You’re probably familiar with common materials like granite, marble, and quartz, but have you heard of Dekton countertops? This engineered countertop material is the brainchild of Spanish company Cosentino. If you’re unimpressed by the usual countertop options, this may be the material you’re looking for.
What Are Dekton Countertops? Are They The Same As Quartz?
Introduced in 2013, Dekton is the brand name for a suite of engineered materials that can be used for countertops, cladding, furniture, and flooring. This engineered stone is made from over twenty natural minerals, with the main minerals being quartz, porcelain, and glass. After combining, these materials are placed under high pressure, creating a fully bonded product within a few hours.
If you’re a fan of quartz, then you’ll love Dekton countertops. Dekton has the same aesthetic flexibility as quartz while actually being more resilient to wear and tear. While Quartz is susceptible to stains, UV discoloration, and heat marks, Dekton is resistant to them all. It’s also less likely to chip than Quartz.
Dekton countertops are available in a wide variety of natural and neutral hues, with uniform color running throughout the entire surface. Sound good? Here are more pros and some cons of Dekton countertops:
Dekton Countertops Pros & Cons
Pros
- Wide neutral color palette. Dekton countertops are available in over 40 colors, boasting a neutral color palette with shades of white, tan, gray, and black. Unlike some other engineered countertop options, the color runs straight through the entire slab.
- Variety of patterns and textures. In addition to the colors, Dekton materials are also available in a variety of patterns such as marbled, metallic, industrial, and granulated. Of course, solid color options are also available. Polished, oxide, brush-hammered, slate, leather and matte textures can also be added to create your fully customized Dekton countertop.
- Large format slabs. Dekton countertops are available in large slabs to allow for a visually seamless installation with minimal jointing. These slabs are also in 4,8,12,20, and 30mm thicknesses.
- Durable and resilient. Dekton’s quartz, porcelain and glass blend makes it more durable than quartz alone. It can withstand high temperatures and is highly resistant to scratching and abrasions.
- Easy to maintain. This non-porous material is also highly resistant to stains and doesn’t require regular resealing to maintain. It’s also quite easy to clean. A wiping down with soap and water is all it needs.
- More sustainable than natural stone. Dekton countertops are a carbon neutral material since their production uses 100% renewable energy.
Love a marble & white look? Pair your Dekton countertop with our Ice White Shaker kitchen cabinets.
Cons
- Variable scratch resistance. While Dekton is highly resistant to scratches, scratch resistance may vary based on which color and finish you choose. Their XGloss finishes are less resistant to scratches than the others.
- Patterns don’t run through the slab. Though the countertop color runs through the slab, the patterns do not.
- Cost. Dekton countertops are more expensive than quartz, with prices being more similar to natural stone such as granite. The price can vary based on availability, customization, installation needs, etc. Expect to spend upwards of $55-$115 or more per square foot.
- Limited availability in the U.S. This European brand can be hard to find in the U.S. You’re more likely to find them in big box retailers than smaller companies, and even then, there may be limits to color availability.