Differences Between Silestone and Dekton

Quartz or porcelain worktops. How do you know which one to choose? What are the differences? Which is better? We will tell you everything here.

There is misinformation and confusion about the differences between Silestone and Dekton, or about what is Silestone, especially concerning choosing a material for our kitchen worktop. Also, it is essential to know that a kitchen countertop can also work as extra-large Dekton countertops for the bathroom. Therefore, it would not be a surprise if you were somewhat confused.

Worktop suppliers start talking about different brands, which makes you even more confused. We all know Silestone, but you may not know that Silestone is a brand belonging to surface giant Cosentino. Besides Silestone quartz, the company produces different types of material in various brands. Cosentino creates four wonders in the decoration surface world. But today, we’ll only focus on two of them, Dekton vs Silestone, which are the ones that cause the most confusion due to their similar finishes. In contrast, their difference is not in their finish but in their composition.

Let me explain.

A few days ago, I was browsing through our YouTube channel. There were videos of two worktop materials that maintain the same aesthetic, with a Calacatta Gold marble effect and the same finish. Still, these were two different surface materials that served the same purpose. This statement may already sound confusing to you. But it is simpler than you think. Let’s get started.

First, you want to know that Cosentino, creator of the well-known Silestone, not only created Silestone. But it also has a second brand, Dekton, besides two other brands. Although, as I mentioned earlier, we will focus on what is Silestone and Dekton countertops.

Why focus on the difference between Silestone and Dekton, you may wonder? Because they are the only two that can have the same exterior finish but be types of different materials fulfilling various applications.

“Two different materials that to the touch, and the eyes, are the same.“

You have to know that its creator has developed these two brands from two different materials: quartz and porcelain.

“Silestone encompasses the quartz range, and Dekton contains all the development of porcelain. “

What is quartz (Silestone)?

Without dwelling too much on technical explanations about what is Silestone, it is a composite of quartz and polymer resins. Silestone.co.uk R&D says: “Silestone is the result of mixing up to 94% Natural Quartz with resins, providing extraordinary hardness and resistance. As a result, it is an excellent surface for the kitchen, bathroom, floor and wall coverings with minimal joints.”

What is porcelain (Dekton)?

It is an ultra-compact, rigid, coloured and non-porous ceramic composite. It boasts minimal water absorption and is pressed dry and cooked by single firing in giant ovens, hence its resistance to sudden changes in temperature.

Let’s start with this second and last brand, which has already become the flagship product of this surface manufacturer.

Dekton = Porcelain

The main difference between porcelain and quartz (Dekton vs Silestone) is its use.

Although both share applications at home, you should know that Dekton countertops, due to their composition, also allows its use outdoors. You can use it on facades, floors, high-traffic areas, commercial premises, and swimming pools.

In the first place, this material does not fade over time or due to climatic changes. Second, it can be exposed to sunlight because it has high UV resistance. Third, it can get wet and will not wear out, deteriorate or change its colour. Today, porcelain is considered one of the most resilient materials on the market. Its indoor use is similar: it can be used on floors or as wall tiles without fear of wear and tear since it does not scratch. Also, you can install it without joints, an excellent addition to its aesthetics in a large format.

Difference between Silestone and Dekton. Applications and costs

Another distinction lies in its pricing, as Dekton countertops incur higher manufacturing and installation costs than its predecessor.
Dekton is an ultracompact material with greater rigidity than Silestone. This is a fantastic advantage for those searching for worktops that are resistant to staining agents.

However, it is also the same characteristic that makes Dekton more labour-intensive. The fabrication of Dekton worktops takes approximately 2.5 times longer than Silestone’s.

Moreover, the installation of a Dekton worktop, when done correctly, takes more time than one made of quartz. Its handling demands more precise movements to prevent potential chipping during installation which is one of the main differences of Dekton vs Silestone.

Let’s now talk about Silestone or quartz worktops.

As mentioned before, the main difference between these two materials is their use.

Both are ideal for indoors, but the dilemma comes with using them outdoors. That is, Silestone does not make its quartz worktops for external use. But a Dekton worktop is different in this respect.

Another distinction between Silestone and Dekton is Silestone’s properties.

If you were wonderig what is Silestone and why the brand is so popular, you should know that it was the first to nclude an exclusive antibacterial system makes it ideal for kitchen countertops, sinks, and showers. However, it is not suitable for direct exposure to high temperatures. Does this mean you can burn or damage your Silestone worktops with the heat of a pan or pot? You can’t because it resists residual heat very well. However, it does not withstand continuous heat exposure due to its resin composition.

Let’s say you can place a pot on your Silestone Calacatta Gold worktop but not let it sit.

Similarly, we must talk about the false myth widespread that it stains due to its porosity. It is not true as it’s not a porous stone. There are cases of joint damage due to movement, but this is rare.

Conclusion:

Is Dekton better than Silestone? Are quartz kitchen worktops better than porcelain?

The answer of Dekton vs Silestone is the same as when comparing Channel and Louis Vuitton, Picasso or Monet. These are the best at what they do, and both are materials of the highest quality. Also, they are both market leaders.

SILESTONE AND DEKTON: What are the differences?

• A Dekton worktop allows its use outdoors, and Silestone does not.
• A Dekton surface is resistant to sudden changes in temperature (hot or cold), and a Silestone is not.
• Dekton allows its manufacture in large format plates, from 4mm to 30mm. And Silestone offers 12mm going through 20mm and a maximum thickness of 30mm.
• When asking what is Silestone, know has a polymer that make it a more flexible surface. Therefore, it is more resistant to chipping under accidental impact.

We hope to have clarified doubts and solved mysteries about these two worktop surfaces.

You can leave your opinion and your questions on the subject in the comment section.

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