A guide to choosing Stone Worktops

Why Choose Stone Worktops?

Stone worktops are a popular choice for kitchens due to their durability, stylish appearance, and ease of maintenance. Whether you’re looking for a natural stone like granite or a manufactured surface like quartz, these worktops provide a premium finish that enhances any kitchen design.

Among the many options available, quartz worktops offer exceptional versatility and performance. Silestone, a premium quartz surface by Cosentino, is one of the most well-known brands in this category. For those seeking an ultra-durable, high-tech solution, Dekton worktops, another Cosentino brand, provide an outstanding alternative.

Natural Stone Sales supplies both Silestone and Dekton worktops, ensuring a perfect fit for your kitchen with expert installation and a wide range of design options.

This guide explores the advantages of stone worktops, focusing on Silestone quartz and Dekton surfaces to help you decide which is best for your kitchen.

What Are Quartz Worktops?

Quartz worktops are an engineered stone surface made from crushed quartz crystals combined with resins and pigments. This manufacturing process creates a worktop that is non-porous, resistant to stains, and available in a vast range of colours and patterns.

Introducing Silestone: A Leading Quartz Brand

Silestone is a premium quartz worktop brand manufactured by Cosentino. Made with a high percentage of natural quartz, it combines durability with elegant design, making it one of the most popular choices for modern kitchens.

Key Benefits of Silestone Quartz Worktops

Durability – Silestone worktops are highly resistant to scratches, chips, and cracks, making them ideal for busy kitchens.
Low Maintenance – Unlike natural stone, Silestone does not require sealing. A simple wipe-down with warm water and mild detergent is enough to keep it clean.
Stain Resistance – The non-porous nature of Silestone prevents stains from penetrating, making it ideal for kitchens where spills are common.
Variety of Designs – Available in a vast range of colours and patterns, including designs that mimic natural stone like marble or granite.
Hygienic Surface – Silestone incorporates HybriQ+ Technology, an advanced manufacturing process that uses recycled materials and offers antimicrobial protection.
Resistant to Acids and Chemicals – Unlike natural stone, Silestone resists damage from acidic foods like lemon juice and vinegar.
Available in Multiple Thicknesses – Silestone is offered in 12mm, 20mm, and 30mm thicknesses, allowing flexibility in design.
Custom Edge Profiles – Choose from a range of edge designs, including straight, bevelled, and bullnose edges, to match your kitchen aesthetic.

What Are Dekton Worktops?

Dekton is a porcelain-based worktop that offers a revolutionary approach to kitchen surfaces. Developed by Cosentino, Dekton is created from a blend of quartz, porcelain, and glass, which are fused together under extreme pressure and heat. This process results in a worktop that is incredibly strong, compact, and versatile.

Key Benefits of Dekton Worktops

Superior Strength – Dekton is even more durable than quartz, resisting scratches, chips, and impact damage.
Heat and UV Resistance – Unlike some stone worktops, Dekton can withstand extreme heat without scorching. It is also UV-resistant, making it ideal for outdoor use.
Water and Stain Resistance – Dekton is completely non-porous, preventing moisture and stains from seeping into the surface.
Ultra-Thin Profiles – Because of its dense composition, Dekton can be manufactured in thinner slabs than traditional stone worktops, offering a sleek, modern aesthetic.
Hygienic and Low Maintenance – With no need for sealing and an easy-to-clean surface, Dekton is perfect for kitchens where hygiene is a priority.
Multiple Thickness Options – Available in 4mm, 8mm, 12mm, 20mm, and 30mm thicknesses, providing solutions for worktops, wall cladding, and flooring.
Custom Edge Profiles – Dekton also offers a variety of edge finishes, from squared to rounded profiles, allowing for personalised kitchen designs.

Silestone vs Dekton: Which is Right for You?

Both Silestone and Dekton worktops offer excellent durability, style, and performance, but they have some key differences:

Feature	Silestone Quartz Worktops	Dekton Worktops
Material Composition	Quartz and resin	Quartz, porcelain, and glass
Durability	Highly resistant to scratches and stains	Extremely durable and impact-resistant
Heat Resistance	Can withstand some heat but not extreme temperatures	Fully heat-resistant and UV-proof
Maintenance	Low-maintenance but requires some care with heat	Virtually maintenance-free
Outdoor Use	Not recommended	Suitable for both indoor and outdoor spaces
Surface Hygiene	Includes antimicrobial protection	Non-porous and highly hygienic
Thickness Options	12mm, 20mm, 30mm	4mm, 8mm, 12mm, 20mm, 30mm
Edge Designs	Various, including bevelled and bullnose	Various, including squared and rounded

If you’re looking for a worktop with a natural stone appearance, low maintenance, and high durability, Silestone is a great choice. However, if you need an ultra-durable, heat-resistant, and versatile surface, Dekton may be the better option.

Where to Use Silestone and Dekton Worktops

Because of their exceptional properties, both Silestone and Dekton can be used in a variety of applications:

Silestone Applications

Kitchen Worktops – Offers a luxurious, elegant look with superior durability.
Bathroom Vanity Tops – Resistant to moisture, stains, and chemicals.
Splashbacks – Can be used for seamless splashbacks to complement kitchen designs.
Tabletops and Desks – A stylish option for home offices or dining areas.

Dekton Applications

Kitchen Worktops – Provides a high-performance surface resistant to heat, stains, and scratches.
Bathroom Vanity Tops – Its non-porous nature ensures water resistance.
Flooring – Dekton’s strength allows it to be used as a high-performance flooring material.
Outdoor Kitchens – Its UV resistance makes it perfect for outdoor cooking areas.
Wall Cladding – The sleek, thin profile of Dekton makes it suitable for decorative wall panels.

Choosing the Right Stone Worktop for Your Kitchen

When selecting a stone worktop, consider:

Your Kitchen Style – If you want a classic stone look, Silestone quartz worktops offer a wide range of natural-inspired designs. For a sleek, ultra-modern appearance, Dekton is an excellent option.
Durability Needs – If you do a lot of high-heat cooking, Dekton is the better choice due to its heat resistance. If you prefer a softer, slightly more forgiving surface, Silestone may be ideal.
Budget – While both options offer premium quality, Dekton can sometimes be more expensive due to its manufacturing process and high durability.
Maintenance Preferences – If you want a worktop that requires the absolute minimum upkeep, Dekton’s fully non-porous surface makes it a practical choice.

Final Thoughts

Natural Stone Sales supplies and installs Silestone quartz and Dekton worktops, ensuring a flawless fit in your kitchen. Their expert team can help you choose the right thickness and edge profile for your space, delivering a bespoke design that meets your needs.

Whether you choose Silestone for its elegant finish or Dekton for its unmatched strength, both materials will enhance your kitchen with a sophisticated and hard-wearing surface. If you’re looking for expert advice and high-quality stone worktops, visit a reputable supplier to explore the best options for your home.