Silestone Ariel countertops - anyone got them yet?
melcastle
8 years ago
Featured Answer
Sort by:Oldest
Comments (15)
Sam
8 years agomelcastle
8 years agoRelated Discussions
Anyone ever used silestone tile?
Comments (29)Hi Quest, Didn't expect to see this thread resurrected :) I borrowed a polisher from our local tile shop (I've gotten to be friends with the guys there) and polished them up, changing out the pads from -- what was it, around 80? until around 2000 or so. I bought a new mounting thing for them (my memory is *so* shoddy--can't remember the term anymore) as a little thank-you gift for letting me borrow it. Polishers are rather expensive to buy if that's all you're using it for. It worked beautifully and is SO much darn fun!! I love running my hands over the smooth edge and knowing I did that. I just did an eased edge, though, nothing fancy. Honestly, I wouldn't dare do it for an undermount, though--while I was good with the hole drilling for the faucets, I'm not strong enough to guarantee that I could make an aesthetically beautiful regular curved edge (straight edges on the front of the counter were easier) that would show above an undermount. You might want to practice, if you're planning to do that. E-counters was having a sale on DIY vanity counters recently, btw--got an e-mail from them--might want to check that out because the labor saved, if you're planning to do an undermount, might well be worth it. Although I do wonder if they polish the edges of the undermount--hm, even if they just cut a raw hole for a drop-in, the *polishing* might be something you could do yourself...only you can know. I'd definitely get a remnant first and practice so you know your strength....See Moreundermount sink and silestone countertop
Comments (1)Our counter top is Cambria quartz not Silestone but I'm sure the install is the same. We have the large Ticor undermount sink (405DR). Our installer did NOT use the clips that came with it and we don't have plywood underneath the counter top either. Our sink cabinet is 40". The sink was attached with silicone and held up with long metal strappings that are screwed into the cabinet sides and wall where you can't see them. I did ask why they didn't use the clips and he told me they preferred the strength of the strapping. We also couldn't use the sink for at least 24hrs, of course I waited until 3 days. They installed the counter & sink on Friday and I waited for them to come back Monday to test it out and complete the rest of the fine tuning (they didn't have the right size hole for air switch). I'm not sure if others have had it done this way, but so far it seems very stable and no leak yet either. Did you ask why they need to put in the plywood? Doesn't seem to have made a difference the first time! Is the leak from the joint area where the counter top and sink meet? Or maybe somewhere else? Was it siliconed? In the mean time, I'd make sure to clean that cabinet with some bleach to stop the mold from growing! Hopefully they are covering the cost of that too. Do you have the option to get a different installer? I'd ask some others to come take a look too and give you their opinion. I'd like to hear how it works out. Keep us informed....See MoreSilestone countertops?
Comments (41)To followup to the fabricator post.. Engineered stone varies among different manufacturers in composition (between 90-93% quartz; some contain "recycled material" that may/may not be specified), warranties (and exactly what is covered), customer service (as he pointed out) and characteristics (different porosities, hardness, etc.). You can download test data from most of their websites, but ask them to interpret since it's incomprehensible to anyone but a lab tech. And, ask to see/select a slab before installation to get exactly what you want, to eliminate resin pooling, scratches, etc. You can get a good deal going through a big box store, but I've read a lot of negative posts about Precision Countertops, who is Home Depot's fabricator/installer. I'm sure they have some good fabricators, but they don't have the same incentive as another fab shop, whose reputation is based solely on customer referrals (versus a steady customer base from Home Depot). I visited a Precision Countertop showroom and was told Onyx was harder than marble and resisted etching. Turns out the opposite is true. If I'd relied just on what the sales person told me and had the material installed, I'd be one unhappy puppy. So yes, it comes down to the look you what, but for this size of investment, for me it also includes 1) knowing what is in the material (finding out what the 'recycled material' is), 2) familiarity with what the warranty covers, 3) a sense of how they treat customers in case you need after sales care (many designers choose Caeserstone and perhaps, based on the fabricator post, customer service is one reason), and 3) being able to view the slab to eliminate resin pooling, dents and scratches....See MoreAnyone have Silestone Royal Reef or Desert Silver quartz counter tops?
Comments (22)This is the only post I could find regarding Royal Reef Quartz. Do you think Royal Reef would go nicely with white cabinets (black hardware) and white subway tile. Our island is a color called Hale Navy. We have Maple light colored flooring. Most of our accents (stools, pendants) are a matte black and stainless. I’m worried the Royal will look too beige. The woman helping us with the quartz said the RR wouldn’t look beige that it would take on the color of the navy and white. I’m not convinced .... any advice? BTW your kitchen is beautiful! Thank you...See MoreSam
8 years agomelcastle
8 years agoMelrose
6 years agoDLM2000-GW
6 years agoMelrose
6 years agomelcastle
6 years agoMelrose
6 years agomelcastle
6 years agoMelrose
6 years agomelcastle
6 years agoMelrose
6 years agomelcastle
6 years ago
Related Stories
KITCHEN DESIGNThe Cure for Houzz Envy: Kitchen Touches Anyone Can Do
Take your kitchen up a notch even if it will never reach top-of-the-line, with these cheap and easy decorating ideas
Full StoryKITCHEN DESIGNHouzz Quiz: What Kitchen Countertop Is Right For You?
The options for kitchen countertops can seem endless. Take our quiz to help you narrow down your selection
Full StoryKITCHEN DESIGNThrowback Kitchen Gains Countertop Space, Color and Smart Storage
Pullout pantries, sustainable hardwood cabinets and all-new appliances turned this kitchen into a showpiece for a Portland couple
Full StoryKITCHEN COUNTERTOPS7 Low-Maintenance Countertops for Your Dream Kitchen
Fingerprints, stains, resealing requirements ... who needs ’em? These countertop materials look great with little effort
Full StoryKITCHEN DESIGNCountertop and Backsplash: Making the Perfect Match
Zero in on a kitchen combo you'll love with these strategies and great countertop-backsplash mixes for inspiration
Full StoryHOUSEKEEPINGHow to Clean Marble Countertops and Tile
Acidic solutions can damage your marble surfaces. Here’s how to keep marble looking clean and amazing
Full StoryKITCHEN DESIGNAlternatives to Granite Countertops, Part II
Still looking for a new kind of countertop? Try sodalite, zinc, limestone, onyx and more
Full StoryKITCHEN DESIGN5 Favorite Granites for Gorgeous Kitchen Countertops
See granite types from white to black in action, and learn which cabinet finishes and fixture materials pair best with each
Full StoryMOST POPULARYour Guide to 15 Popular Kitchen Countertop Materials
Get details and costs on top counter materials to help you narrow down the choices for your kitchen
Full StoryBATHROOM DESIGNBathroom Countertops 101: The Top Surface Materials
Explore the pros and cons of 7 popular bathroom countertop materials
Full Story
melcastleOriginal Author