When we renovated our kitchen, we had a pretty clear objective. We wanted to achieve the marble aesthetic, without the hassles of the upkeep and risk of damage that comes with it. Our research led us to Dekton by Cosentino, a revolutionary material that is quickly gaining popularity when it comes to stylish, low-maintenance benchtops in both home and commercial applications (we recently saw our exact shade of Dekton used in the restaurants and bathrooms at Kuramathi in the Maldives!).
Dekton is constructed from a combination of raw materials subjected to high pressure and extreme heat, resulting in a surface that is both strong and durable. In this blog post, we will explore the advantages of using Dekton benchtops in your kitchen and why we feel they are a better choice when compared to other popular materials such as marble and granite.
Durability.
One of the things we love most about Dekton benchtops is their durability. Dekton has a hardness rating of 7 on the Mohs scale, which is similar to the hardness of granite. This means it is resistant to scratching and can withstand the wear and tear of everyday use in a kitchen.
Stain Resistance.
Dekton is also resistant to staining, making it an excellent choice if spills and stains are a concern – which they were for us. Personally, we didn’t want the stress of worrying if drips and spills left on the bench would ruin it forever; peace of mind was top of our list of requirements. Dekton is non-porous, meaning it does not absorb liquids, so substances such as red wine and beetroot will not leave stains on the surface. Dekton benchtops also don’t require regular sealing like marble or granite to keep out stains, making them very low maintenance (in fact, they require zero maintenance!).
Clean & Safe.
Given its non-porous nature, Dekton surfaces are resistant to bacteria and germs, making it a hygienic option and super easy to clean with just a damp cloth.
Heat Resistance.
If you’re an avid cook or baker, this feature will be a huge plus for you. Dekton is resistant to temperatures of up to 300°C, allowing you to place hot pots and pans directly on the surface without worrying about marking or cracking. This is not the case with marble, which is prone to heat damage and can easily be damaged by hot pots and pans.
Style.
In terms of aesthetics, Dekton benchtops offer a wide range of colours and finishes to choose from, allowing you to create your desired look for your kitchen without sacrificing functionality. We chose a colour that best simulated our favourite marble, but there’s a plethora of options (not just marble look!) that suit every design style. It’s also available in large slabs (3200×1440), which means fewer seams and a more seamless, cohesive look.
Dekton is available in a few different thickness options, including 4mm, 8mm, 12mm, and 2cm (and now 3cm) so it can be used for splashbacks as well as countertops (we chose to add a splashback to our design, as well as a waterfall feature). We recommend choosing the 2cm for benchtops with a 4cm edge profile for the best look.
You can use Cosentino’s own visualizer to play with colours and designs here.
Caveats.
While Dekton is truly a stellar material, nothing is without its faults. One issue we want to mention with Dekton, despite its strength, is the risk of corner chipping. When our benchtop was first installed, the builders knocked the corners with metal ladders and much to our sadness, managed to gouge out some chunks at the edges. While these can be filled / pieces glueed back in, of course, it’s preferable to prevent damage altogether. One reason for the edges on our bench top being vulnerable to chips was that it was installed with a sharp corner profile. This exposes the thin edges to damage more so that using a chamfered edge, where the edge profile is cut away to give the edge a sloping profile.
Our contractors thankfully replaced the bench, and even though it was re-installed with sharp edges again (our contractor did not want to chamfer the edges, despite our request) we have had no damage since. We are mindful of moving furniture in the vicinity of the benchtop and also take care when putting away heavy plates and pots and pans so as not to knock them against the bench edge and risk chipping. So even with a sharp edge profile, it IS possible to keep a Dekton benchtop in perfect condition as long as you’re mindful of the risks.
Conclusion.
Overall, the heat resistance, stain resistance, and low maintenance requirements of Dekton make it a superior choice to marble for kitchen benchtops – it even boasts a 25 year manufacturer’s warranty. It’s a hygenic, durable and practical option that is easy to care for and will look beautiful for years to come. Additionally, Dekton is environmentally friendly as it is made from recycled materials and is highly durable, meaning it will last for many years without the need to be replaced.
Learn More.
Contact Cosentino Middle East for more information on installing a Dekton countertop in your home or restaurant (they have an amazing showroom in D3 if you want to see all the finishes in the flesh!).