Dekton and ceramic worktops

What that means

Clays, feldspar, quartz and pigments are pressed and fired well above 1,000 °C. The result absorbs almost nothing. Hot pans don't mark it, lemon and turmeric wipe off, and the sun doesn't fade it, so it can go outside.

Thin tops

Dekton comes in 8, 12, 20 and 30 mm, porcelain much the same. A 12 mm top gives the very slim look and weighs about 30 kg per m², far less than 3 cm marble. That helps on the upper floors of old timber houses in Troyes. Thin slabs need full support underneath, and a big overhang needs steel.

The weak point

Hard means brittle. A heavy pan knocked against a square edge can chip it. We ease the edges and corners a little. On many colours the pattern is only on the surface, so a chip or a cut edge shows a plainer body. Ask to see an edge sample first. Grooves next to the sink usually aren't possible for the same reason.

Outdoor kitchens

Owners in the Aube often want a summer kitchen by the pool. It freezes here every winter, and a top that absorbs water can crack. Dekton absorbs almost nothing and doesn't mind sun, where quartz would yellow. It sits well next to pool coping or a terrace.

Cutting

These slabs carry tension from the firing. We cut slowly, wet, with blades made for ceramic, and round the corners of every cut-out so a crack can't start.

Brands and finish

"Ceramic worktop" gets used loosely. Dekton is one brand, other makers sell porcelain slabs. Heat and stains are similar, sizes and thicknesses differ. Your quote names the exact brand and colour. Matt hides fingerprints, polished shows scratches more, textured is good outside. The finish can't be changed after firing.

See the kitchen page or call +33 7 45 20 76 39.