Unistone is a compound quartz stone which is highly resistant and sturdy, made up of approximately 93% pure quartz crystals. The material is the perfect surface to use for walls and floors, kitchens and bathrooms. Obtainable in 41 diverse colour-combinations, Unistone is a material appropriate for all types of kitchen interiors and designs. It is vital not to expose the surface to certain types of strong solvents, as it is made up of aggregate-resins and grains. Unistone quartz should also be treated with care. It does not stimulate bacterial growth, as the surface of the material is antibacterial. Unistone has a non-porous characteristic, thus protecting and fighting against stains produced by wine, vinegar etc. From kitchen worktops to furniture designs, Unistone Surfaces provide a wide range of designs and patterns, presenting a wide array of decorative possibilities to interior designers, architects and design aficionados. As you can see, its features are quite impressive. For this reason, at My Kitchen Worktop we will now proceed to compare Unistone VS Silestone, so you can decide which one fits your household best.
The above image shows a kitchen worktop made from Unistone Bianco Carrara quartz
Unistone is an engineered quartz stone which is manufactured under the well-known BRETON-technology and available in thickness varying in 12 mm, 20 mm and 30 mm. Its pure quartz crystals are crushed and bounded with different types of minerals and resins, that result in non-porous surfaces which are easy to be maintained. Unistone is certified for use in kitchens, bathrooms and areas that are in contact with water. Unistone slabs are available in polished, Velluto Letano finishes, in sizes ranging between 3000×1400 mm for standard surfaces and a Unistone Jumbo slab with dimensions 3300×1650 mm which will cover the biggest kitchen islands without the need of seams or joints. These features are key when making a comparison between Unistone VS Silestone.
Unistone is made in Vietnam under Breton Guidelines and is exported and imported into the UK by German stone supplier and distributer Brachot-Hermant who has over 100 years in the industry. The stone takes the brand name of Unistone provided by Brachot who offers Unistone Quartz and Unimarble, which is a range of composite marble or pre-cast Terrazzo marble.
Unistone does not currently have a distribution centre nor showroom in London which ensures overheads remain low, which in turn ensures their stones are affordable and very competitive in terms of prices. This is a key point when comparing Unistone VS Silestone
Should manufacturing defects arise, the process of raising a claim would start by contacting your stone supplier, who would in turn contact the UK distributor who delivers the stone to the different fabricators. The distributor will then raise the concern to the manufacturer. It is the manufacturers of Unistone who checks for possible or reported flaws in your batch of quartz stone, carrying out an investigation and reporting back to the distributor, and then your stone supplier who will deliver the results and the steps to solve the issue. The process implies the inclusion of several parties working together to deliver the solution to the issue. Despite taking an average of 2-4 weeks, Unistone has grown as a brand in the UK because of its quality and reliable service. Is it now clearer to you what Unistone offers their clients when comparing Unistone VS Silestone?
Silestone, on the other hand, is the largest quartz manufacturer in the world. Silestone has been making quartz since 1990 and has grown into a huge surface conglomerate that offers quartz, as well as natural granite worktops, gemstones with the Prexury range and Dekton which is an ultracompact surface made from Sinterized porcelain and other raw materials. Silestone is present in over 50 countries around the globe, with their own distribution centres and teams allocated to each of these markets. When it comes to the UK, Silestone has five distribution centres, which are located strategically to cover the most remote areas in the country. Silestone is a great option to transform your bathroom or kitchen into a unique space and is the perfect application for worktops, walls and floors. Combining its wide range of textures and colours, it allows you to design your space however you want. Silestone is a quartz surface that comes with 25 years of warranty. Homeowners wishing to register their installation can do so at Silestone’s website within 30 days of purchase. In return, they will receive a 25 Years Warranty Certificate which is sent to the users of the surfaces. Undoubtedly, when making a comparison between Unistone VS Silestone, the latter shines in terms of overall quality.
The above image shows Silestone Eternal Desert Silver worktops
Silestone offers a range of 50 colours in the UK. Silestone is also made with a content of over 93% pure quartz crystals and is known for embracing the environment during their manufacturing processes. Silestone offers finishes in Polished with a fantastic reflective surface, Suede which is a matt finish with a delicate texture and Volcano, which offers a heavy texture that is ideal for industrial and traditional spaces. Silestone quartz worktops present extreme durability in kitchen and bathroom spaces and, as it is made up of 90% natural quartz, it has unique properties. It has unique properties that contribute hygiene, confidence and safety to a space where we all spend most of the time. Silestone worktops surfaces come in 12 mm, 20 mm and 30 mm thickness and slabs come in standard sizes of 3040×1380 mm and Jumbo slabs with dimensions 3250×1590 mm which can adapt to any type and style of interior. Besides their worktop offering, Silestone also makes quartz sinks, shower trays and other accessories that complete a perfect interior design. Silestone Integrity Sinks and Silestone Washbasins offer the perfect solution for those who seek seamless integration of their worktops with a comprehensive range available in matching sinks and washbasins for their 50 strong colour Silestone Range. When comparing Unistone VS Silestone, the Cosentino brand offers a variety like no other.
With distribution centres all over the country, Silestone is quick to deliver, and it is quick to react when issues arise. Should a manufacturing defect be found on any of its products, the process of raising the claim is like that of most branded stones such as the one for Unistone, albeit in a more controlled fashion: You would contact your stone fabricator who would in turn contact Silestone. As Silestone is both the manufacturer and distributor of the material, they have the ability of allocating a representative to attend the site, carrying out the inspection of the surfaces. The findings are then reported to headquarters, who issue a final report with results directly to your stone supplier. The process usually takes seven to ten working days, and it is straightforward.
Conclusion:
Unistone VS Silestone: both Silestone and Unistone are made with BRETON-STONE machinery and with similar materials. Both brands are likely to source their pure quartz crystals around the globe, with the main difference taken place on quality control processes. Also, both brands offer similar performance characteristics and products, so it is probably best to go with the brand that offers the colour that best matches your design and needs.
Whilst when working on larger projects Unistone may work out more cost effectively, for smaller projects, Unistone may cost the same, or sometimes more than Silestone, since bringing the materials from the distribution centre in Birmingham carries a cost which may make an impact when purchasing small quantities of the product. Unistone has a distribution centre in Midlands and Silestone has several distribution centres all over the UK with their own teams of representatives, customer service and technical member of staff. With bigger brands such as Silestone, the delivery of materials usually takes place more often, resulting in quicker installation times as well as in quicker resolutions when customer service is required to attend manufacturing faults and defects.
Published by Jesus Alberto Mouzo on July 6, 2018
