If you’ve been thinking about installing natural stone worktops in your home, you might have already considered granite worktops, but have you considered installing Dekton worktops?
Granite is a completely natural stone that provides a luxurious finish to any kitchen. On the other hand, Dekton is an engineered natural stone with outstanding robustness.
Before choosing the worktop that’s best for you and your home, you should always consider the pros and cons of both types of worktop.
In this guide, we’ll examine Dekton vs granite worktops and explore the main differences and pros and cons of Dekton and granite countertops.
How are granite and Dekton worktops made?
One of the key differences when it comes to Dekton countertops vs granite is that granite is a natural stone, and Dekton is an engineered stone. Let’s have a closer look at how these worktops are formed.
How granite worktops are formed
Granite is a naturally occurring stone that is quarried directly from the ground and cut into slabs which are then used as worktops.
Natural granite is formed from magma that cools and crystallises into a hard natural stone. It is found and mined around the world.
Granite is naturally porous and is renowned for its distinctive and unique patterns that provide visually stunning worktops.
How Dekton worktops are made
Dekton countertops are made exclusively by Spanish company, Cosentino using a unique manufacturing process. These worktops are formed from natural quartz, porcelain and glass, alongside other natural materials which are sintered together to produce a highly durable work surface.
The patented method is known as TSP (Technology of sinterized particles). It involves putting the raw materials under extreme pressure and heat to create an ultra-compact surface with a depth of around 2cm.
The resulting worktop has no defects and is completely non-porous.
Similarities and Differences between fabrication: Dekton vs Granite
Let’s compare how granite and Dekton are prepared.
- Dekton is an ultra-compact worktop resistant to scratching and heat and is non-porous, but the density means it is vulnerable to splits and cracks. It needs to be handled carefully during installation to avoid undue stress on the slabs.
- Granite is a heavy hard stone that requires specialised cutting tools during installation.
- Granite is polished to give a naturally shiny effect, while Dekton is a subtly matt surface available in three different textures.
- Granite is available in many natural shades, ranging from black or brown tones to green and rust.
- Dekton is available in 50 shades. Colours are added during the manufacturing process.
Care and Maintenance: Dekton vs Granite
There are five main features of granite and Dekton worktops which make them stand out from other worktops.
When comparing how granite and Dekton surfaces will perform, you need to look at the following:
- Stain Resistance
- Scratch Resistance
- Heat Resistance
- Chip Resistance
- UV Protection
Let’s explore how both products function regarding the five main features.
Stain Resistance
Granite is a porous stone that needs to be sealed to ensure that it does not absorb spills and liquids. Failure to seal a granite worktop can lead to permanent discolouration.
Fortunately, applying sealant is straightforward and may be required only once every six months or even once every few years, depending on the supplier’s instructions. You can apply commercial sealant at home by buffing it into the granite surface with a soft cloth.
Dekton is entirely non-porous and does not require sealant. You do not need to worry about red wine, coffee or ketchup staining the surface.
Scratch Resistance
Granite is known for being a hard stone, measuring 6-7 on the Mohs scale of hardness. It is resistant to most scratches except another piece of granite or a specialised cutting tool.
It is also suitable for hiding scratches as the naturally occurring colour and patterns go all the way through the stone.
Dekton is even denser than granite and is entirely scratch resistant. You can safely cut without a chopping board with no chance of scratching the surface. The only reason for using a chopping board is to protect your knives from blunting!
Heat Resistance
Granite is very heat resistant as the natural stone is formed from cooling magma. You could place hot pans directly on the surface without risking thermal shock.
However, the sealant you use may be affected by heat, so we advise using trivets to protect the surface.
Cosentino, the manufacturer of Dekton kitchen worktops, claims that it is fireproof. Indeed, you can place any hot pans or plates directly on the surface without fear of scorching or cracking the surface.
Chipping
Both types of worktops are robust, but both are also vulnerable to chips. While Dekton is resistant to scratches, it is more vulnerable to chips if exposed to something heavy being dropped.
Similarly, granite, a tough natural stone, can be chipped when a heavy object is dropped.
Chips in granite may not be too noticeable as both the pattern and the colour go all the way through the surface. Dekton chips can be more pronounced if they occur on a pattern because although the colour goes through, the pattern is only on the surface.
UV Protection
Dekton has excellent UV protection. You can even use Dekton outside, as there is no risk of it fading under bright sunlight.
Granite has good UV protection, but the sealant can affect this, leading to darkening or fading if exposed to harsh sunlight for prolonged periods. Granite worktops may dull over time but can quickly be restored.
Final Thoughts
So, there you have it. We have explored the main similarities and differences between granite and Dekton.
Granite is stain-resistant if sealed, while Dekton is entirely stainproof. Granite is heat resistant, while Dekton is fireproof.
Granite can fade when exposed to the sun, whereas Dekton is UV-proof. Both granite and Dekton are vulnerable to chips and cracks.
Still not sure which worktop is right for you?
Of course, both materials provide an elegant finish that will complement any traditional or contemporary kitchen design.
You may wish to choose based on aesthetics, going for the naturally luxurious finish of a granite worktop or the subtle matt finishes of Dekton. For a sleek modern look, you could choose Dekton, or for a more traditional timeless look, you might prefer granite.
If you require more information about any of our worktops, please contact us at Mo’s Stone X