Before installation day

Good installation starts long before the slabs arrive. Your kitchen units need to be fitted, level and secure, because the worktop can only be as level as the cabinets beneath it. After your units are in, the worktop is templated, usually with a laser measuring system, to capture exact dimensions. The slabs are then cut, edge-profiled and polished in the workshop, ready for fitting. We cover that stage in how Dekton is cut and fabricated.

What happens on the day

Installation follows a clear sequence, carried out by experienced fitters:

1. Delivery and handling. The finished pieces are carried in carefully, on edge and by at least two people, to protect them.
2. Dry-lay and check. Pieces are positioned without adhesive to confirm the fit, alignment and any seam positions.
3. Levelling. The worktop is shimmed and adjusted until it is perfectly level and flush.
4. Bonding. The worktop is fixed to the units with appropriate adhesive or silicone.
5. Joining seams. Where two pieces meet, they are bonded with a colour-matched adhesive and pulled tight for a discreet join.
6. Support for overhangs. Breakfast bars and island overhangs are supported with brackets or a substructure where needed.
7. Sealing to units and walls. Joints against cabinets, walls and upstands are neatly sealed.
8. Fitting cut-outs. Sinks, hobs and taps are fitted into their openings.
9. Final clean and check. The surface is cleaned and inspected before sign-off.

Seams: where skill shows

On larger kitchens, more than one piece may be needed, so seams are sometimes unavoidable. The mark of a good installation is a seam that is tight, level and colour-matched so it is barely noticeable. Skilled fitters plan seam positions sensibly, often away from the most prominent sightlines, and Dekton’s consistent colour helps the join blend. Large-format slabs, up to around 3.2 metres, mean many kitchens need few or no seams at all, as covered in slab sizes and lengths.

How long does it take?

For a typical kitchen, installation usually takes from half a day to a full day, depending on the size, the number of pieces and cut-outs, and the complexity of the layout. Islands, breakfast bars and intricate designs take a little longer. Your installer should give you a clear idea in advance. For the bigger picture from enquiry to finished kitchen, see our installation timeline.

After installation

Once fitted, Dekton is ready to use almost immediately, though it is sensible to let any adhesive or silicone cure as advised before heavy use around joints. There is no sealing to do and no break-in period. From there, simple cleaning is all it needs, as set out in how to clean and care for Dekton.

How to prepare for fitting day

You can help the installation go smoothly with a little preparation. Clear the kitchen of clutter and ensure there is a safe, unobstructed route from the door to the work area, as fitters will be carrying large, heavy pieces. Make sure units are fully installed and any appliances that integrate with the worktop are on site. Keep pets and children clear of the work zone for safety. A tidy, accessible space lets the team work efficiently and protects both your home and the slabs.

Plumbing, electrics and sign-off

Worktop fitting usually dovetails with your plumber and electrician. Often the worktop is installed first, then a plumber connects the sink and taps and an electrician deals with the hob, depending on the appliances. Your installer will advise on the right order for your kitchen. Before sign-off, walk the kitchen with the fitters, check the seams, edges and cut-outs, and raise anything you are unsure about while they are still there. A reputable installer wants you completely happy with the result.

When can you use it?

Dekton itself is ready to use straight away, but any silicone or adhesive at joints and around sinks needs time to cure, so follow your installer’s advice before heavy use or getting joints wet. There is no sealing step and no break-in period for the surface. From there, everyday care is simply a wipe with mild soapy water, as set out in how to clean and care for Dekton, and the whole journey is mapped out in our installation timeline.