Dekton and Quartz are big names in the stone industry, so it’s no surprise that these materials are real contenders when choosing the right worktop for your home. Both offer durability, aesthetics, and high performance, but their differences might make one a better fit for you and your home. Quartz has always been at the forefront of worktop materials, but in modern times Dekton is being used more and more.
In this blog, we take you on a journey through each stone material, the key differences between each one and how to make the right choice. What material will you be choosing?
Quick answer: Dekton vs quartz
Dekton is the tougher surface. It takes hot pans directly, resists UV so it can be used outdoors, and comes in thinner slabs. Quartz is the more affordable of the two, offers a wider choice of designs, and feels slightly warmer in a room, but it is heat-sensitive and should stay indoors or in shade. Choose Dekton for outdoor kitchens and households that put pans straight down. Choose quartz for an indoor kitchen where design range and budget matter more.
What is Dekton?
Dekton by Cosentino is the up-and-coming stone for interior trends. This material is full of innovation and you might have heard of it on Grand Designs. Crafted from a blend of raw materials found in glass, porcelain tiles, and natural quartz, Dekton is one of Cosentino’s most advanced products.
It is produced through an advanced process called Particle Sintering Technology (PST) that accelerates the natural metamorphic transformation by applying extreme heat and pressure. The product created is an incredibly durable, non-porous material that can be used indoors and outdoors.
Dekton Worktop Project in London
What is Quartz?
Quartz has been around for years and is a go-to stone material for most homeowners. As one of the hardest stone materials, Quartz comprises approximately 90-95% natural quartz crystals and 5-10% resins and pigments. One of Quartz’s added benefits is how it mimics the look of natural stone with the advantages of durability, non-porosity, and a huge range of designs and colours.
The result is a luxurious stone worktop in the room of your choice.
Quartz Worktop Project in Hertfordshire
Dekton Vs Quartz – Durability
Dekton
Dekton worktops are known for their extreme durability, resistant to scratches, stains, heat, and UV rays. It’s a great option whether you choose to install it in the home or outdoors, and the ultra-compact structure handles impacts and heavy use without chipping or cracking.
Quartz
Quartz worktops are just as durable and resistant to scratches and stains but aren’t as heat-resistant as Dekton. If placing hot pans directly onto the surface of Quartz it can lead to discolouration or cracking, that being said quartz can withstand temperatures of up to 150°C.
Quartz Worktop Project in Hertford
Plenty of Design Options from Both
Dekton
Dekton is available in various colours, patterns, and finishes. Each design mimics natural stone, concrete, and even metal. Whatever your scheme, there will be a Dekton surface to suit it!
Quartz
Quartz is known for its consistent patterns and colours, and many designs replicate the look of marble and granite. Another great stone that has a varied design option.
Which One is Easier to Maintain & Clean?
Dekton
Built with a non-porous surface, Dekton is a virtually maintenance-free material. It doesn’t require sealing like some materials and is resistant to stains from the usual liquids you find in the kitchen – coffee, wine and oils.
You only have to use a damp cloth to clean the surface. Complete with a circular motion and dry afterwards. This process maintains its beautiful appearance.
Quartz
Quartz is also a non-porous stone and requires minimal maintenance. It contains the same properties as Dekton, like no need to seal and resists stains well. However, it can be more susceptible to discolouration from certain chemicals and heat exposure. Wipe the surface with warm water and mild dish soap with a soft cloth.
What Costs More?
The cost can vary between the two and it’s worth considering your options if you are on a budget. The price difference isn’t always dramatic, and both materials are an investment in durability and style for the home.
Dekton
Dekton tends to be at the higher end of the price spectrum, influenced by its innovative manufacturing process and superior technical properties, which compensate for the price. The expertise required for installation makes Dekton more expensive.
Quartz
Quartz is still a high-end material but is generally more affordable than Dekton. The properties are the same, offering excellent durability and beauty but at a slightly lower price point, becoming a favoured worktop by many homeowners.
Where Can They Be Used Around the Home?
Dekton
Dekton’s properties consist of heat resistance and UV stability making it a popular choice for outdoor applications, as well as kitchen worktops, splashbacks and flooring. Due to the thin thicknesses, Dekton can also be a versatile choice for wall cladding.
Quartz
Quartz is ideal for indoor applications such as kitchen worktops, bathroom vanities and splashbacks. If used outdoors, keep it protected by shade.
Quartz Worktop Project in Hertfordshire
In Conclusion – What One is Best?
Both Dekton and quartz worktops offer durability and beautiful surfaces around the home. Their price range doesn’t seem to be that different in some cases when it comes to the style and finish. They both have their strengths and choosing the right one will depend on your specific needs, design preferences, and budget.
Choose Dekton for a worktop that can handle extreme heat, UV exposure, and heavy use, perfect for an outdoor kitchen – its durability and versatility make it ideal for high-performance spaces. Opt for quartz if you are looking for a cost-effective worktop that’s beautiful and reliable in your indoor kitchen. Quartz also is available in a wider range of design options and at a slightly lower price point.
Dekton vs quartz FAQs
Which is more heat resistant, Dekton or quartz?
Dekton, clearly. It handles hot pans placed straight onto the surface without scorching. Quartz withstands roughly 150 degrees Celsius, but direct contact with a hot pan can cause discolouration or cracking, so a trivet is essential.
Is Dekton more expensive than quartz?
Generally yes. Dekton sits at the higher end because of its manufacturing process and the specialist skill needed to fabricate and install it. The gap is not always dramatic though, and an expensive quartz can cost more than an entry-level Dekton. Compare the specific colours you are considering rather than the materials in the abstract.
Can quartz be used outdoors?
Not in direct sunlight. Quartz is not UV stable and will fade over time outdoors. If you want a garden kitchen or a barbecue surface, Dekton is the appropriate choice.
Which has more design options?
Quartz, by a comfortable margin. It has been established far longer and the range of colours, veining and finishes across the brands is wider. Dekton has a strong range that mimics stone, concrete and metal, but quartz still offers more choice.
Which is easier to look after?
Both are non-porous and neither needs sealing. Dekton is marginally more forgiving because it resists heat and chemicals better. In normal daily use the difference is small, and warm water with mild soap suits both.
Where can I compare Dekton and quartz in person?
Our Welwyn showroom in Hertfordshire holds both, so you can see them side by side at full slab scale rather than judging from a sample. We work with homeowners, designers and architects across Hertfordshire, including St Albans, Harpenden, Hertford and Hatfield, as well as North London and the wider South East.
Continue Reading:
The Pros & Cons Of Dekton Worktops
Frequently Asked Questions on the Popular Material – Quartz
Designing Your Ideal Kitchen without Breaking the Bank
Whichever option you choose, both materials from Cawdor Stone offer exceptional beauty and durability, ensuring they are both worthwhile investments for any home. We have a huge selection online to browse or in our showroom keeping up with all the latest designs and colours from quartz brands and Dekton.
