Dekton vs. Granite Countertops: Pros & Cons
Dekton and granite are popular choices for countertops because they have both timeless and practical qualities that enrich your space. In this blog, we look at the pros and cons of each material to help you choose one for your kitchen, bathroom or both.
There are many countertop materials out there. And if you’ve been looking for countertops with durability in mind, you’ve likely come across granite and a manufactured alternative known as Dekton.
Dekton vs. Granite: Defined
Dekton – or, ultra compact surfacing – is a manufactured material made up of the same raw materials that go into glass, porcelain and quartz. It’s made using Sinterized Particle Technology, a high-tech process that simulates an accelerated version of the metamorphic change that natural stone undergoes when subjected to high temperatures and pressure over thousands of years. Dekton first became available in 2013.
Granite is a natural stone that mainly consists of quartz, mica and feldspar. It’s made from igneous rock and is one of the most durable natural stones in the world. Although granite countertops have been around since the early 20th century, they didn’t become popular until the late ‘80s.
Dekton and granite are similar materials when it comes to durability yet unique aesthetic and functional qualities, making it hard to decide which one to use for your kitchen or bathroom remodel. That’s why we came up with pros and cons of each to help you decide.
Dekton Countertops: Pros
Non-Porous
Dekton is ultra compact, meaning it has a hard surface without porosity. This makes it highly durable and resistant to scratches and stains. Plus, its absence of pores means there’s no need for sealing, saving you time, money and energy.
Multiple Thicknesses
Dekton product is not only ideal for countertops but also can be used for full-height splashes, wall-cladding and floors. The 2cm slab is typical for countertops but is available in thinner thicknesses for walls and floor use.
High Heat Resistance
Dekton is highly resistant to heat, meaning its surface won’t burn, crack or scorch when exposed to high temperatures. You can even place a hot pot right on the countertop without risking damage, which you can’t say for every material. (Although we would always recommend it to protect your investment!)
Dekton Countertops: Cons
Higher Price Points
While Dekton is similar in cost to materials like granite and quartz, it’s still on the higher end of the price list. One of the main reasons is because it has a complex manufacturing/fabrication process. Be sure to look for an experienced fabricator with this specific product.
Hard to Repair
Despite its durability, Dekton can still potentially crack and chip. This wouldn’t be such a problem if Dekton wasn’t so hard to repair. Its extreme hardness can make it more challenging to fix than some other countertop materials.
Limited Eco-Friendly Color Options
Unfortunately, Dekton only has one color option that’s made entirely of recycled materials: Trillium. However, Dekton does contain quartz, which is one of Earth’s most abundant natural resources.
Granite Countertops: Pros
Low Maintenance
You’ll use your countertops a lot, especially when it comes to preparing meals. So you want a countertop material that’s easy to clean and hard to damage. Luckily, granite doesn’t require a lot of maintenance, and it’s resistant to scratches and heat, making it an ideal material for your kitchen countertops.
Eco-Friendly
Granite is a natural material that undergoes minimal processing to form into a slab, making it one of the most eco-friendly options available.
Long-Lasting
If you want a material that lasts a long time, granite is a great choice. When treated well and sealed correctly, your granite will last for many years to come. It also helps that granite is highly resistant to heat and scratches, prolonging the countertop’s life.
Granite Countertops: Cons
Can Be Pricey
Granite countertops can be pricier than some other options, like laminate or ceramic tile. And while exotic colors patterns will also increase the cost, they will make up for it by adding extra value to your kitchen or bathroom.
Requires Sealing
Another drawback of granite countertops is that they require sealing periodically in order to keep the surface protected. If you don’t seal it, your countertop could absorb stains, which could require a service call. Generally, lighter color stones require more frequent sealing. This is a downside for some, but granite is still among the top materials homeowners purchase for countertops.
Visible Seams
Stone products in general require seams to join multiple sections of countertop. The number of seams depends on the specific layout, site access and size of slabs. While this doesn’t affect the functionality of the countertop, it may take away from the appearance if not installed correctly, so be sure to work with a well-established fabricator and ask to see examples of their work before purchasing.
Conclusion: Dekton vs. Granite
The decision between Dekton vs. granite countertops is a hard one that ultimately comes down to personal preference. Luckily, you can rest easy knowing that Dekton and granite are both quality countertop materials that can transform your kitchen or bathroom into the space of your dreams.
Find elegant Dekton and granite countertop materials for your next project at Eastern Surfaces. Ask for more information on countertop materials by contacting us.
