Caesarstone...how has it held up?

15 years ago

Good evening everyone. It's coming down to the point where I have to choose a countertop surface. I love the look of soapstone but don't want the downsides, so I looked at other surfaces and thought I'd settled on Caesarstone in Raven. However, I found a thread someplace where just about everyone who posted said they regretted their choice and that Caesarstone actually stains and chips very easily (contrary to their marketing materials). For example, a couple of posters said that a glancing blow with a not-too-hard object (like a teacup or a vase) is enough to chip the edge. Or that the entire countertop can spontaneously crack due to thermal shock. Or a ring of red wine, left for only an hour, is there forever. I'd love some input. Thank you very much!

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Comments (9)

coastal_modern_love
15 years ago
I have 6 year old counters in white Caesarstone "quartz reflections". The island is a double thick "look" with a mitered edge. I have easily removed permanent marker, dried nail polish, dried acrylic paint, crazy glue, red wine and many other things left by 3 messy kids and others. Not a single chip even on the more delicate mitered edge. I have placed hot pans on it and even dropped one or two. I have since stopped placing hot pans on the surface only because I don't want to test the thermal crack theory. The only surface I would change it for would be a beautiful marble, but that is going in the complete opposite direction of the durability spectrum. Maybe when the kids are a bit older! Anyway, I hope this helps.
CML
celineike
15 years ago
oh CML! that is so good to hear.
Although i have totally committed to the Caesarstone, in the back of my mind Im a tiny bit concerned about the durability as well.
Phew!
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lolog72
15 years ago
CML - what are you using to clean them? Especially for stubborn stains like marker?
momonjava
Original Author
15 years ago
@CML...what did you use to remove the marker stain? I put a little dot of Sharpie marker on a sample of Raven I have, and it didn't come out all the way (it did fade). I used dishwasher soap which has a little bleach in it...no luck.
coastal_modern_love
15 years ago
I use window cleaner for daily cleaning. For those stubborn staines I have used nailpolosh remover, rubbing alcohol and also goof off. I was told by the installer that you can basically use anything but acid on it. Not that I would but I tested an area inside a cabinet where the stone runs through and the above materials did not damage it. The only thing that left a teeny stain was red egg dye, but after a couple of times of washing with alcohol it came off.
paige16
15 years ago
I have seen and heard of granite chipping easily. I have Zodiaq in a bathroom and silestone in a kitchen. They haven't been in for a long period of time but they have been very easy to clean and I am very happy with the look. I went with granite in another bathroom and am happy with that there since the dramatic effect of it suits that space. At the moment I guess I'm just a happy counter choice person but don't get me started on vanities!
Happyladi
15 years ago
I have Silestone which I think is basically the same thing as Zodiag. I had it installed in April of 2002 so it's over 9 years old.

It has held up very well. I have never had anything stain it. I do have two tiny chips in a well used spot. I can't see them looking straight on but I can see them from an angle if I look for them.

I have an undermount sink. Along the front edge of the sink it is not smooth like it once was. I can't see it but I can feel it. I think it must be from things banging into the edge, all the other edges are still smooth.

I would recommend it and do it again.
marie_sf
14 years ago
My 6 month old Caesarstone counterop has just chipped from having a cereal bowl dropped on it from about 3 inches' height. Not a big cast iron pot, mind you, a small cereal bowl that slipped from my hand while putting dishes in the dishwasher. I had tile countertops for years that got much worse abuse than that and held up much better.
helenoster
11 years ago
My countertop has been in less than 3 months. Nothing hot has been placed on it and nothing has been dropped on it. Tonight we noticed a crack. Supposedly it is warrantied so I've sent an email to their Customer Service. Here's hoping.....