How does Dekton compare to Quartz for countertops?

When you plan your kitchen countertops, you’ll be considering aesthetics, durability and cost. You’ll draw up a list of pros and cons and have lots of fun-filled hours browsing beautiful pictures! However, what if two materials appear to be very similar? Dekton and Quartz are two such materials in the world of stone countertops. Both surfaces are engineered and formed into sheets and as such do not require sealing like naturally mined stones. Delve a bit deeper, though, and there are comparisons to consider.

What is Quartz?

Pure quartz is a natural mineral. However, unlike stone surfaces like granite or marble, its form is in crystals rather than the mined slabs that make up these countertops. Because of this, quartz surfaces are around 93 to 94 per cent natural quartz mixed with 6 to 7 per cent polymer resin. This engineering process makes the surface extremely durable.

What is Dekton?

This product is made up of a combination of quartz, porcelain, and glass. The manufacturing process involves something called sinterized particle technology. This process essentially compacts the stone to a far greater extent than would be possible in a natural environment. So starting with a collection of different materials, we arrive at a product which is virtually indestructible!

Benefits of Quartz

So why do people choose quartz? Well, there’s the fact that it looks lovely for a start! Available in a variety of neutral and monochrome tones, its natural shine and sparkle lift any room. The patterning tends to be more regular than natural stones, making it more versatile to use. It’s both stain and heat resistant, which comes down to the engineering process in which resin is integrated into the surface. This feature makes the countertop non-porous too. The practical benefits of this are that it provides a very hygienic kitchen surface with very low maintenance requirements.

Benefits of Dekton

If quartz is an engineered stone, then Dekton is super engineered. The process of sinterizing means that a Dekton countertop is stain, heat and scratch proof, rather than simply resistant. It’s a really popular material to use for outside kitchens as it does not fade with UV exposure. Again, the aesthetic range of Dekton surfaces is extremely appealing, with both contemporary and traditional styles being supported.

Challenges of Quartz

While Quartz is an extremely hard-wearing material, it’s not immune to damage. It is possible to stain the surface or damage it with heat in extreme circumstances. These circumstances are admittedly outside the realms of normal kitchen activity! In addition, quartz can be vulnerable to the effects of UV exposure. So if you are lucky enough to benefit from a light and bright kitchen, your countertops may show the impact over the years.

Challenges of Dekton

Dekton is unaffected by UV contact, even over a long period of time. It won’t stain and it won’t show marks from even the hottest of contact. However, it does have an Achilles heel. Since the surface is produced by such an extreme compacting process, this tension can result in it being vulnerable to chips. In tests, it was the only surface to split entirely when subjected to the impact of heavy objects. We’re not sure how many anvils you intend to drop on your kitchen worktops though!

Which should you choose?

So, then; how do you make the decision? Cost varies for both quartz and dekton so it is hard to make a decision based on this alone. Every kitchen redesign comes with its own individual set of circumstances, and so there is no one decision between these two products that are right for everyone. To make the right choice for you and your kitchen, just contact us to talk it through with one of our kitchen designers. They will help you to find the perfect countertop for you!