Everything you need to know about Caesarstone

Caesarstone is engineered from a compound of a minimum of 93% natural quartz crystals in a special vacuum, heat and pressure process and by adding polymer acrylic resins, resulting in a solid, incredibly hard, dense, non-porous homogenous slab, with four times the flexural strength and double the impact resistance of granite. The process of manufacturing Caesarstone worktops, enhance the natural stone by strengthening it, making it more flexible, resilient and durable and even improving the colour and appearance. The over-all effect of the re-engineered slab is a lustrous 3-dimensional crystal-like appearance of which the colour and pattern consistently follows throughout the entire thickness of the worktop and coordinates the colours between different slabs far better than would ever be possible with quarried stone, where one is dependent on whatever comes out of the earth.
The superior qualities of Caesarstone make them eminently suitable for stylish worktops in kitchens or bathrooms, vanity tops, countertops, interior furniture, staircases, benches, or shower walls. However, the benefits do not end there. Through a special process Caesarstone can be shaped into basins, sinks, shower trays, etc making it a designer’s dream.
Quartz is the fourth hardest mineral found in nature, with a score 7 on the Mohs scale, which is topped only by, diamonds at a score of 10, Corundum at 9 and Topaz at 8. On the same scale Marble scores between 3 and 5, knife steel scores 5.5, making your Caesarstone worktop much harder than your knives!
The quality of Caesarstone worktops is backed by two levels of protection, a 10 year warranty against product defects and also a 10 year limited “installed” warranty.

Is Caesarstone available in different thicknesses and slab dimensions?

Different applications and designs require different sizes, have different weight limitations and permit a different number of joints. For that reason, Caesarstone is manufactured in slab thicknesses of 13 mm, 20 mm and 30 mm, with slab sizes of 144 cm X 306 cm. The slab weight is 32.5 kg/m² ;  50 kg/m²and 75 kg/m² respectively. For particularly large surfaces, Jumbo slabs are also available in 20 cm and 30 cm thickness in sizes of 164 cm X 334 cm.

Because of the superior strength and durability of Caesarstone, it is possible to use thinner slabs to save weight where that is a problem, or use larger slabs to minimise joints and give a larger uninterrupted work surfaces where that is required. On particularly large surfaces, Jumbo slabs can be used. Various techniques are employed to further support and strengthen Caesarstone worktops, countertops or vertical applications stretching over long spans, and undermounting sinks and basins, without detracting from the classiness of Caesarstone.

Is Caesarstone only available as sheets?

Because Caesarstone is incredibly hardwearing and can be formed and shaped, it is moulded into integrated single or double basins, sinks, accessories, end details, upstands, downturns, splashbacks, fixtures, fittings, decorations, wainscots, staircases, etc. almost perfectly matching the colour and patterns of your worktops.

How many different colours are available for Caesarstone worktops?

The Caesarstone colour range is constantly adapted to give better choices and versatility and with currently more than 40 colours, including some pretty exotic and vivacious colours, which, in combination with other materials, allow for an almost unlimited working palette.

For easy reference, Worktops.net have also divided the colours into price bands.

Because Caesarstone is essentially made from natural minerals, slight variations of colour and pattern will be discerned from one sheet to the next. Rather than detract from the beauty of the worktops, this adds that additional natural aesthetic appeal. After about six months, Caesarstone will have developed a most pleasing patina, with the colours generally becoming deeper, slightly darker and shinier, further enhancing the appearance and lustre of the surfaces.

How are Caesarstone worktops joined to create harmony and a seamless appearance?

To minimise wastage and for maximum strength, corner joints and butt end joints are usually square rather than mitred. They are smoothed and joined with specially formulated colour coordinated adhesives, silicone caulking and a heat process that make joints almost imperceptible, giving the appearance of a solid, seamless design and no crevices where dirt can accumulate.

Cutouts and corners are rounded and polished smooth and edges to very exact standards, and to finish the worktops off, end details, upstands and downturns are available in a wide variety of shapes and designs.

Provision is made for clearances to allow for thermal expansion and contraction. This avoids cracks showing later.

When should I not use Caesarstone?

In the first instance, one should not use Caesarstone when common sense tells you it is not safe. For instance, if it might be too heavy to be properly and safely supported, if moisture could be trapped behind it and damage the structure behind, above or below it, or when it will be exposed to strong corrosive chemicals or acids for prolonged periods.

Typical examples would be when the wall or masonry construction is not strong enough to support its weight.

Because Caesarstone has to be cut with special blades that reduce heat, it may not be possible, or advisable to use it in areas that require further or later cutting, after installation.

Caesarstone can withstand high temperatures, but in extreme conditions, heat shields or hot pads should be used to protect it.

Caesarstone is non-porous and resistant to stains, so chemicals will not be absorbed, but corrosive chemicals or acids will damage the surface. Of course the duration of contact will determine the extent of damage.

Caesarstone is recommended for interior use. A product of such opulence and radiance is not really intended for prolonged exposure to harsh weather conditions, which ultimately will dull the sparkle.

Caesarstone should only be fabricated and installed by authorised professional fabricators, such as worktops.net. It is not suitable for amateurs or do-it-yourselfers.

When surfaces are required that can easily be repaired, it might be advisable to consider high quality Solid surface worktops, such as Corian, Diore, Hanex or HiMacs.

Chemicals to Avoid

Although Caesarstone is highly resistant to chemicals and because they cannot penetrate the surface, it is nevertheless advisable to avoid unnecessary or prolonged exposure of your Caesarstone surface to strong chemicals and solvents.

Items to avoid include:

• Nail polish remover, permanent markers or inks, oil soaps, and furniture cleaners or paint strippers that contain trichloroethane or methylene chloride.
• Chemicals with high alkaline/PH levels, such as oven cleaners.
• Products containing oils or powders may leave a residue.
• Repetitive use of abrasive scrubs and cleaners may dull Caesarstone’s finish.
• Oven/grill cleaner may discolour Caesarstone
• Repetitive and/or prolonged exposure to extreme heat may damage Caesarstone’s finish

The really “geek stuff.” Technical data

• A sample of the chemical resistance of Caesarstone. These chemicals show no reaction for test periods of up to 16 hours:
  • Acetic acid (10%); Acetone; Aromatic Ammonia; Ball point pen ink
  • Household bleach; Benzene; Blood; Dry bond dental adhesive
  • Ethyl acetate; food colouring, gasoline, ketchup (tomato sauce); tea
  • Tincture of iodine; uric acid, vinegar, hydrogen peroxide
• Performance properties of Caesarstone
  • Density: 2.2 – 2.4 g/cm³
  • Flexural (bending) strength: 44.8 – 74.3 Mpa
  • Tensile strength: 178-210 Mpa
  • Resistance to impact: 117N
  • Abrasion: 216-696
  • Flammability: UL 94 Best rating