DEKTON® Countertops

Are you looking for information about DEKTON® Ultracompact Countertop Surfaces? Many are doing just that, and for various reasons. For example, stone and engineered quartz fabricators are looking into adding DEKTON® surfaces to the materials they offer. Designers come across this relatively new material when exploring new concepts or design palettes. And homeowners are now learning about this interesting countertop option when they see it in the big box home improvement stores. In this article we will discuss some aspects of DEKTON® countertops and why these facets of the subject are of interest to various individuals taking an interest in them.

Shopping for DEKTON® Kitchen Surfaces

The first aspect we will consider is what you can expect when you shop for DEKTON® kitchen surfaces. We use the phrase "kitchen surfaces" because This material is actually used for other surfaces as well as countertops. So, although we will only be discussing counters in this article. Keep in mind that DEKTON® is actually a material that is used for many applications.

One of the main things you will discover when you shop for DEKTON® countertops is that they have a higher price per square foot than other countertop materials. We will get into some of the reasons why that is the case a little later. However, for now, just know that it is because the material is different from any other kind of material to which it is compared. When shopping for DEKTON® countertops you will find that it is classified as an Ultracompact surface. This is different from other materials like engineered quartz or natural stone materials used for kitchen countertops. It might helpful to know that because if you ask for help with "granite", "quartz", or "engineered stone" countertops, you may not ever be shown this unique option. However, asking for "Ultracompact Surfaces" or "DEKTON®" will increase your chance of seeing a variety of colors and patterns.

Designing With DEKTON® Countertops

One facet of selecting a kitchen countertop is the design compatibility. This is of particular interest to Designer and Interior Decorators. Popular design styles and trends for interior decorating play a large role in the material that is used for a particular project. What about DEKTON® countertop surfaces? Do the colors and surface patterns coordinate with popular design styles? The answer is a resounding yes! One example of this is the Trilium surface and its uses in popular design styles. We have even published articles about using Trilium in various design styles. Yes, DEKTON® proves to be a good design choice for kitchens. It is also a good material for kitchen countertops. This is primarily due to its durability and strength.

Durability of DEKTON® Countertop Surfaces

A durable kitchen countertop is a must when it comes to choosing a good material for a kitchen countertop. This is because the kitchen is often times the center of familial activity and entertaining. The countertop takes the brunt of the use too. How many times have you been huddled around your kitchen as a family just talking about everyday matters or important upcoming events? Since the kitchen countertop carries such a heavy load, it is imperative that it be durable. What about DEKTON®? Is it durable?

When it comes to durability, DEKTON® countertops are unsurpassed in durability and versatility. Ultracompact surfaces have a particular set of properties that make them extremely durable and they can be used in ways that other materials simply cannot. Let's look at some specific features that make DEKTON® countertops so durable.

Durable Against Scratching

DEKTON® countertops are more than just scratch resistant. They are virtually scratch-proof under normal everyday use. For example, a DEKTON® kitchen countertop does not require a cutting board be used when preparing a meal. That's right! Just cut your vegetables or other food item right on the countertop. Although you will want to invest in a good knife sharpener if you do this regularly; since the countertop is so hard it will dull the knife. But this fact underscores just how scratch resistant DEKTON® kitchen surfaces are. Yet, scratching is not the only potential issue when it comes to a countertop's durability.

Heat Resistance and Durability

Another aspect of the durability of kitchen countertops is how well the surface resists heat. How doe DEKTON® hold up to heat? Well, let's just say that you can leave your hot pads and trivets in the cabinet. Taking a hot pan or skillet off the stove top and setting it right on the DEKTON® countertop is a practice that owners of this material do without worrying a bit. DEKTON® surfaces are created using an intense amount of pressure and heat so the everyday temperatures they are exposed to do not affect them. Heat resistance is a big part of durability when it comes to kitchen countertops. And DEKTON® offers tremendous heat resistance.

Durability Against Staining

The last aspect of durability that we will discuss here is the ability of DEKTON® to resist stains and discolorations. These are usually caused by substances that harm other materials used as kitchen countertops. DEKTON® Ultracompact Surfaces have a non-porous surface. So, they do not absorb liquids that can harm kitchen countertops. This is particularly a potential issue for natural stone surfaces. Yet, DEKTON® does not. Liquids stay on the surface and are not absorbed into the material so it doesn't stain or discolor your surface. As a result, there is no need to seal, polish, or otherwise treat a DEKTON® countertop. Does that mean that you will never have a need for cleaners or chemicals? Let's find out.

Caring for Ultracompact Countertops

Caring for a DEKTON® surface is somewhat different than the care and maintenance routine recommended for other surface types. For some materials you must seal the stone periodically. Caring for granite stone surfaces and other natural stone require this type of consideration. For others, you have to be careful to use the proper kinds of cleaners since acids can dissolve the material. One example of this is natural marble. And still yet, some materials like quartz can be sensitive to highly alkaline detergents because of the resin in the material. What about DEKTON® kitchen surfaces?

DEKTON® care and maintenance is easy compared to other materials used for kitchen countertops. DEKTON® countertops are highly resistant to chemicals. Additionally, many household cleaners can be used on them without hurting the surface. For the most part hot soapy water is perfectly fine for everyday cleaning. And if like a lot of people, you want something to disinfect the DEKTON® surface, you can use a number of cleaners since the surface is cleaner friendly. But sometimes, you need something stronger. Why is that the case?

Normal stains are no the full limit of what might need to be cleaned from a kitchen counter. For example, some foods or liquids can dry on the surface. Or some other substance can get on the surface and dry; like magic markers or paint. discolorations of this nature will require very specific chemical types to remove. Just determine which kind of stain you have and then use the appropriate cleaner on that stain.

DEKTON® Countertops & Fabrication

Stone fabricators also are interested in the idea of DEKTON® countertops. Many professionals are sometimes looking to expand the kinds of materials that they work with. Because of this, when a new material or an improved material surfaces in the industry, they want to check it out to see whether it is feasible to add it to the existing materials with which they work. So, let's look at some of the things a fabricator needs to know to add DEKTON® countertops to the repertoire.

Cutting DEKTON® Counters

Perhaps the main thing to know is that working with DEKTON® will require an adjustment in work flow. This is because Ultracompact materials require what are known as "relief cuts" around the perimeter to reduce the stress inherent with Ultracompact surfaces Making these relief cuts is important to success of the project.

Besides knowing about the need for relief cuts, fabricators should use only diamond blades designed for cutting DEKTON® surfaces. Since DEKTON® is such a hard material, it must be cut using the correct blade. Having a blade designed to cut these kinds of materials makes the project more successful. There are other important pieces of information necessary for working with Ultracompact surfaces as well.

Knowing how to work with Ultracompact surfaces and being aware of which blade to use are two important pieces of information to consider when determining what will be needed to fabricate DEKTON® Ultracompact surfaces.

As we have seen, there are various kinds of individuals that have an interest in DEKTON®. Whether you are a home owner, designer, fabricators, or just someone that is interested in countertop surfaces. No doubt, that with a little bit of research you can find an abundance of helpful information to guide you in learning about this remarkable surface material.