Designing a new kitchen requires many decisions to be made including layout, door style and colour, finishes, appliances and more. An important choice to be made is what type of worktop to have. You use your kitchen multiple times a day for preparing food, cooking, family time and hosting so it should be durable and easy to maintain.
The most popular choices for worktops are quartz, granite and Dekton – but what is the difference and what is the best choice when designing a new kitchen? Well, there isn’t a single best material – the right choice depends on your priorities including durability, resistance to heat and staining, cleaning and design choices.
Dekton is an engineered ultra-compact surface made using a mixture of minerals subjected to very high pressure and temperature. Because of this method it can be made in very large slabs, making it ideal for large islands as no joins are required.
It’s extremely resistant to scratched and stains due to it being essentially non-porous. It can also handle extremely high temperatures which is a big bonus when comparing against quartz or granite.
Dekton is the highest quality worktop, but this comes with a high price tag. It’s ideal for busy kitchens and those that want a more high-end design and function but can be unforgiving if not installed properly.
Granite is a natural stone quarried from the earth, so every slab is unique with character. As worktops, the stone has depth and natural variation which can enhance the look of a more traditional kitchen and give a very bespoke style.
Good granite is exceptionally durable and has good heat resistance, but as it’s a natural stone, benefits from periodic sealing. This ensures the granite remains highly-stain resistant and hard wearing, resisting scratches and handling daily heavy use with ease.
If you are looking for a different look and find a beautiful granite slab that you absolutely love, it’s a superb choice for a kitchen worktop.
Quartz is engineered stone made from quartz particles and resin which make it the best value worktop and easiest option for everyday homes.
It’s non-porous, very stain resistant and easy to clean making it a great family friendly option. Plus, it’s available in an enormous range of colours and designs to fit any style.
The biggest downside to quartz is that it is not heatproof due to the materials used to produce it. Heat damage can cause discolouration to the worktop, so it is highly recommended to use a trivet under pans straight from the hob or oven.
Other considerations to take into account when choosing your worktop are things like thickness which can range depending on materials and application, edge profile, whether your sink will be undermounted or top mounted, splashback style and any overhangs in the design.
When making a choice about your worktops, it’s important to ask your supplier questions about what’s included in the quote, what the joins will look like, what warranty is provided and advice on maintenance.
In summary
Choose Dekton if:
You prioritise maximum durability, heat resistance and low maintenance and have a larger budget.
Choose granite if:
You want genuine natural stone and appreciate unique patterns and variation.
Choose quartz if:
You want a low-maintenance surface, lots of design choices and generally good value.
Dekton is arguably the strongest all-round performer, granite is the standout choice for natural stone, and quartz offers an excellent balance of appearance, practicality and price. Get in touch with our expert designs to explore your kitchen design options. Call 01675 442 022 or email [email protected]
