About DEKTON®

DEKTON® is an Ultracompact surface engineered by Cosentino that can be used for multiple applications. The material is extremely durable and offers a versatility that is drawing more people to it each day. Why is it growing in popularity? Does it require any special fabrication knowledge or tooling? What is the routine for caring for and maintaining a DEKTON® surface? We will answer all those questions in this article.

DEKTON® Ultracompact Surfaces

DEKTON® is a relatively new surface that has been designed for use in a variety of architectural applications and is available in a number of colors. To understand what DEKTON® is it is important to understand how it is engineered.

The surface is produced using a technology called TSP. This exclusive technology is virtually a faster version the changes that naturally occur during metamorphosis when one type of natural stone transforms into another. The technology used is a special method for producing sintered materials. DEKTON® Ultracompact Surfaces are very interesting to those that have not yet heard about this revolutionary surface. Why is the the case?

One reason that people are interested in DEKTON® is because it is virtually in a class by itself. Some would even go as far to say that is is the best of all worlds. Notice this quote taken from the DEKTON® website:

DEKTON IS A SOPHISTICATED BLEND OF THE RAW MATERIALS USED TO PRODUCE THE VERY LATEST IN GLASS AND PORCELAIN AS WELL AS THE HIGHEST QUALITY QUARTZ WORK SURFACES.

You might be wondering how DEKTON® compares with natural stone surfaces. Natural stone offers some benefits that other materials do not offer. One example is heat resistance and scratch resistance. Of course, materials vary on how scratch resistant they are if they are taken from nature. DEKTON® on the other hand is produced in a controlled manner. Additionally, it is engineered in much the same way that nature forms certain rock; using intense heat and pressure. The result is an extremely hard material.

Benefits of DEKTON®

DEKTON® surfaces are becoming more and more popular because of the advantages they offer. All you have to do is compare this material with other materials to find out if it offers what you would consider to be advantages. Of course, no material is the best for every person in all situations. Yet, here are some things that attract newcomers to the DEKTON® material:

• Extremely Versatile
• Very Durable
• Highly Stain Resistant
• Adapts to Temperature Change

Versatility

Let's briefly summarize each of those benefits. Like natural stone DEKTON® is very versatile. In fact, it is used for all sorts of surfaces including:

• Countertops
• Flooring
• Wall Surfaces
• Building Facades

Durability

You are no doubt aware that many surfaces are susceptible to scratching. Everyday use for some surfaces can result in the surface becoming dull or hazy. This is often from very small scratches that may not be readily noticeable to the naked eye. However, this minor marred spots can collectively create a cloudy appearance on the surface. With DEKTON® these scratches do not happen. In fact, you can even use the surface of a DEKTON® countertop as a cutting board. It's not recommended though because it will actually dull your knives. It does however highlight the durability of the surface.

Resistant to Stains

DEKTON® is non-porous and is highly stain resistant. Its non-porous surface means liquids stay on the surface and do not penetrate the material. Although substances can dry on surface, they can be removed rather easily by using the appropriate cleaner. Various cleaners are made for counteracting specific types of stain-causing substances. Cosentino has published a list of chemicals and/or cleaners that can be used to neutralize stains on the surface of DEKTON®.

Fabricating DEKTON® Ultracompact Surfaces

Fabricators of natural stone surfaces and other engineered materials have many of the machines that are needed to fabricate DEKTON® surfaces. However, there are some specific practices and some special kinds of tools that will make fabricating DEKTON® much more efficient. Let's briefly discuss a couple of these points.

Diamond Blades for DEKTON®

One of the major tools that a fabricator will need to begin working with DEKTON® is a blade made for cutting DEKTON®. DEKTON® blades are made using special specifications so that they cut very hard materials. They also need to cut quickly and cleanly so they do not slow progress or hurt the finish of the surface.

Even though the proper blade is used, it still must be used properly in order to be effective. DEKTON® has published best practices to assist fabricators with adjusting to working with this material.

DEKTON® Care & Maintenance

As mentioned earlier, DEKTON® surfaces are very stain resistant and can be cleaned using a variety of cleaners. Each cleaner that can be used for a specific type of stain or discoloration can be matched up to the substance on the surface. Some types of cleaners that an be used on DEKTON® include acids, alkaline cleaners, solvents, and oxidants. All of these cleaner types are acceptable for use on DEKTON® Each attacks a different type of stain.

It is easy to see why DEKTON® is so noticeable as an option for a variety of applications. If you haven't heard about this relatively new material, why not check it out?