Dekton (Ultra-Compact Surface) Technical Spec
Comprehensive technical specification for Dekton ultra-compact surfaces, covering Canadian stock sizes, tolerances, machinability, tooling, feeds and speeds, common defects, and storage guidelines for fabrication shops.
Material Overview & Common Uses
Dekton is an ultra-compact surface manufactured by Cosentino using a proprietary sintering process that combines a blend of porcelain, glass, and quartz particles with a high-pressure, high-temperature treatment. The result is a non-porous, highly durable material with exceptional resistance to UV, heat, stains, scratches, and frost. In Canadian fabrication shops, Dekton is commonly used for kitchen countertops, bathroom vanities, exterior cladding, flooring, and commercial work surfaces. Its large-format slabs (typically 3200 x 1440 mm) allow for seamless installations, but the material's brittleness and high hardness (Mohs 7) require specialized tooling and handling. Common Canadian stock thicknesses include 12 mm, 20 mm, and 30 mm, with 20 mm being the most popular for countertops. The material is not repairable like natural stone; chips and cracks are permanent, making precision cutting and handling critical.
Core Technical Properties & Sizing
| Property | Value / Tolerance |
|---|---|
| Density | 2.45 g/cm³ (approx. 24.5 kg/m² at 12 mm thickness) |
| Flexural Strength | 45 MPa (ASTM C880) |
| Modulus of Rupture | 55 MPa (ASTM C99) |
| Water Absorption | <0.05% (ASTM C373) – virtually non-porous |
| Hardness | Mohs 7 (quartz-like) |
| Thermal Shock Resistance | Excellent (can withstand direct flame contact without damage) |
| UV Resistance | Excellent (no fading or yellowing, suitable for exterior Canadian applications) |
| Standard Slab Sizes (Canadian stock) | 3200 mm x 1440 mm (126" x 56.7"), also available in 3200 x 1600 mm |
| Thickness Tolerances | ±0.5 mm for 12 mm, ±0.8 mm for 20 mm, ±1.0 mm for 30 mm |
| Weight per slab (20 mm) | approx. 110 kg (242 lbs) |
| Coefficient of Thermal Expansion | 8 x 10⁻⁶ /°C (similar to glass, requires expansion gaps in large installations) |
| Fire Rating | Class A (ASTM E84) |
Machinability, Tooling & Feeds
| Process | Tooling | Spindle Speed | Feed Rate | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CNC Routing | Continuous rim diamond router bit (10 mm dia) | 10,000–12,000 RPM | 1.5–2.5 m/min | Climb milling recommended to reduce edge chipping. Use vacuum hold-down (min 25" Hg). |
| Cutting | Diamond blade (continuous/turbo rim, 12–14") | 3,000–4,000 RPM | 1–2 m/min | Water-cooled saw mandatory. Ensure full slab support. |
| Drilling | Diamond core bits | 3,000–5,000 RPM | Light pecking | Water cooling required. Avoid excessive pressure to prevent chipping. |
| Edge Polishing | Diamond polishing pads (50–3000 grit) | 2,000–3,000 RPM | Variable speed | Use water. Dekton does not require sealing after cutting. |
| Mitered Edges | 45° diamond blade | Water-cooled bridge saw | 0.5–1 m/min | Use backer board or sacrificial MDF to prevent chip-out. |
Common Defects & Quality Control
| Defect | Description | Acceptance Criteria |
|---|---|---|
| Pinholes | Tiny surface pits from trapped air, typically <0.5 mm | Acceptable if sparse; reject if clustered. |
| Color Variation | Slight batch-to-batch differences in solid colors | Order from same production lot for critical matches. |
| Edge Chipping | From poor cutting or handling | Inspect all edges before fabrication. Reject if chipping >2 mm. |
| Crazing | Fine surface cracks from thermal shock during cutting | Avoid dry cutting. Ensure adequate water flow. |
| Warpage | Slab deviation from flat | Acceptable within ±1 mm over 2 m. Reject if bow >1.5 mm. |
| Surface Scratches | Scratches from metal tools | Use plastic or rubber protectors on work surfaces. |
| Staining | Water marks on dark colors | Non-porous; marks are temporary. Dry immediately. |
Storage, Handling & Racking Guidelines
- Store vertically in heavy-duty A-frames with a minimum 10° tilt from vertical. Use rubber or neoprene padding on both sides to prevent scratching and chipping.
- Separate slabs by at least 50 mm to allow air circulation and prevent moisture trapping. Never stack slabs flat – the weight can cause cracking.
- For handling, use a slab cart with suction cups (minimum 4 cups, each rated for 50 kg) or a forklift with a slab clamp attachment. Always lift with two people for slabs over 100 kg. When moving, keep the slab tilted slightly backward to reduce stress.
- Store indoors in a climate-controlled environment (15–25°C, <60% RH) to avoid thermal stress. Do not expose to direct sunlight for extended periods before fabrication.
- For long-term storage, cover with breathable fabric (not plastic) to prevent condensation.
- Implement a first-in-first-out (FIFO) system for inventory management. Label each slab with lot number, color code, and thickness.
- Set reorder points: 2 slabs for fast-moving colors, 1 slab for slow movers. Keep a safety stock of 1 slab for each active project.