If you are in the market for durable and gorgeous counters, consider Dekton countertops. Dekton countertops are a recent addition to countertop materials. From when it was introduced to the market in 2013 until today, they have risen in popularity.
Part of this popularity is the sheer versatility of the product. According to Dekton’s manufacturer, Consentino, Dekton is used in a number of products beyond countertops. These include cladding, flooring, and furniture. If you are interested in knowing more about this material that is generating all this buzz, read on.
What are Dekton Countertops?
Dekton countertops are part of a larger category that is called engineered stone. Consentino describes Dekton as the “Technical Ultracompact Stone”. They take more than 20 natural minerals and apply immense pressure to bond them together. They do in a couple of hours what nature takes years to complete.
In the end, they produce a type of quartz, but a quartz that is blended with porcelain and glass. Thus, Dekton is more resilient than standard quartz. Dekton is resistant to abrasions, scratches, stains, heat, and moisture. Dekton is also a more sustainable option than other types of natural stone.
Style Options for Dekton Countertops
There are multiple color and size variations for Dekton countertops to help you customize a look that works for your kitchen design.
Color
Dekton countertops come in 40+ colors. These colors range in a natural and neutral color palette. The color of the Dekton countertop runs through the entire surface. Therefore, if you do happen to chip the countertops, the color is the same below the surface.
- Black
- Gray
- White
- Cream
- Brown
- Terracotta
Surface Pattern
There are solid colors available as well as marbled, granulated, metallic, industrial, and natural irregular surfaces. The patterns do not extend through the whole slab.
Texture
There are multiple texture options available for Dekton countertops. These include polished, matte, oxide, slate, leathered, and brush-hammered.
Size of Dekton Countertops
- Thickness – They have distinctive edge profiles available with several thickness options. These are 8, 12, 20, and 30 mm.
- Width – Another advantage of Dekton counters is their ability for seamlessness. Dekton stone comes in small sizes (71x71cm) but also in very large slabs (320x144cm). This allows you to create countertops and islands with little to no seams for a cleaner look.
The Sustainability of Dekton Stone
For those people focused on sustainable architecture, Dekton countertops are an ideal option. Dekton by Cosentino is the “only Cradle-to-Grave Carbon Neutral surface on the market.”
In order to do this, they calculate and verify their carbon footprint with a third party organization. Next, they reduce the environmental impact of their production by using 100% renewable energy. Then, they offset the emission of the product for its entire life cycle.
Cost of Dekton Countertops
The price of Dekton countertops reflects the quality of this stone surface. In other words, it is not cheap. The price of Dekton stone is more comparable to granite than it is to laminate. The price has a wide range, anywhere from $55-$115 per square foot installed.
The manufacturers, suppliers, and installers based the price on a multitude of factors. These include the popularity of a particular Dekton stone, the slab thickness, the seams, the number of holes cut, and the amount of demolition you need before you install Dekton countertops.
Dekton Countertops: Pros and Cons
Dekton countertops have amazing qualities, but like everything else, it is not perfect. Consider the qualities of this stone to see if it might be right for you.
Pros
- Durable – Dekton is a durable combination of quartz, porcelain, and glass. It is stain and moisture-resistant. It is also resistant to scratches and scrapes so common in busy kitchens.
- Fireproof and Heat Resistant – You can place boiling pots or scalding dishes on Dekton without fear of leaving a mark. Dekton is also a fire-proof material.
- Large Slabs – Dekton is available in large slabs which make a kitchen countertop without seams a better possibility.
- Aesthetic – Dekton has the gorgeous look of natural stone without the high maintenance concerns.
- Wide Application – Because Dekton is moisture and stain resistant, it is ideal for both indoor and outdoor kitchen applications.
- Easy Maintenance – Dekton countertops are easy to maintain. You just clean them with soap and water. No sealing is ever necessary.
- Sustainable Choice – Dekton stone is the only 100% carbon neutral countertop on the market today.
Cons
- Cost – Dekton stone is not an inexpensive option compared to laminate or even standard low-tier quartz. It is more comparable to granite in terms of price for material and installation.
- Limited Availability in the US – Cosentino, a company in Spain, produces the Dekton material. You can find Dekton countertops at Home Depot and Lowes, but there is limited availability.
- Pattern Design Not Throughout – The pattern on the top of the stone, unlike the color, does not run through the entire thickness of the slab. Therefore, if you nick the stone, this will be more visible.
- Cracking – Dekton is dense and heavy. This means that it does not have a broad range of flexibility. There is a possibility that Dekton can crack if your cabinet base is not level or if the foundation is not supported.
- Difficult to Repair – Chipping may occur on the surface of Dekton countertops if you drop a very heavy object on them. Repairs are more difficult to Dekton as it is not a natural material that you can just sand.
Dekton Countertop Designs
Here are some inspiration photos that we have gathered to help you better understand the look and style of Dekton Countertops
Dekton Natura
This kitchen features a Natura Dekton countertop. This is in the Stonika XGloss Collection. The background is a creamy white with a hint of gray marble. This island countertop is wide and long. It features few seams because of the large slab size of Dekton.
Dekton Laurent
Because Dekton is so water resistant, it is ideal for bathroom countertop applications. This bathroom features countertops and a tub surround from Laurent Dekton. The Laurent comes from the Natural Collection.
Dekton Trilium
For those with more texture in mind, there is Trilium. Trilium is part of Cosentino’s Industrial Collection. It has gorgeous tan, gray, and dark brown tones blended together. It creates some movement in this minimalist style kitchen.
Dekton Aura
Dekton works well for outdoor kitchens as it is a durable stone that does not need to be sealed against the elements. Dekton Aura is a creamy white with warm gray marbling. It gives a refined look to this outdoor space.
Dekton Khalo
Dekton Khalo is a mixture of natural colors including a background of cream with black, gold, gray, and brown. This sleek kitchen design is the perfect application for Khalo countertops as the unique pattern shines within the simple space.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)FAQ
How does Dekton vs quartz compare?
Dekton and quartz are similar in style and look, but they are also different in many ways. In general, Dekton is more durable than quartz. For example, Dekton is stain proof, heat-proof, UV proof, and does not chip. Quartz is liable to staining, heat marks, and discoloration from UV rays. It also chips more often than Dekton. For all of these reasons, Dekton is more expensive than quartz.
What is Dekton made of?
Dekton is a combination of more than 20 natural minerals. The three largest elements are quartz, porcelain, and glass. Cosentino uses pressure to create what they call this “ultra compact stone”. This pressure is what makes these materials into the strong surface that is resistant to damage.
How does Dekton vs granite compare?
Dekton and granite have a similar look, appeal, and price. Yet, these are very different surfaces. Granite is a natural stone, so there is infinite variation in color and pattern. Granite must also be sealed in order to give it a protective finish. Dekton does not need to be sealed. Dekton also does not stain like granite does.
Where can I find Dekton countertops near me?
Dekton is available from a Spanish company called Cosentino. They have distributors in the US like Home Depot and Lowes. Also, stores that specialize in countertops will have Dekton available. There may be a more limited supply at these places. This will depend on the popularity of the stone and the supply chain.
Where can I find a Dekton catalog of colors and texture options?
Look for a full list of all Dekton colors at Cosentino site. Please find it here.
Conclusion
Dekton is a new and trendy material for kitchen, bathrooms, flooring, and cladding. It has amazing qualities and stunning colors and patterns. There are drawbacks to using this material including the cost and tricky installation, but the durability and beauty of this material will win it many fans.