Alongside quartz, you will often see Dekton and porcelain worktops recommended as "indestructible" surfaces. They are excellent materials, but they are not identical, and they are not right for every kitchen. Here is how they compare.
What they are
Quartz is engineered stone: natural quartz bound with resin. Dekton and porcelain are sintered surfaces, made by pressing minerals under extreme heat and pressure with no resin at all. That makes them very heat, scratch and UV resistant.
Side by side
| Quartz | Dekton | Porcelain | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Heat | Use a trivet | Excellent | Excellent |
| Scratches | Very good | Excellent | Excellent |
| UV / outdoors | Not recommended | Yes | Yes |
| Edge chipping | Low risk | Low to moderate | Higher risk |
| Choice of looks | Widest | Wide | Wide |
| Thickness | 20mm or 30mm | Typically thinner | Typically 20mm or thinner |
Why we recommend Dekton over porcelain
Porcelain and Dekton are often priced similarly, but in our experience Dekton is more robust and less prone to chips, particularly on edges and around cut-outs. If you want a sintered surface, we strongly advise choosing Dekton. See our Dekton range.
When quartz is the better choice
For most indoor kitchens, quartz remains our first recommendation. It is a little more forgiving to fabricate and fit, edges are less vulnerable to knocks, it comes in the widest range of looks, and it is available in a chunkier 30mm. Just use a trivet for hot pans.
Fabrication and fitting
Sintered surfaces are harder to cut and much less forgiving if knocked during fitting, which is why choosing an experienced fabricator matters. Quartz is easier to work, allows a wider choice of edge profiles and can be made in 30mm. Dekton offers more edge options than porcelain, but sharp, square edges are generally the safest choice on any sintered surface.
Looks and colour
All three now offer convincing marble, concrete and plain looks. Quartz has the biggest range, with over 60 finishes in ours alone, including bright whites, sparkles and printed marbles. Dekton is especially strong on dark, industrial and concrete looks. Browse our quartz range and Dekton side by side.
Cost compared
Dekton and porcelain usually sit above most quartz in price, partly because they are harder to fabricate. If you love a particular look, it is worth pricing it in both quartz and Dekton: the difference is sometimes smaller than you expect.
When Dekton makes sense
Choose Dekton for outdoor kitchens, very sunny spaces where UV could affect resin, or if you really want to put hot pans straight down. Black, concrete and marble looks such as Black Marquina are all available.
In short
- Quartz: our default for indoor kitchens, widest choice, forgiving edges.
- Dekton: best for heat, UV and outdoor use; we recommend it over porcelain.
- Porcelain: similar strengths, but more prone to chipping in our experience.
Frequently asked questions
Is Dekton better than quartz?
Dekton handles heat and UV better. Quartz is more forgiving at the edges and offers more looks. For indoor kitchens, both are excellent.
Can porcelain worktops chip?
Yes, porcelain can chip, particularly on edges and corners. That is one reason we recommend Dekton instead.
Which is best for an outdoor kitchen?
Dekton, because it is UV stable and weather resistant. Quartz is not recommended outdoors.