Comparing Concrete With DEKTON®

There are a vast number of materials available form which to make kitchen countertops. Among these are materials that have been used for many years. However, there are also materials that have only recently made their way into the kitchen and bathroom countertop space. Two of these relatively newer materials are DEKTON® and concrete. In this article we will compare these materials and examine the characteristics of each. As we do, we will discuss how these materials fair when used as a surface for kitchen or bathroom countertop surfaces.

Comparison Parameters

Comparing any two products, concepts, or ideas can take various forms. In our comparison of these materials we are going to limit our comparison to one application of each material. Since both materials are versatile and can be used for many applications, we will limit the scope of our comparison to kitchen countertops.

Characteristics of Concrete

We have already alluded to the fact that concrete is a versatile material that can be used for many purposes. This is because it has some very notable traits that make it an appropriate choice. Some of the properties of concrete that make it a good choice for countertops are:

• Mold-able
• Very Hard
• Durable
• Can be Dyed

Each of the above traits contribute to the versatility of concrete and allow it to be used as a countertop material. Since concrete can be formed into various shapes, cna be stamped or engraved, and is very durable when it is cured, it is easy to see why many feel it is a good choice for use as a countertop material.

Properties of DEKTON®

DEKTON® also is a good choice for use as a hard surface material. Because of the properties it offers, DEKTON® shines as a countertop surface. Note some of the characteristics of DEKTON®:

• Non-porous
• Very Durable
• Extremely Hard
• Chemical Tolerance
• Diverse Style Choices
• Withstands Rapid Temperature Change

Like the material concrete, DEKTON® also benefits from the qualities it possesses. The properties listed above translate into DEKTON®'s versatility. Those traits allow the material to be used for indoor and outdoor surfaces. Furthermore, DEKTON® performs very well as a countertop material.

Comparing Concrete & DEKTON® Similarities

At first glance, it may seem like these materials have nothing in common. In reality though, they are similar in specific ways. Let's explore some of the ways that concrete and DEKTON® are similar.

Both Materials Are Man Made

Both concrete and DEKTON® are man made materials. Because of this, the outcome is controlled. This means that Design and color options are able to be produced according to a planned result. In the case of concrete, custom countertop designers are available that can color, shape and create a wide range of designs. DEKTON® is not poured and formed, but upon looking at the DEKTON® colors available, one can see that there is a number of options and that virtually all design styles have multiple compatible DEKTON® colors.

Both Materials Are Heat Resistant

When it comes to concrete countertops, the material is itself a heat resistant material. Concrete though, is a porous material and must be sealed if you want to slow the material's absorption to extend the required time for clean up. Using the proper sealer is an important aspect of the material's heat resistance. Some sealers are not heat resistant and others are, so depending on the sealer you apply, you can obtain a highly heat tolerant concrete countertop.

DEKTON®, on the other hand, is a non-porous surface that needs no sealer. Because no sealer is needed, you only need to consider the heat resistance of the actual material. DEKTON® is produced using intense heat that is way hotter than temperatures used in a home environment. As a result, it is very tolerant of heat. Taking hot pots & pans from the surface of a stove and placing them directly on a countertop made from DEKTON® presents no problems.

In summary then, concrete countertops and DEKTON® countertops are both heat resistant, it's just that the DEKTON® surface is heat resistant right "out of the box", so-to-speak.

Each Material Is Scratch Resistant

Another trait that runs parallel in both of these materials is their scratch resistance. Each material is extremely hard. The hardness contributes to the surface's ability to resist scratching. Just as before, the scratch resistance of the concrete can be affected by the kind of sealer that is used to treat the surface of the countertop. But concrete itself is very resistant to scratching. Thus, the choice of sealer makes big difference in the performance of concrete.

In the case of DEKTON® countertops, they are scratch resistant as well. The material is so resistant to scratching, that food can be prepared right on the surface of the countertop. Many DEKTON® owners though, will choose not to cut directly on the countertop surface since it will dull knives. But, it is reassuring to know that the surface is not going to scratch from normal household use.

In short then, concrete and DEKTON® are very similar in their resistance to heat and to scratching. Both, are resistant in either aspect. The difference though is that concrete surfaces require sealer and DEKTON® does not. If specific sealers are used, they can reduce the the level of resistance that concrete has.

Concrete & DEKTON® Differences Compared

Even though both of these materials are man made, that is not to say that they are the same thing. We have already established that they share some common traits that make them both durable, long lasting options. But what about the differences? Let's look at the differences between concrete and DEKTON® next.

The diffferences between concrete countertops and DEKTON® countertops stem from the composition of these materials. Each material is made from specific ingredients and is formed in a specific way.

Concrete Composition

Concrete is composed of a mixture of various ingredients including water, cement, sand, gravel, and crushed stone. These ingredients are mixed together and when they mixture dries, the material hardens to form a substance with stone-like consistency.

Composition of DEKTON®

DEKTON® is made from a mixture of inorganic raw materials that are found in glass, porcelain tile, and natural quartz. The process that is used to make DEKTON® combines technology from various industries to produce a technology called PST (or Particle Sintering Technology). This process speeds up the process of metamorphism. The result is a solid mass of material with stone-like consistency.

One of the differences between these materials is the ingredients that are used to product them. These ingredients, along with the different processes produce surfaces that are different from one another. The surfaces have similar properties as we previously mentioned, but they are worked and cared for differently.

Working With and Caring for Concrete and DEKTON®

Working with DEKTON® and concrete requires similar tools and supplies. For example, to cut concrete you will need diamond saw blades specifically designed to cut hard materials. DEKTON® also requires the use of diamond blades for cutting it. DEKTON® Blades though are designed to cut DEKTON®. So, the difference in material necessitates a difference of tooling.

A Difference In Glue

Another difference that involves working concrete and DEKTON® is the glue that is needed for bonding these materials. One glue that could be used for bonding concrete would be Titanium cartridge glue. Titanium is available in a variety of colors including cement, which might be just the right color for some projects. But there are a number of colors of Titanium so you will most likely be able to match many concrete colors.

On the other hand, DEKTON® surfaces require an adhesive that can hold up to the environment in which it is installed. Yet the colors of DEKTON® surfaces are proprietary and specific. So, there are approved adhesives for use on DEKTON® surfaces. Mastidek adhesive is specifically formulated to bond DEKTON® material and it is formulated to match the colors of the material too.

Care and Maintenance

There are a number of stone cleaning products and sealers that could be used on concrete. The key is to work with your countertop installer to learn what cleaning program is recommended.

For DEKTON®, the type of cleaning product you choose will be determined by the kind of discoloration on the material. Here is a table of specific stain types and the recommended cleaning solution fo rthat stain:

In the end, which material you choose to use for your kitchen countertop will be affected by several factors. One thing is for certain though, if you know a bit about the materials you are considering and you are informed about what it takes to care for the material, you will be better equipped to make a decision that you are able to follow through on.