The quick verdict

Choose granite if you love the idea of a one-of-a-kind natural slab and do not mind occasional resealing. Choose Dekton if you want a consistent, predictable look with zero sealing and maximum stain resistance. Both handle heat well and last for decades.

What each one is

Granite is 100% natural igneous stone, quarried in blocks and cut into slabs. Every piece is unique, with its own movement, flecks and colour, which is a big part of its appeal. Because it is natural, it is also slightly porous, so it benefits from periodic sealing to keep it stain resistant.

Dekton is an engineered sintered surface made by Cosentino, with near-zero porosity. It does not need sealing at all, and because it is manufactured, slabs of the same colour match closely. See what Dekton is for the full picture.

Dekton vs granite, side by side

Maintenance: the deciding factor for many

The biggest day-to-day difference is sealing. Granite is slightly porous, so to keep it fully stain resistant it should be sealed periodically, often once a year or so depending on the stone and use. Skip it, and an unsealed granite can absorb oil or wine and mark. Dekton is non-porous from the moment it is fitted and never needs sealing, which is a genuine convenience in a busy kitchen. Our guides on whether Dekton needs sealing and whether Dekton stains cover this.

Looks: unique versus consistent

This is a matter of taste. Granite gives you a genuinely unique slab, with natural depth and movement no engineered material can perfectly replicate; some buyers love that no one else has the same worktop. Dekton offers consistency and a huge variety of effects, from solids to marble looks, with reliable slab-to-slab matching, which is ideal for large kitchens or islands that need more than one slab. Browse popular Dekton colours to compare.

Heat, scratches and durability

Both materials are very heat resistant and can take hot pans, though a trivet is always sensible. On scratching, Dekton is exceptionally hard, on a par with or harder than granite, though both resist everyday wear well. For sheer toughness and stain resistance with no upkeep, Dekton leads; for natural character with proven longevity, granite is hard to beat.

Price

Granite and Dekton sit in a similar premium bracket, with granite sometimes a little lower depending on the stone and Dekton commanding a premium for its zero-maintenance performance. Exotic granites can cost as much as or more than Dekton. See our cost guide for figures, and remember 0% finance is available on both.

Hygiene and cleaning

Because Dekton is non-porous, there is nowhere for bacteria or liquids to lodge, making it very hygienic and simple to wipe clean. Sealed granite is also hygienic, but the seal must be maintained, and an area that has lost its seal can become more absorbent. For households that want the most fuss-free hygiene, Dekton has a slight edge, while well-maintained granite performs perfectly well.

Edges, islands and design

Granite slabs have natural size limits and visible joins may be needed on very large runs, with patterning that shifts from slab to slab. Dekton’s large format and consistent colour make it easier to achieve long, near-seamless runs and matching islands. Both can be shaped with a range of edge profiles; see our guide to Dekton edge profiles for the options.

Repairs and the long view

Granite can usually be re-polished or repaired by a specialist if it is damaged or etched, partly because it is natural stone all the way through. Dekton is highly damage resistant in the first place, though a significant chip needs professional attention, as covered in how to repair Dekton worktops. Over a 20 to 30 year horizon, Dekton’s no-sealing convenience and granite’s natural character are the two things owners tend to value most.