This guide compares Silestone and Dekton worktop materials, prices, finishes, slab sizes, and more. Stick around to discover the winner.
Dekton and Silestone are the new kids on the block compared to other worktop materials like marble and granite. Still, these two are quickly taking prominence in kitchens and bathrooms thanks to their long-lasting construction and sleek designs that work well in just about any space. But between Dekton and Silestone worktops, which comes out on top?
Similarities Between Dekton and Silestone Countertops
Besides their comparable scratch and impact resistance, Silestone and Dekton worktops share many similarities, such as:
- Both materials are inventions of Cosentino.
- They share the same 25-year warranty that’s only eligible with proper installation.
- The warranty only applies if you register the product within six months of acquisition.
- Both Silestone and Dekton contain quartz.
- Dekton and Silestone are available in up to 3.0 cm thick slabs.
- They feature the same styles (natural granulate, irregular natural, industrial, and natural marbled).
- Both feature eco-friendly production with up to 99% reused water and 100% renewable energy.
- Both are available in similar finishes (polished, velvet, suede, and grip).
Both materials hold up decently against abrasion and falling objects because of their similar Mohs scale rating (7.0). The thicker your slab is, the more resilient it is against impact.
Differences Between Dekton and Silestone Worktops
For starters, Dekton is a significantly newer material than Silestone. Cosentino launched Silestone in 1990 while Dekton launched in 2013.
Also, these two have different compositions and productions, leading to dissimilar performance levels.
Here’s the breakdown of how Dekton and Silestone countertops compare to help you make an informed selection.
Colours and Designs
Both materials have diverse, similar-looking finishes. In fact, you may fail to differentiate these two based on touch and sight.
Most Dekton and Silestone finishes are whites, greys, and blacks made to mimic natural stone alternatives like marble in veining and granulation. Still, you can find them in a few reds, pinks, blues, and greens.
Overall, Silestone wins since it’s available in more colours than Dekton. Cosentino offers 59 Dekton colours and up to 82 for Silestone as of 2025.
Composition
Both materials feature well-thought-out elements and strategic eco-friendly production processes. These guarantee functionality while making them ideal if you love environmentally-conscious living.
Dekton
Dekton is a ceramic composite mostly containing porcelain with a bit of glass and 11% quartz. This 100% inorganic construction material’s complete chemical composition features the following:
- Pigments
- Zircon
- Amorphous silica
- Aluminium silica
- Crystalline silica
Silestone
Original Silestone mostly contains quartz (up to 94%) with some resins and pigment. Regardless, Cosentino reduced the crystalline silica content in Silestone starting in 2020 and fully adopted this low-silica production in 2023. Today, the company’s Silestone contains 40% crystalline silica (85% of surfaces) or under 10% (15% of surfaces).
Porosity and Stain Resistance
Silestone and Dekton worktops are some of the most stain-resistant surfaces because of their almost null porosity. In fact, common liquids like red wine and tea won’t stain both surfaces. A simple wipe down after the spill is all it requires to keep clean.
Whereas Dekton features a 0.003 porosity coefficient, Silestone’s water absorption rate ranges between 0.04% and 0.2%. Because of this exceptional seepage resistance, you don’t need to seal either material.
Durability
Due to its construction, especially its porcelain content, Dekton is more durable than Silestone. As such, it’s suitable for all kinds of spaces from high-traffic areas to facades, swimming pools, and commercial establishments.
Here’s how these two compare across various durability aspects:
Heat Resistance
Dekton undergoes ultra-compaction under high pressure (25,000 tons) and heat, resulting in a sturdy product with high heat resistance.
While Silestone is also heat resistant, it doesn’t fare as well as Dekton under hot kitchenware and is more likely to get heat stains. Silestone is also not shock-resistant and, hence, prone to cracks.
Dekton shows more resilience against heat (unaffected up to 300°C). Still, use hot pads or trivets when you place hot items on either worktop to guarantee heat protection.
UV Resistance
Dekton wins in UV resistance. Hence it’s the perfect choice for outdoor kitchens and indoor areas that receive lots of sunlight.
Meanwhile, Silestone isn’t UV resistant because of its polyester resin. This element disintegrates under sun exposure. So, Silestone countertops lose colour over time if not installed in UV-protected areas.
Acid Resistance
Silestone and Dekton withstand most kitchen acids like vinegar, tomato, and lime juices.
However, Dekton has a slightly higher tolerance. Due to its negligibly higher porosity, Silestone is more likely to etch from contact with strong chemicals, such as muriatic acid.
Slab Sizes
Silestone and Dekton are available in large slabs that lower the seam and joint count for cleaner, more appealing installation. But if you’re after thinner slabs, Dekton is the way to go as its manufacturing process allows for a more minimalistic look than Silestone.
Dekton comes in various thicknesses from 0.4 cm to 3.0 cm. Meanwhile, Silestone countertops start from 1.2 cm to 3.0 cm.
Price
Dekton and Silestone are some of the priciest countertop materials because of their longevity and striking resemblance to natural stone alternatives.
Their costs per unit are often similar. Nevertheless, Dekton’s typical starting price in the UK is £250 per square metre. Meanwhile, most Silestone countertops begin from £300.
Installation
Both materials require professional assistance and the simplicity of installation depends on your desired slab. The thicker the slab, the heavier it is, and the more strenuous the installation process. Because Dekton features up to 0.4cm slabs while Silestone begins from 1.2 cm, it’s easier to install for applications that need the most minimalistic set-up.
The Takeaway
Silestone and Dekton are excellent worktop materials because of their durability and 25-year warranty. You have plenty of designs to pick from for a timeless appeal that mimics marble, granite, and other natural stones.
Silestone is the way to go if you’re after a premium worktop with more diverse colours.
Dekton takes the cake in most other fields. Besides, it’s the only reasonable choice for outdoor applications because of its UV resistance.
Whichever option you decide, it’s important to remember that your warranty is only valid when you properly install your countertop. Are you looking for a UK worktop installation company with certified Dekton and Silestone options and reliable, long-lasting services?
Paramount Stone Specialists is your best bet thanks to its 25+ years of experience, bespoke products, and timely services. Contact us on 01482 585600 or email info@paramountstone.co.uk now for your free quote.