THE MOST POPULAR DEKTON COUNTERTOP COLORS OF 2023 PART 3

Comparison of Dekton countertops with granite

Both Dekton and granite countertops are popular and long-lasting options for kitchens and bathrooms. Here is a comparison between the two materials:

Resistance: Both Dekton and granite are highly resistant materials. Dekton is known for its resistance to scratches, heat, and stains. Granite is also scratch and heat-resistant, but it is more porous and may require periodic sealing to prevent staining.

Durability: Both materials are durable, but Dekton stands out for its high resistance to abrasion and impact. Granite is tough, but it can be prone to fracture if subjected to a strong blow.

Maintenance: Dekton requires easier maintenance, as it is less porous and less prone to stains than granite. Granite countertops must be sealed regularly to prevent the absorption of liquids and stains.

Variety of colors and styles: Both Dekton and granite offer a wide range of colors and patterns. Granite has a natural and unique appearance, with variations in patterns and colors due to its geological formation. Dekton offers a variety of colors and textures, including options that mimic the look of granite.

Installation: Both materials require professional installation due to their weight and the need for precise cuts. Granite is heavier than Dekton, so it may require additional reinforcement in the support structure.

Cost: The cost of granite countertops varies depending on the quality and rarity of the type of granite selected. Dekton tends to cost the same or slightly more, depending on the color and finish chosen.

In short, both Dekton and granite countertops are durable and aesthetically appealing options. Dekton offers greater resistance to stains and impact, as well as easier maintenance. Granite looks natural and unique but requires regular sealing and can be more prone to staining. The choice between both materials will depend on your personal preferences, the design style, and the available budget.

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.