footage, thickness of the slab, and customizations all play a role.
Slab Size and Thickness
The typical Silestone® slab costs $50 to $100 per square foot—but slabs can vary in thickness and size.
Thickness
The standard slab is 3/4 inches thick, but you can upgrade to a 1 1/4-inch thick slab. This will cost an extra $5 per square foot. Labor costs may increase because thick slabs are extremely heavy but don’t require plywood support like thinner slabs.
Size
You can usually choose between a standard and jumbo slab. Standard slabs are typically best for smaller home projects, while jumbo slabs are more cost-efficient for larger projects. Your project may require a mix of standard and jumbo slabs:
Standard slab: 120 by 55 inches (around 46 sq. ft.)
Jumbo Slab: 128 by 63 inches (around 56 sq. ft.)
Installation Location
Countertop sizes vary in different areas of your house, which impacts your overall cost. Keep in mind that you’ll have to buy a full slab, which you might be able to use on multiple projects if they’re especially small. Some homeowners install this stone on their floors and countertops for a streamlined look.
| Location | Countertop Size (Sq. Ft.) | Average Cost (Installed) |
|---|---|---|
| Kitchen | 20 – 60 | $2,100 – $6,300 |
| Kitchen Island | 8 – 22 | $840 – $2,310 |
| Double Bathroom Vanity | 10 – 14 | $1,050 – $1,470 |
| Bathroom Vanity | 5 – 10 | $525 – $1,050 |
| Utility Room | 3 – 6 | $315 – $630 |
Edging
The more detailed the edge, the more your quartz countertop will cost. Countertops usually come with an eased edge, which is a square edge with slightly rounded corners. You’ll pay around $15 to $40 more per linear foot if you choose a decorative edge instead.
Cutouts and Customizations
There are a few different customizations you can make to your Silestone® countertops. For example, you may need to cut space for a sink or a cooktop. You may even want a waterfall edge, where your countertop makes a 90-degree angle and continues down towards your floor. These all come with additional costs.
| Customization | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Sink Cutout | $100 – $300 per sq. ft. |
| Cooktop Cutout | $100 – $300 per sq. ft. |
| Faucet Cutout | $0 – $60 each |
| Outlet Cutout | $0 – $60 each |
| Decorative Edge | $15 – $40 per linear ft. |
| Waterfall Edge | $60 – $150 per sq. ft. |
Labor
Labor to install a Silestone® countertop costs $10 to $40 per square foot on average. If your contractor charges hourly, expect to pay somewhere between $35 and $85 per hour. That rate could rise in areas with a high cost of living.
Consider design when you’re estimating overall labor costs. If you have a thick slab with lots of customizations, you’ll probably pay closer to $40 per square foot.
Silestone Countertop Price by Design
Silestone® is categorized into six different price groups for standard polished slabs, ranging from least costly to highest end. Some designs boast detailed veining, crystal-like textures, and stone-like flecks. Others are solid colors. If you’re looking for a budget-friendly kitchen countertop idea, choose a slab from group one.
| Group | Price Range (Installed) | Designs |
|---|---|---|
| Group 1 | $60 – $80 | Black, Blanco City, Blanco Matrix, Grey Expo, Lena, Marengo, Miami, Vena, Noka, and Tebas |
| Group 2 | $65 – $85 | Bamboo, Capri Limestone, Cemento Spa, Coral Clay, Cygnus, Helix, Ironbark, Pulsar, Royal Reef, Unsui, White North, and White Storm |
| Group 3 | $70 – $90 | Alpina White, Ariel, Blanco Maple, Desert Silver, Kimbler Mist, Mountain Mist, Pacifica, Sienna Ridge, Silken Pearl, Tigris Sand, and Yukon |
| Group 4 | $75 – $95 | Blanco Orion, Blanco Zeus, Calypso Charcoal Soapstone, Copper Mist, Iconic Black, Kensho, Lagoon, Lusso, Lyra, Pearl Jasmine, Stellar Night, and Stellar Snow |
| Group 5 | $80 – $100 | Eternal Bella, Eternal D’or, Eternal Emperador, Eternal Marfil, Eternal Serena, Ocean Jasper, Ocean Storm, and Pietra |
| Group 6 | $90 – $150 | Basic Calacatta, Classic Calacatta, Eternal Calacatta Gold, Eternal Marquina, Eternal Noir, Polaris, and White Diamond |
Additional Countertop Costs to Consider
There are a few additional costs you might encounter during your Silestone® countertop installation. These will increase the cost of the overall job, so make sure to include them in your budget if necessary.
Removal of Existing Countertops
If you’re replacing your countertop, you’ll have to remove your existing one before starting the installation. This typically costs $50 to $300, though some contractors include it in the total price.
Polishing
The standard Silestone® slab has a polished (read: shiny) texture. You can choose a different texture, like suede or volcano, to give your countertop a rustic, matte appearance. This can add more than 10% to your costs.
