Although materials like ceramic, wood, porcelain or natural stone are still going strong, the arrival of new ones on the market could easily create a new competition for them. 

Dekton, for example, is attracting more and more attention because of its capacity to compete with higher quality materials like marble and quartz. Here’s everything you need to know about this material that is currently making a name for itself. 

What is Dekton?

This material, which is known for its great beauty, is the result of a mix of raw materials including porcelain, quartz and glass minerals. The latter are merged together at a temperature of more than 1000 degrees Celsius and compacted under a 25 000-ton press to make Dekton.

This fusion works to reproduce the alterations the stones would have undergone if they had endured very high temperatures and pressure over many years. Its manufacturing process allows makers the possibility to create coatings of 8, 12 or 20 millimetres of thickness, which despite being rather thin layers, are actually highly solid.

The benefits of Dekton

DEKTON : A MATERIAL OF INCOMPARABLE RESISTANCE

First of all, it should be mentioned that Dekton is a highly resistant material. Actually, it would appear that its level of resistance is greater than that of quartz, which is not a bad thing. More precisely, we must highlight that this material is anti-stain, which makes it the perfect choice for kitchen countertops.

Its lack of porosity, as well as the absence of resin in its composition, are both responsible for this enviable quality. If Dekton is therefore resistant to coffee spills that occur during busy mornings or to wine damages on its surface, it’s also flawless in its reaction to cleaning products. 

Second of all, we need to highlight the fact that Dekton will not fade with time under the effect of sun rays. Although it is disappointing to see a countertop becoming yellow and looking pale with time passing by, know that you have no chance to be confronted to such situation with Dekton.

Thirdly, know that this material is particularly resistant to heat and fire, making it even possible to place pots and pans on its surface. Therefore, you won't have to worry about seeing the latter cracking under the effect of too much heat.

Its resistance to temperature variations allows it to withstand the freeze-and-thaw cycle, which makes it possible to use it in an outdoor kitchen. Proof of its great strength: the purchase of a Dekton countertop usually comes with a 25-year warranty.

BETWEEN VERSATILITY AND BEAUTY

It goes without saying that Dekton is certainly endowed with incomparable aesthetic qualities. Since it is able to imitate marble as well as the hues and textures of various materials such as cement or stainless steel,  the great versatility of the Dekton simply cannot be ignored,  as well as the numerous possibilities arising from it: the creation of a classic, industrial, modern or retro decor, as well as the use of solid or mixed colours.

When it comes to the types of finishes that are available for Dekton products, you won't be disappointed by the diversity of options: matte, glossy, ultra-smooth, smooth and even textured.

Continuing on the subject of the versatile character of the Dekton, there is also a wide variety of uses that it can be applied to: wall covering, flooring, kitchen countertop (exterior and interior), ventilated facades, bathroom vanities and kitchen furniture. It should also be noted that, given its original size (3200 mm by 1440 mm), it makes it easy to build kitchen island surfaces without joints. 

The disadvantages of Dekton

YOU CAN'T USE IT TO CREATE CURVES

Although Dekton comes with a large number of qualities, it is still necessary to take the time to address the few disadvantages that it does have. First of all, given its strong solidity, it is impossible to create curved angles with this material. This can be a problem for classical style enthusiasts, as sinuous curves are one of its emblematic features.

A VERY EXPENSIVE MATERIAL

Also, it must be said that Dekton does not have antibacterial properties and is not suitable for all budgets. Indeed, Dekton costs between $100 and $200 per square foot, making it significantly more expensive than granite and quartz.