Dekton and quartz are popular countertop choices for modern homes. They’re known for their durability, functionality, and attractiveness.
We’ve compared these materials to help you decide which suits your home best.
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Both Dekton and quartz are popular countertop materials. Each has its strengths to match your needs.
Choose Dekton if you want a durable and heat-resistant countertop. On the other hand, quartz is consistent in appearance, low-maintenance, and less expensive.
When deciding, you’ll want to consider characteristics like heat, stain, and scratch resistance, as well as your budget and style preferences. Read on to discover more about Dekton and quartz countertops!
Comparing Dekton And Quartz Countertops
There are many countertop materials that homeowners can use to enhance their home interiors. To help you choose an appealing countertop, let’s take a look at two popular materials you can choose from.
Dekton
Dekton is a relatively new countertop material that was introduced in 2013 by a Spanish company. The company developed Dekton by sintering more than 20 natural mineral particles, creating an ultra-compact surface.
According to Consentino, Dekton has no micro-defects or near-null porosity and resists abrasion, impacts, scratches, stains, and water.
It is low maintenance and comes with a 25-year warranty. Dekton offers various colors, sizes, and styles to suit different kitchen types.
Here are the pros and cons of Dekton:
Pros
- Highly durable
- Tolerant to high temperatures and fire
- Customizable
- Available in large sizes for easy installation
- Suits indoor and outdoor use
- Longer product warranty
- Scratchproof
- Stain-resistant
- Water-resistant
Cons
- Expensive
- Limited availability
- Limited edge styles (simple squared or mitered edge)
- Needs professional installation
- Only a few fabricators and installers
- Pigments do not extend fully
- Prone to chipping
Quartz
Quartz is a common countertop material. The material is a combination of man-made and natural elements.
It contains around 94% natural quartz and 6% polymer resins. A mixture of chemical resins and pigments gives this countertop its vibrant colors.
Shown below are the pros and cons of quartz:
Pros
- Scratch-resistant
- Can suit any style
- Consistent color
- Immune to freezing and thawing
- Low-maintenance
- Non-porous surface
- Wide range of colors and designs
Cons
- Expensive for high-quality variants
- Easily discolors when stained by food and other products
- Weak heat and UV-resistance
- Needs professional installation
Comparison
From the details above, here is a comparison of the two countertop materials:
- Dekton is stainproof, while quartz is only stain-resistant.
- Dekton is fireproof, but quartz is not.
- Dekton is UV-proof, unlike quartz, which will discolor when exposed to the sun.
- Dekton is more compact than quartz.
- Quartz has more color and design options than Dekton.
- Quartz is available anywhere compared to Dekton. Likewise, finding an installer is easy for quartz.
Based on the comparison, Dekton is better than quartz in most factors. You can still choose quartz if it fits your preferences.
Similarities And Differences Between Dekton And Quartz
Other than comparing the two materials, you can also learn their similarities and differences to help you decide which is better.
Similarities of Dekton and quartz are the following:
- Both engineered stone surfaces
- Fabrication process
- Low-maintenance
- Non-porous
- Similar fabrication process and installation
- Both do not require sealing
- Will not easily chip
While the differences in the materials include:
- Level of heat and scratch-resistance
- Raw materials used
- Technology involved
What To Consider When Choosing Between Dekton And Quartz?
When evaluating the two countertop materials, you should consider some factors for your decision-making.
Installation
Installation is vital to consider. Adding countertops is not an easy task. You will not have a problem with both Dekton and quartz because they do not require sealing.
However, the countertop should be installed with care to maintain its condition. A D-I-Y installation might cost more than the normal price range.
Location
You must decide where to use the countertop, as location influences maintenance. Countertops are typically used indoors, but some materials work outdoors too.
The countertop material has different heat and UV ray tolerance.
Dekton is great outdoors because of its high UV resistance. If you choose quartz outdoors, they are vulnerable to harsh and ever-changing outside conditions.
Hence, you should add some protection for the countertop when outside. Understand the sunlight exposure and the weather before you install the countertop in a safe place.
Price
Your budget can influence which countertop material you can afford. Between Dekton and quartz, quartz is cheaper. However, if you choose high-quality quartz, the price can be at par with Dekton.
The cost of installed Dekton ranges from $55-115 per square foot. For simple quartz designs, the price is around $50-70 per square foot. The installation of quartz is from $2,000-3,900.
Design
If you are keen on the design elements of your home, you can choose from a wide range of colors and finishes. Dekton has over 40+ colors, while quartz has a wider array.
Most quartz countertops are in basic neutral colors, but there are hues like pink or blue that expand the color options.
Availability
If you factor in the availability of the countertop material, you will be able to narrow down your choice easily.
You might want Dekton, but very few stores offer this countertop. Quartz is a convenient choice because it is available in most stores.
Maintenance
Your countertop choice should be easy to clean, as spills can affect the material’s finish. It’s beneficial if the material is mold, water, and stain-resistant.
You’ll also want to consider the longevity and durability against damage like chipping, splitting, heat, and scratches.
You do numerous activities on the countertops, so you need to choose a durable material. No countertop material is perfect, so decide which one best meets your needs.
How To Maintain Your Kitchen Countertops
Notwithstanding your countertop choice, you should learn how to take care of it. Countertops should last a long time because they are costly.
Read below how you can maintain Dekton and quartz countertops.
Dekton Care Tips
Here are the tips to follow for Dekton countertops:
- Rinse any stain on the surface by wiping a clean cloth with water. Clean in a circular motion for 1-2 minutes. Afterward, dry it with a kitchen towel.
- If the stains remain, use a blue scouring pad, limescale remover, and water.
- For limescale stains, use an anti-limescale solution diluted in water.
- You can use disinfectant products on the countertop. It is okay to use diluted products. If undiluted, you should not leave it on the surface for more than 5 minutes.
- Avoid hydrofluoric products because they damage the surface.
- Prevent chipping by rounding the edges.
- Avoid direct contact with hot metals, naked flame, and other direct heat sources.
If your Dekton needs repairs, let a reliable marble supplier do the job.
Quartz Care Tips
Follow the care tips for quartz countertops below:
- Mix mild dish soap with warm water and use a soft rag to wipe the surface.
- If there are dried gunk buildups, use a putty knife to scrape it.
- Avoid products with bleach, acidic, and high-alkaline cleaners. Find a dedicated cleaning solution for quartz.
- Use mats or trivets to protect the quartz surface from hot materials.
- Always use a chopping board over the countertop when cutting.
With these tips, your countertops will last longer and keep their appearance.
In Summary
Dekton and quartz are top choices for countertops. Both have their pros and cons to consider.
Dekton outperforms quartz in terms of durability, heat resistance, and UV resistance. Quartz is still a great option if Dekton is not available in your area or if you want a less expensive countertop.
Regardless of your choice, it’s important to maintain your countertops well to make them last the longest.
To learn more about countertops, check out these informative articles:
Can You Use Floor Tile For Kitchen Countertops Or Backsplash?
Is Granite Cheaper Than Quartz? [Which Is Better?]
