Learn to Differentiate between Dekton and Silestone for Worktops

Both Dekton and Silestone worktops London are receiving rave reviews from homeowners and interior designers alike. These hi-tech engineered surfaces provide a fantastic amalgamation of performance, durability, and charisma. Silestone is a premium brand of quartz countertops manufactured by the Spanish Cosentino Group. Ever since their inception in 1990, several revolutionary Silestone series (including the latest sustainable range with HybriQ technology) have been launched. Dekton is a line of state-of-the-art porcelain worktops introduced by the same Cosentino Group in 2013. Manufactured using the patented Sinterized Particle Technology (SPT), this super-efficient porcelain countertop series has emerged as Cosentino’s flagship product.

Dekton and Silestone Worktops London: Manufacturing and Compositional Differences

While there are several differences between Dekton and Silestone, homeowners should always begin by understanding their manufacturing and compositional differences.

• Silestone is composed of around 94% mineral quartz along with 6% resin and trace amounts of colouring pigments. Cosentino’s patented Bretonstone Technology is used for manufacturing Silestone. Natural quartz grains are pulverized, combined with binders/colourants, and subjected to high temperatures of over 1000 degrees Celsius to form highly resistant slabs. 
• The exact composition of Dekton is a proprietary formula and not revealed by Cosentino. But its primary constituents include porcelain (kaolin clay), glass, and quartz. With the Sinterized Particle Technology that replicates the centuries-long formation/metamorphosis process of natural stone in an industrial setting, the end product is phenomenally dense, hard, and ultra-compact.

Understanding the Varying Aesthetics and Slab Thickness Options

• In terms of visual choices, Silestone certainly has an upper hand over Dekton. With Silestone, you can choose from over 80 different shades and various textures like honed, leathered, and polished. Dekton worktops are available in around 40 different shades. 
• As far as slab thickness is concerned, Dekton slabs are available in varying options of 4mm, 8mm, 12mm, 20mm, and 30mm. The thicker versions are well-suited for classic kitchen designs, while the thinner ones are best for contemporary kitchens with minimalistic interiors. Silestone slabs have a minimum thickness of 12mm and above which is apt for conventional kitchens. But for limited spaces where thinner worktops are required, this might be a constraint.

Dekton and Silestone Worktops London: Variation in Properties and Applications

• Owing to the presence of porcelain and glass in this hybrid-engineered worksurface, the durability and heat resistance of Dekton is higher than Silestone. This doesn’t imply that Silestone is not durable. On the contrary, Silestone is one of the most long-lasting quartz brands renowned globally. The proprietary blend of porcelain, glass, and quartz subjected to the SPT technology infuses Dekton worktops with unparalleled strength and endurance.
• The UV resistance of Dekton is also higher than Silestone. This makes Dekton surfaces ideal for outdoor applications like outdoor kitchen worktops, patio furniture tops, landscape installations, and so on. Silestone is better suited for indoor kitchen worktops, vanity counters, bathroom surfaces, shower surrounds, backsplashes, and more.
• When it comes to the sustainability quotient, Dekton worktops are considered more sustainable than Silestone because of the use of recycled materials as well as the energy-efficient ultra-fast sintering option. However, the new-generation HybriQ series has multiple eco-friendly parameters such as reduced crystalline silica content, use of recycled water, and renewable energy during production.

Price Comparison

Considering the state-of-the-art composition, advanced manufacturing process, and unparalleled endurance of Dekton worktops, these are more expensive as compared to Silestone work surfaces. Of course, the eventual price depends on the slab dimensions, thickness, customized edges, and installation charges.

Maintenance and Warranty 

• Both Dekton and Silestone worktops London require very simple cleaning and almost zero maintenance. These man made work surfaces are non-porous and you don’t need to get them sealed. The colour and sheen will remain intact with a fuss-free daily wet wipe and dry wipe process. Unlike natural worktop materials, no polishing is necessary. 
• Even with the warranty period, there is no difference between Dekton and Silestone surfaces. Cosentino provides a 25 years manufacturer’s warranty for both. This covers defects in materials and workmanship. If you plan to sell your property in the future, the warranty worktop warranty will automatically be transferred to the new property owner.

Conclusion

Silestone quartz worktops have been prominent in UK homes for over three decades now. Several remarkable series like Ethereal, Duetto, Starlight, Nature, Infinity, Emotion, and Entropy have been launched over the years. All along, the focus has been on style, sustainability, and performance. On the other hand, Dekton was introduced by the same manufacturer only a decade ago. Dekton’s highly advanced manufacturing process and hybrid porcelain composition have made it a notch above Silestone quartz in terms of resistance (heat/spills/wear and tear/UV rays), durability, and slab thinness. Also, it is heavier than Silestone and has lesser visual options. Hence, if you require a high-quality and cost-effective work surface with higher shade/texture options, go ahead with Silestone. If functionality and endurance are your priorities, opt for Dekton. Both are fantastic choices for your UK home!