One of the first things you’ll consider for your kitchen when buying, building or remodeling is what kind of countertop is best. Two popular countertop options are Dekton and Silestone. Each countertop material possesses benefits and drawbacks, which explains in part why Dekton is good in some places while Silestone is good in others.
To help you determine the winner in Dekton vs Silestone, we compare the Silestone pros and cons with the Dekton pros and cons in this article. By the end, you’ll know which kind of countertop will look ideal in your newly renovated kitchen
Dekton Overview
Dekton is manufactured by the Spanish company Cosentino. Founded in 1979, this company specializes in manufacturing decorative surfaces, and they have a worldwide client base.
Silestone Overview
Silestone is also manufactured by Cosentino. The company was making Silestone before they started making Dekton. Some of the qualities Dekton possesses are possessed by Silestone too, though these materials are largely different.
Product Composition
What is Dekton made of? Well, it’s main component is porcelain, which in part explains why it’s not just used in kitchens but in bathrooms as well. Flooring and cladding can also be made of Dekton.
While porcelain is the main component, quartz and glass are also key components. It’s compact nature makes Dekton thinner, and because of its ability to resist UV rays, it can be used both outdoors and indoors.
Silestone, on the other hand, is mainly made of quartz, and it’s bonded using resins and adhesives. Silestone is a first-rate kitchen countertop material, and it can also be used as flooring or cladding. It also accommodates sinks and shower trays well.
Durability
Both Dekton and Silestone are durable. Dekton is durable mainly because of how it’s produced. The components that make up Dekton are fused together by way of high pressure, and this process doesn’t just make Dekton durable but long-lasting as well.
Dekton is also heat-resistant, meaning you can put a hot pot or utensil right on the countertop and you won’t have to worry about the countertop getting damaged. It’s scratch-resistant as well, and even though it’s durable it’s still highly flexible.
Silestone is durable too, though not as strong as Dekton. Hot items can damage Silestone’s surface and it’s not as shock-resistant as Dekton. It’s stronger than regular quartz and acid-resistant because of how it’s engineered.
Finishes Available
When it comes to finishes available, both Dekton and Silestone have a lot of finishes to choose from. There are over 50 colors and patterns for each material, and new colors and styles come out often. The preferred colors are white, black, and gray, though marble and granular-pebble style are also popular.
Unlike Dekton, Silestone has a natural ability to prevent scratches because of its large quartz content. Both countertop materials can retain their finish for a long time if properly maintained.
Slab Size
Both materials come in large slabs, so there aren’t as many joints and installation tends to be easier. Most Silestone slabs are between 306 x 140 CM, but some slabs are larger (325 X 159 CM). In comparison, a Dekton slab can be as large as 320 X 144 CM.
As far as thickness is concerned, Silestone is between 1.2 and 3 CM thick, whereas Dekton is between 0.8 CM and 3 CM thick.
Warranty
Cosentino offers a 25-year warranty on both of these countertop materials. However, the warranty covers just the countertops and is voided if the countertop is not installed properly. Also, ask your installer about an installation warranty before having them install either Dekton or Silestone, as such could provide more coverage.
In order for a warranty to work, the product needs to have been registered within six months after the purchase. If you damage your countertop because of negligence or abuse, the warranty will not cover it.
A warranty will not cover damage because of a drop, cutting, or heat (for Silestone). Moreover, if you chip your Dekton countertop or scrape it, this may not be covered by the warranty.
Price Comparison
Is Dekton expensive? When compared to other countertop materials, Silestone and Dekton are both on the pricier side. While price is mainly determined by the thickness and quality of the material, often is the case that Dekton is more expensive than Silestone.
It’s about $100 per square foot for either material. And you may have to pay more for installation, considering these are specialty materials that require careful installation.
How to Choose One for Your Home?
At this point, you should have a clear idea (based on the qualities discussed above) which of these materials will be best for your kitchen. Simply put: if you like high-end porcelain that is heat-resistant, scratch-resistant, durable, and long-lasting, chances are you’ll love having Dekton in your kitchen.
Conversely, if you want a quartz countertop that is comparably durable and long-lasting too, Silestone is for you. Both materials cost about the same, and because they’re made by the same company, they both have terrific warranties available. In the end, when it comes to Silestone vs Dekton, the choice is really a matter of preference.
