Ultra-compact Surfaces: A Revolution in Material Science
Ultra-compact surfaces, also known as sintered stones or surfaces, represent a significant advancement in material science. These innovative surfaces are crafted from natural mineral powders, including clay, feldspar, silica, and zircon. While the specific composition and manufacturing processes may vary between manufacturers, the core principle remains: mimicking the metamorphic changes natural stone undergoes over millennia.
This transformation occurs through sintering, where intense heat and pressure compress and fuse these mineral particles, creating an ultra-dense material with near-zero porosity. This unique technology results in a highly durable, heat-resistant surface, ideal for various applications.
Dekton® By Cosentino, A Material Built For Flexibility
Cosentino, a leading manufacturer in this field, further elevates the potential of ultra-compact surfaces by offering them in a remarkable range of thicknesses: 4, 8, 12, 20, and 30 millimetres (30 millimetres only available in the United States). This unmatched versatility allows for even greater design flexibility, making Dekton® suitable for everything from countertops and wall cladding to flooring and furniture.
Kitchen Countertops Application
Ultra-compact surfaces excel in kitchen applications, particularly for countertops. Unlike quartz and solid surfaces that contain resins, Ultra-compact surfaces retain their colour and finish even with prolonged sun exposure. Their high density makes them exceptionally resistant to scratches from everyday kitchen use and utensils. Furthermore, the near-zero porosity virtually eliminates staining, as foreign materials cannot penetrate the surface. This translates to a low-maintenance surface that allows for direct placement of hot cookware, eliminating the need for heat trivets.
Source: https://www.cosentino.com/en-sg/dekton/worktops/
Outdoor Countertops Application
Dekton®’s suitability for outdoor countertops is further enhanced by its exceptional resistance to harsh weather conditions. Its low thermal expansion coefficient ensures minimal impact from significant temperature fluctuations, a common occurrence in Singapore’s climate where daily variations can exceed 10 degrees Celsius. Additionally, the non-porous surface effectively repels water absorption, preventing staining even during prolonged exposure to rain, making it an ideal choice for outdoor countertops in roof terraces and patios.
Source: https://www.cosentino.com/en-sg/dekton/outdoor-worktops/
Flooring and Paving Application
Dekton®’s large format and exceptional mechanical resistance make it ideal for interior and exterior flooring applications, offering seamless visual continuity and unmatched durability. This translates perfectly to commercial spaces with heavy daily traffic, as the minimal number of seams minimises potential weak points. Furthermore, its incredible scratch resistance ensures the surface withstands everyday impacts, making it a prime choice for high-traffic areas.
Source: https://www.cosentino.com/en-sg/dekton/flooring/
Cladding For Both Interior And External
While Dekton®’s high density makes it incredibly durable, it’s essential to acknowledge its weight. To address this, the 4mm or 8mm thin format allows for cladding applications on cabinets and wardrobes, expanding its versatility without compromising strength. Additionally, the large format slabs, measuring 3200 x 1440 millimetres, offer stunning visual continuity and minimal jointing, ideal for creating expansive, resilient spaces with a seamless aesthetic.
Cladding in Dekton® Umber / Washbasin, countertop and flooring in Dekton® Nacre kC. Source: Cosentino
Use As Shower Trays With High Slip Resistance
The Dekton® Bathroom Collection elevates shower design with minimalist aesthetics and unparalleled functionality. Each shower tray boasts the highest anti-slip rating, ensuring a safe and comfortable barefoot experience thanks to the innovative Dekton® Grip+ surface. This material features an incredibly slim, lightweight design with gentle slopes and a delicate, non-slip texture. The Dekton® Grip+ technology, rated R11 for superior slip resistance, seamlessly integrates with the ultra-compact Dekton® surface.
Dekton Shower Tray With Grip+ Surface. Source: Cosentino
Dekton® Design And Colour Applications.
Cosentino has categorised its extensive Dekton® colour ranges into three distinct design groups for convenience. This classification considers the desired visual impact on large surfaces, accounting for design directionality and potential variations.
Infinite Design Series
Materials featuring uniform colours or consistent patterns throughout composition are ideal for large-scale cladding applications on floors, walls, or facades. This consistency allows for random placement of slabs and cuts, ensuring a seamless and aesthetically cohesive final look across the entire surface.
Cladding and flooring in Dekton® Argentium. Source: Cosentino
Singular Design Series
These designs boast complex colour palettes and pronounced directional patterns. This creates highly impactful visuals with significant character, particularly in smaller cuts or adjacent layouts.
Cladding and flooring in Dekton® Somnia. Source: Cosentino
Smooth Design Series
These designs exhibit a distinct directional flow within their patterns. This characteristic necessitates careful consideration during cutting and placement of adjacent slabs to achieve the desired visual effect. While highly versatile, this type of pattern demands precise layout planning for optimal results on large surfaces.
Cladding and flooring in Dekton® TK06 Marmorio. Source: Cosentino
Dekton® Comes With A Diverse Range Of Finishes
In addition to design, Dekton® also offers a diverse range of finishes catering to any design aesthetic.
Matt: This classic finish delivers a natural, timeless look, ideal for creating a sense of harmony and permanence. It’s the most widely available Dekton® finish.
Velvet: The velvety texture exudes warmth and comfort, particularly well-suited to classic colours with veining.
Matt or Textured Velvet: This finish combines the warmth of velvet with the subtle roughness of a textured material, perfect for mimicking the natural look and feel of stone.
Grip+: This non-slip finish prioritises safety and is ideal for wet areas like bathrooms and outdoor spaces.
XGloss: For those seeking an ultra-polished surface with an exceptional shine, Dekton® XGloss offers an unparalleled natural look. This finish is achieved through a meticulous mechanical polishing process, seamlessly blending the beauty of a high-gloss aesthetic with the unique properties of Dekton®. Stain-resistant and completely waterproof, While a gloss finish makes the countertop stand out and reflects light beautifully, it’s essential to consider its specific characteristics:
High Visibility: The gloss finish attracts attention due to its reflective nature, making it a perfect choice for a statement countertop.
Easier Cleaning: Gloss surfaces are generally easier to clean but require more frequent cleaning due to their susceptibility to fingerprints and watermarks.
Ideal for Smaller Spaces: The reflective properties of gloss finishes can make smaller kitchens appear brighter and more spacious.
Achieving Both Form And Function With Ultra-compact Surfaces
Ultra-compact surfaces represent a revolutionary leap in material science, offering a unique blend of natural aesthetics and unparalleled performance. Their exceptional durability, heat resistance, and stain-proof nature make them ideal for diverse applications, from kitchen countertops and outdoor spaces to flooring and even furniture. This material revolution opens a new door to design possibilities with unmatched durability and performance.
To ensure a seamless and successful integration of ultra-compact surfaces into your project, we encourage you to consult with our team of experienced interior designers today. Our in-depth technical knowledge ensures a flawless installation, achieving your desired look.
Article contributed by Jerry Wong
Jerry Wong is a versatile professional, serving as a realtor at Propnex Realty and contributing his interior designer expertise at the award-winning ProjectGuru. With accolades in both realms, Jerry’s passions extend beyond his work, with his greatest joy in facilitating connections between individuals and properties, deriving immense satisfaction from helping clients achieve their goals.
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