Cabinet Reinforcement
Silestone® is heavy—especially if you choose a thicker slab. You may need to reinforce your cabinets to support the extra weight. Your contractor will charge their hourly rate (about $35 to $85 per hour) for this job. Here are some things to keep in mind:
Slabs thinner than 1 1/4 inches require plywood underlayment.
You may need plywood underlayment in areas with no countertop support.
Cabinets may require braces if your countertop overhang is more than 6 inches.
Cabinets may require support brackets for slabs thicker than 3/4 inches.
Leveling
If your home has uneven flooring, you may need to level your cabinets before you install your countertops. This increases labor costs. Like cabinet reinforcement, expect to spend around $35 to $85 per hour.
Backsplash Installation
You may want to install a backsplash to match your new countertop. Most homeowners spend an average of $600 to $1,300 on the cost of backsplash installation, but if you choose a Silestone® backsplash, expect to spend about $50 to $150 per square foot.
New Sink Installation
Some homeowners choose to upgrade their sink during their countertop installation. A new sink installation typically costs $250 to $650, but you could pay more than $1,000 for a luxury sink in a high-end material.
Cost of Silestone Countertops vs. Other Materials
Silestone® countertops are highly durable, which the price reflects. This material is around the same price point as other high-end materials—though prices can vary, particularly when you’re sourcing natural stones.
For example, quartzite countertops cost about $80 to $220 per square foot, depending on the type of stone, which could be considerably more expensive than Silestone®. Meanwhile, the average porcelain countertop costs nearly $1,000 less than the average Silestone® countertop. Here’s how the cost of Silestone® compares to the cost of different materials.
| Material | Cost per Sq. Ft. (Installed) |
|---|---|
| Silestone® | $60 – $150 |
| Stainless Steel | $80 – $225 |
| Quartzite | $80 – $220 |
| Concrete | $60 – $180 |
| Corian® | $75 – $150 |
| Slate | $50 – $150 |
| Granite | $50 – $130 |
| Butcher Block | $40 – $100 |
| Laminate | $40 – $80 |
| Porcelain | $50 – $70 |
| Acrylic | $23 – $60 |
DIY Silestone Countertop Installation vs. Hiring a Pro
Silestone® isn’t an easy material to DIY. Your contractor will need to cut the slabs to size, similar to how cutting granite countertops requires specialized tools and knowledge. You may need to reinforce cabinets to avoid damaging your cabinets and floors. And your project might involve additional plumbing or electrical work, depending on what’s below your countertops. Even just moving the heavy slab is difficult, and it can crack if you don’t know what you’re doing.
Though a DIY job can save $10 to $40 per square foot in labor costs, you won’t save anything if an improper installation leads to costly repairs. Instead, get the job done right the first time. Consult a quartz countertop installer near you who can make your new kitchen counters a reality. Request at least three quotes from different professionals so you can compare their services, costs, experience, and reviews.
Pros and Cons of Silestone Countertops
Know the pros and cons of Silestone so you can choose the best countertop for your space.
Pros
Durable, scratch-resistant, stain-resistant, and heat-resistant
Harder than granite and requires less maintenance
Available in various colors and patterns
Non-porous means it won’t harbor bacteria or require sealing like natural stone surfaces
Cons
More expensive than laminate and some natural stone
Prone to chipping or cracking under heavy impact
Cannot put very hot pots and pans directly on the surface
Mariel Loveland contributed to this article.
Frequently Asked Questions
Many homeowners find Silestone® countertops worth the money because of their durability. This countertop can last decades if properly maintained—and the required maintenance is minimal compared to a porous, natural stone. You can even refinish this engineered stone when it starts to wear down, giving it a new life. In contrast, laminate countertops last about 15 years, and butcher block countertops last about 20 years.
Silestone® is a brand of quartz countertops; one isn’t necessarily better, but they have their differences. Silestone® costs slightly more than the average quartz countertop because you’re paying for the brand name and unique features. For example, Silestone® is often more sustainable than regular quartz because you can purchase varieties made with recycled materials. It also has antibacterial properties and design options some homeowners prefer. Plus, you can use it across your whole kitchen rather than solely for countertops.
Silestone® is heat-resistant, so it can handle moderately high temperatures for a short period of time. That said, exposure to high heat can cause serious damage. You should never take a hot pan off the stove and place it directly on your countertop. Temperatures above 300 degrees Fahrenheit can leave marks or discoloration on the surface. Instead, use a trivet.
Silestone® isn’t recommended for outdoor use because UV rays can damage the surface. Long-term exposure to direct sunlight can cause discoloration. Instead, choose an outdoor-friendly countertop material like tile, concrete, stainless steel, or natural stone. If you do choose a natural stone, make sure you either seal it or avoid highly porous stones. For example, choose soapstone over marble.