Dekton vs Caesarstone Worktops

This Dekton vs Caesarstone Guide provides an overall description of Dekton and Caesarstone countertops before delving deeper into their composition, look, durability, resistance, and maintenance requirements, to mention but a few. 

Engineered stone worktops are becoming increasingly popular among homeowners, with Caesarstone and Dekton worktops being some of the top options in the market today. One of the most pressing questions homeowners have concerning the two materials is which is better, Dekton or Caesarstone. While the two surfaces have similar aspects, they differ in certain qualities such as composition, heat tolerance, and price points. 

Choosing the perfect material for your countertops is essential when renovating or designing your kitchen, bathrooms, or other areas that require countertops. More importantly, your choice determines the overall aesthetic of your spaces while influencing how your surfaces fare during daily activities.

Dekton vs Caesarstone Countertops: An In-depth Comparison

You need to ask yourself a few questions when deciding between Dekton and Caesarstone surfaces. Some of them include:

• What properties do you wish to prioritise the most when choosing between the worktop materials? Is it the aesthetic or the overall longevity of the surfaces?
• How does your budget look, and what price range are you most comfortable with?

With that in mind, let’s compare Dekton and Caesarstone countertops side-by-side to help you make a more informed decision. 

Origin and Composition

Both materials have quartz in their composition. However, the other elements involved in creating the engineered stone differ. 

Dekton is a sintered stone, officially introduced in 2013. It is made of quartz, glass and porcelain/ceramic. The manufacturing process subjects the raw materials to very high temperature and pressure (up to 25,000 tonnes) to recreate conditions similar to natural rock-forming processes. The material’s thickness ranges from 4mm to 30mm. 

On the other hand, Caesarstone is made of over 90% quartz, polyester resin binders, pigments and other additives. The material has been in the industry since 1987 and differs in quality from natural quartz. Caesarstone slabs have a standard thickness of 20mm and 330mm. 

Both mimic the properties of natural stone, concrete and metal surfaces. Dekton has a more ultra-compact structure and minimal structural effects, while Caesarstone’s manufacturing achieves a high-performance surface. 

Aesthetic

Dekton offers a variety of looks, replicating natural stone like marble and granite. The slabs can come in different finishes, including polished, ultra-smooth, textured, matte, and more, offering a diverse palette options. 

Manufacturers can also create uniform slabs for a more cohesive look on your surfaces, unlike natural stone. At the same time, the surfaces can mimic marble-like veining or bold patterns associated with natural stone. 

Caesarstone also perfectly mimics natural stone through controlled manufacturing, effectively replicating samples. The slabs have various shades, including minimalist, neutral colours, bold patterns, and contemporary looks. Like Dekton, Caesarstone can also offer a cohesive look throughout your spaces, depending on your preference.

Paramount Stone offers multiple looks for Dekton and Caesarstone, including colours (whites, greys, and blacks) and patterns (veined, grainy). Some Dekton options include Khalo, Laurent, Laguna, and Aeris, while some Caesarstone options include Airy Concrete, Rugged Concrete, and Primordia. 

Strength, Durability, and Resistance

In terms of overall durability, Dekton takes the lead due to its exposure to high temperature and pressure during manufacturing, creating an ultra-compact surface. Dekton’s hardness surpasses that of granite and quartz (including Caesarestone) and is resistant to UV radiation. This factor makes it perfect for your outdoor countertops. 

Caesarstone is also a notably durable material among engineered quartz countertops. Despite resin binding, the worktop material offers more resistance than natural quartz and manufactured quartz. Caesarstone offers a UV resistant range which caters to those looking to install an outdoor kitchen.

Heat Resistance 

Due to its high exposure to heat during processing, Dekton handles heat of up to 400 degrees Celsius. As such, you can put hot pots or baking pans on the surface without triggering thermal shock or burn marks (however it is always good practice to use heat proof mats and stands. This factor also means that Dekton worktops can sustain elements, including sunlight.  

Caesarstone countertops can handle heat of up to around 180 degrees Celsius which is lower than Dekton. Due to the resin binders degrading over time, the resistance reduces over time and can lead to your worktops discolouration or damage. It is, therefore, advisable to use trivets or avoid prolonged exposure of the countertops to hot cookware.

Scratch, Chipping, and Impact Resistance

Dekton’s ultra-compact structure has a Mohs hardness rating of up to 8, ensuring it is highly resistant to impact, scratches, or chipping. Therefore, kitchenware like knives or other metalware will hardly mark or damage your countertops. 

Caesarstone has a Mohs hardness rating of 7 which although slightly lower than Dekton, is still extremely high. Caesarstone primarily contains quartz, and is also highly resistant to scratching and chipping. Likewise, the material is more resistant to chipping than most natural stone countertops. However, Caesarstone can still chip and crack if heavy objects fall on it, requiring care in everyday use. 

Overall, Dekton is more durable than Caesarstone. 

Porosity and Sealing 

Dekton and Caesarstone are both non-porous, which eliminates the need to periodically seal the surfaces. Non-porosity contributes to the overall durability and low maintenance of both worktop materials. That said, you need to properly care for the surfaces to avoid sealing your countertops during their lifetime. 

Both worktops are resistant to staining from most liquids, including wine, oil, food residue, and more. If something more challenging to clean, like nail polish or paint, spills on your countertops, you can use a non-abrasive cloth to clean the surface.

Pricing

The pricing of countertop slabs is probably one of the most crucial questions you need answered when planning your indoor and outdoor space design. The price range depends on the thickness of the slabs, the complexity of the patterns, the finish and installation requirements.

Overall, Dekton’s range is more expensive than Caesarstone, making it an important consideration to make. 

You can request a quote from Paramount Stone Specialists to get a clearer look at the pricing.

Maintenance

Both countertops require little maintenance besides cleaning with a soft cloth, water, and a neutral detergent. Cleaning tougher spills will require scrubbing with a non-abrasive cloth. 

Caesarstone needs a little more care to avoid heat damage, abrasion, chipping, discolouration, and cracking due to impact. Notably, it would be best to avoid scraping the surfaces using hard objects or rough material like steel wool for scrubbing. 

Dekton vs Caesarstone: Which Is the Best Choice?

Both countertops are very durable and will last for up to 30 years through proper cleaning and maintenance. 

Dekton is the pricer option, so if you want to keep your costs lower, Caesarstone could be a better choice.

If you require a material that can withstand too much heat or constant activity that could damage your worktops, Dekton is the way to go. 

For aesthetic reasons, both countertops offer a wide range of designs, colours, and patterns to suit different decors. You can enjoy uniformity in both Dekton and Caesarstone slabs as manufacturers ensure slab-to-slab cohesiveness during the creation process. 

Dekton and Caesarstone manufacturers are also making strides to ensure sustainability. You can review the latest sustainability reports for the brands’ manufacturers to choose which aligns more with your values. 

Lastly, you can always consult with a certified countertop supplier like Paramount Stone Specialists to better understand your choices. Visit our showroom or contact us today by contacting 1482 585600 or email us at info@paramountstone.co.uk to have a worktop specialist on your case to help you achieve your decor dreams.