THE MOST POPULAR DEKTON COUNTERTOP COLORS OF 2023 PART 2

The most used color in dekton countertops
The most commonly used color for Dekton countertops may vary depending on regional trends and preferences, as well as the design styles popular at any given time. However, some Dekton colors have been very popular and widely used in countertops.

Among the most popular colors are:

Whites and light tones: White colors, such as "Blanc Concrete" or "Blanc Zeus," are classic and timeless options for countertops. These colors provide a clean, bright and versatile look that blends well with different kitchen design styles.

Grays and neutral tones: Gray and neutral tones, such as "Domoos" or "Trilium", are popular choices for Dekton countertops. These colors work well with a variety of styles and offer a modern and elegant look.

How to maintain dekton countertops:

To keep Dekton countertops in good condition and prolong their useful life, it is recommended to follow these maintenance guidelines:

• Daily cleaning: Clean the hob daily with a soft, damp cloth. You can use warm water and mild soap, avoiding abrasive or corrosive products. Then, dry the countertop with a clean, dry cloth to avoid water spots.
• Prevent Spills and Stains: Wipe up spills immediately to prevent liquid absorption and stain formation. Acidic products such as lemon, vinegar, bleach and strong cleaning products can damage the surface, so it is important to clean them immediately.
• Use coasters and coasters: Place coasters or placemats under hot containers, such as hot pots and pans, to prevent damage from direct heat. Also, use protectors to avoid scratches when cutting food or placing sharp objects on the counter.
• Avoid impacts and strong blows: Although Dekton is a resistant material, it is advisable to avoid strong blows or sudden impacts that could damage the surface.Use cutting boards when cutting food and avoid hitting heavy objects on the counter.

• Keep the joints sealed: If the countertop has joints, it is important to maintain the proper seal. Regularly check the condition of the sealant and, if necessary, apply a silicone sealant to maintain the integrity of the joints.
• Avoid using aggressive products: Do not use abrasive cleaners, strong chemical products, rough sponges or metal scourers, as they could scratch or damage the Dekton surface.

By following these maintenance guidelines, you will be able to keep your Dekton countertops in good condition and prolong their beauty and durability over time.

The importance of having adequate equipment to cut dekton and porcelain

Dekton, among other alternative stone materials, continues to grow in popularity for applications such as countertops, flooring, and both interior and exterior wall cladding. Being a hard dense product, it is crucial to use appropriate tooling during the fabrication process. Carlos Sustaita, production director for STA Granite, provides several important tips of advice for those working with compact sintered stone.

Why do products such as Dekton need special/different tools than those that are used for cutting granite and marble?

Material hardness is the key to understanding why you need different tools to fabricate Dekton. The material has a

very high density (ultra-compact), which means that if you don’t use proper tools, you can either break the tool or the material or even worse, damage the machinery.

The cutting process requires trimming the edges to release tensions. Then you have to follow cutting recommendations, which include using plenty of water, the proper speed, feed rate, etc. Once you follow the rules, it’s a piece of cake.

When doing edging on Dekton, What is the difference in the process compared to a natural stone?

In this sense, Dekton’s edge is very easy to work with since the material is very homogeneous, and it is easy to get very good results. Any fabricator can do it well on the first attempt.

What are some common mistakes that fabricators are making when it comes to cutting this material? And, what are some common mistakes with doing edging or doing sinkholes or something?

The main mistake is trying to fabricate Dekton as if it was a granite or quartz composite. You will fail if you use the same tools, speed rates, and so on. Another common mistake is trying to cut Dekton in uneven support. It is a common source of problems too.

Sometimes people ask about what machine is best to cut Dekton. I believe the key is not the machine but the tools and proper maintenance. I have seen people with very modest equipment doing amazing things and the other way around.

7 Keys for Cutting Ultra-Compact and Sintered Dekton and Porcelain Materials

1. Water

It may seem too simple or too intuitive to matter, but less than adequate water AND hoses positioned incorrectly is the most common error causing headaches among cutting these materials.

2. Check your table level

One of the more overlooked aspects of successful cutting is, to the degree that your table is not level in the horizontal plane, vibrations will occur. This unevenness can result in chipping and likely breaking the edge of your slab.

3. Buy the right blade

As cliche, as it may sound, choosing the right blade for the material you are processing, is critical.

4. Removing tensioning strips

While each manufacturer of ultra-compact and sintered porcelain materials may, or may not have tensioning strips built into the perimeters of each slab, if they are not removed before cutting, the slab is at higher risk of cracking or breaking.

5. Feed rate and RPMs

Using the same feed rate and RPMs you may be accustomed to when cutting other materials can be a recipe for trouble. Unlike fabricating more common materials such as marble and granite, we’ve seen the most success cutting ultra-compact and sintered porcelain materials when following a systemized approach is used.

6. Avoiding Plunging

While plunge cutting tends to be of little concern for most sawyers when cutting ultra-compact and sintered porcelain materials it can pose big problems resulting in cracking or breaking your slab.

7. Cutting Sinks

Projects requiring a sink cut-out can be an obstacle many fabricators dread. Since we already know plunging is not the ideal way to go about this, what are your options? When preparing a sink cut-out, it is advised to drill each of the four corners with a 1/2” core bit before to start initiating cutting.