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    Rock-hard quartz countertops take on a softer texture

    Consumer Reports News: May 15, 2013 12:38 PM

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    Quartz is the top-performing material in our countertop tests, and it's also where we're seeing some of the most innovative designs. That was apparent at the recent Kitchen and Bath Industry Show in New Orleans, where Silestone Suede, a quartz countertop with a soft, leathery finish was among the more head-turning products. The only catch? The surface may require extra care and attention, which negates the very attribute that makes quartz our top countertop.

    Like most quartz countertops, original Silestone has a polished surface that makes it highly resistant to stains, heat, and abrasions in our tests. The new Silestone Suede Series trades some of that durability for a softer, more luxurious finish. As a result, it may not be the best for high-traffic kitchens. But if you're finicky about your countertops, clean up spills right away and always use cutting boards, the unique Silestone Suede, available in a wide ranges of colors, might be worth a look.

    Check our complete buying guide to countertops, which includes quartz, granite, laminate, marble, butcher block, and many more choices. For more head-turners from the recent kitchen and bath show, see the Best of KBIS.

    Daniel DiClerico

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