How to Choose the Perfect Worktop — Dekton, Silestone, or Quality Laminate?

By Design Cambridge – Kitchen & Interior Specialists

Choosing the right worktop is one of the most important decisions you’ll make in your new kitchen. It affects the durability, style, practicality, and long-term value of your space — and with so many premium options now available, it’s worth understanding the differences.

At By Design Cambridge, we supply and install a full range of premium and affordable worktop materials, but three options stand out for most of our customers:

Dekton
Silestone
Quality Laminate

Each offers something different — here’s a clear and honest breakdown to help you choose the perfect one.

⭐ Dekton Worktops

Ultra-compact, incredibly durable, and built to handle almost anything.

✔ What is Dekton?

Dekton is an ultra-compact surface made by blending raw materials used to manufacture porcelain, quartz, and glass. It’s created through extreme heat and pressure, resulting in one of the toughest surfaces on the market.

✔ Pros

• Exceptional heat resistance — place hot pans directly on the surface
• Extremely scratch-resistant
• UV-resistant — perfect for bright kitchens or outdoor areas
• Non-porous — won’t stain or absorb liquids
• Huge range of premium, stone-like designs

✘ Cons

• Typically more expensive than Silestone
• Requires specialist installation due to its hardness

Best for:

Busy family kitchens, showpiece islands, high-end modern designs, outdoor kitchens.

⭐ Silestone Worktops

Beautiful, modern, and perfect for everyday living.

✔ What is Silestone?

Silestone is an engineered quartz surface mixed with advanced hybrid mineral/resin technology. It offers the beauty of stone with excellent strength, consistent patterns, and outstanding hygiene properties.

✔ Pros

• Highly durable and long-lasting
• Non-porous — easy to clean and hygienic
• Huge range of colours and patterns
• Beautiful veined designs that replicate natural stone
• Soft, warm feel compared to ultra-compact surfaces

✘ Cons

• Less heat-resistant than Dekton (use trivets for hot pans)
• Slightly more expensive than laminate options

Best for:

Stylish family kitchens, luxury modern spaces, customers who want premium looks without the cost of ultra-compact surfaces.

⭐ Quality Laminate Worktops

Affordable, stylish, and perfect for budget-conscious projects.

✔ What is Laminate?

Laminate worktops use a decorative high-resolution surface bonded to a durable core. Today’s premium laminates convincingly replicate marble, quartz, concrete, and wood — at a fraction of the cost.

✔ Pros

• Most cost-effective worktop material
• Huge variety of realistic stone, marble, and timber effects
• Low maintenance and easy to clean
• Lightweight — easier and cheaper to install
• Ideal for rental homes, utilities, and budget-friendly kitchens

✘ Cons

• Less heat- and scratch-resistant than Silestone or Dekton
• Doesn’t add as much resale value
• Joints are more visible

Best for:

Budget renovations, utility rooms, tenanted properties, modern designs on a lower budget.

⭐ Side-by-Side Comparison

Which Should You Choose?

Choose Dekton if you want:

✔ Maximum durability
✔ Hot pans on the surface
✔ Dramatic, high-end designs
✔ A long-term investment

Choose Silestone if you want:

✔ Stunning stone-like veining
✔ Luxury looks at a mid-range price
✔ A modern, forgiving surface
✔ Something softer in feel than Dekton

Choose Quality Laminate if you want:

✔ Style on a tight budget
✔ Fast installation
✔ A lightweight and practical solution
✔ A good option for rented or secondary spaces

See These Worktops in Person

Nothing beats seeing and touching the surfaces yourself. At By Design Cambridge, our showrooms in Cambridge and Newmarket display samples of Dekton, Silestone, Laminate, worktops so you can compare them side by side.

By Design Cambridge – Kitchens, Bathrooms & Interiors
www.bydi.co.uk
Book a free design appointment
Beat the January 2026 price increases — order early and save.