Dekton and quartz worktops are some of the best kitchen countertops. From immense durability to diverse design options, stain resistance, and simple maintenance, they’re the perfect additions for elegance and functionality in high-traffic households or those with kids and pets.
But what material should you use for your worktop?
This guide compares the key differences between Dekton and quartz worktops. Find out which is more budget-friendly, durable, aesthetically pleasing and resistant to UV. Also, discover how their installation, designs, and heat resistance levels compare.
Dekton Vs. Quartz Worktops Comparison
Dekton worktops are best if you have a high budget and your priorities are durable worktops that excel against stains, heat and the sun.
Quartz is an excellent choice for budget shoppers. It features incredible scratch and chip resistance and numerous colours and styles for diverse tastes.
However, their differences and similarities stretch beyond these simple overviews. So, how do the two countertop materials compare?
Here’s a detailed look:
Composition
Both materials rely on natural materials and appear similar at first glance. However, quartz and Dekton countertops undergo different production processes and contain differing elements.
Quartz, as the name implies, primarily comes from quartz, a naturally occurring crustal rock component. After extraction, companies grind this material and mix it with adhesives and resins to create quartz worktop sheets.
Meanwhile, Dekton relies on 100% naturally occurring rocks. The process involves sintering (heating up under intense pressure) to speed up metamorphism (the process by which rocks transition from one state to another). The result is extra-resilient slabs that outperform other countertops in many aspects.
Heat Resistance
Both Dekton and quartz worktops have impressive heat resistance. That’s why they are some of the top choices for kitchens since they’re less likely to discolour or crack from hot kitchenware. That said, Dekton comes on top if you consider the heat limits these worktops withstand.
Dekton countertops withstand up to 400 degrees Celsius (752 degrees Fahrenheit) without issues. Quartz worktops are also resilient, with a heat resistance level reaching 148.9 degrees Celsius (300 degrees Fahrenheit).
However, that shouldn’t be a reason to leave your sizzling pans on the counter for long periods, especially for quartz worktops. Use heat mats and trivets to cushion these surfaces and ensure vibrant, harmonious colours for years.
UV Resistance
Dekton worktops outshine quartz countertops when it comes to withstanding UV radiation. Dekton stands up against sun exposure well. Thus, it’s a superb choice for outdoor kitchens.
Quartz is more vulnerable to UV radiation and may stain over prolonged exposure. So, it’s not a wise choice for areas with excess sunlight.
If you want an outdoor quartz kitchen, install it in a shaded area, for example, under awnings or deep eaves. Also, light tones are preferable to dark ones, as UV damage is less noticeable with the former.
Scratch and Chip Resistance
Dekton and quartz worktops fare well against impact and scrapes and perform similarly.
These two have a similar hardness level (7.0 out of 10 on the Mohs scale). The sturdiness allows accidental cuts or drop pans without a high chance of destroying their blemish-free surfaces (you should always use a chopping board when cutting).
Stain Resistance
Because of their non-porous surfaces, both worktops withstand food and drink spills without staining.
Dekton lacks resin, unlike quartz, which has up to 15% resin. For this reason, quartz is more susceptible to acid damage.
However, that doesn’t mean acid spills on Dekton worktops should sit for extended periods. While you’ll need to worry less about this on Dekton than quartz, wipe acids as soon as possible to avoid etching and destroying your worktop’s finish.
Durability and Maintenance
Dekton wins again in terms of longevity and care needed.
It undergoes a rigorous production process that mimics thousands of years of intense geological processes. This production makes it almost unfazed by UV, heat, stains, and scratches. Hence, you don’t need to spend much on repairs and cleaning and can place it almost anywhere.
A quartz worktop is also a breeze to maintain due to heat, stain, and scratch resistance. But, it needs more attention than Dekton countertops because of lower resistance thresholds.
Designs
Both materials have numerous styles and finishes that allow you to complement your decor as desired. They’re available in many options that mimic other luxurious countertops like marble. You’ll find quartz and Dekton in solid colours and various patterns.
Because only Cosentino makes Dekton compared to several global quartz manufacturers, quartz has a wider colour selection. However, Dekton is catching up fast and now features over 100 unique shades. So, you’ll likely get something that fits your colour vision, whichever material you pick.
Price
Quartz countertops take the cake for budget-friendliness. On the lower end, you’ll pay as little as £100 for a square metre. However, some quartz varieties cost up to £1500 per sheet (3200mm x 1600mm).
Dekton is pricier. It averages £250 to £800 for a square metre.
Installation
Both Dekton and quartz worktops are complex materials to install. So, they often require professional installation.
The overall cost varies with the supplier and your specific installation requirements. Depending on the cut and hole count, slab thickness, patterns, colours, and demolition requirements for old worktops, you may spend the same amount on a low-tier Dekton countertop as a quartz alternative.
Dekton Vs. Quartz Countertops: Table Summary
Property | Dekton Worktops | Quartz Worktops |
Heat resistance | Up to 400 degrees Celsius | Up to 148.9 degrees Celsius |
UV resistance | Yes | No |
Average price range per metre | £250 – £800 | £100 – £220 |
Indoor use | Yes | Yes |
Outdoor use | Yes | Only if undercover |
Mohs rating | 7.0 | 7.0 |
Stain resistance | Yes | Yes |
Scratch resistance | Yes | Yes |
Chip resistance | Yes | Yes |
Aesthetics | Big range | Largest range of designs |
Should I Get a Quartz or Dekton Worktop?
By now, you probably know which worktop works best for your kitchen between Dekton and quartz.
But if you’re still debating, ask yourself two things: How much money can I spare? How much sunlight seeps into my kitchen? If both your answers are “a lot,” Dekton it is. If otherwise, take advantage of the affordability and numerous options of quartz worktops.
After deciding, finding a reliable countertop installation company for quality workmanship, little back and forth, and value for your money is crucial. Our skilled technicians with over 25 years of experience all over the UK are ready to help. Reach out to Paramount Stone Specialists today for a free quote, call us on 01482 585600 or email info@paramountstone.co.uk to start your new project.