What Is Cosentino? Definition & Guide
Cosentino is a Spanish multinational company that manufactures and distributes surfaces for architecture and design. Best known as the parent company behind Silestone quartz, Dekton ultra-compact surfaces, and Sensa natural granite, Cosentino is one of the largest surface material producers in the world. For countertop fabricators in the US, Cosentino products represent a significant portion of daily workflow.
TL;DR
- Cosentino is a global surface manufacturer headquartered in Almeria, Spain, founded in 1979
- The company produces three main brands: Silestone, Dekton, and Sensa
- Cosentino operates in 80+ countries with over 4,000 employees
- Silestone is the world's leading quartz surface brand by market share
- Dekton is an ultra-compact sintered surface used for countertops, flooring, and facades
- Fabricators need to understand each product line's unique cutting and handling requirements
- Cosentino operates through authorized fabricators and distribution centers called "Centers" and "Hubs"
Cosentino Company Overview
History and Scale
Eduardo Cosentino founded the company in 1979 in Almeria, Spain, initially as a marble quarrying operation. The company pivoted to engineered surfaces in the 1990s with the launch of Silestone, which quickly became the dominant quartz countertop brand globally.
Today, Cosentino operates:
- 1 main production facility in Cantoria, Spain (one of the largest surface production plants in the world)
- 30+ distribution centers across North America
- Over 100 Cosentino Centers worldwide for showrooms and logistics
- Revenue exceeding $1.5 billion annually
The Three Core Brands
| Brand | Material Type | Composition | Price Range (Retail/sq ft) | Primary Use |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Silestone | Engineered quartz | 94% natural minerals + HybriQ+ technology | $50-$120 | Kitchen/bath countertops |
| Dekton | Ultra-compact sintered | Blend of glass, porcelain, quartz (sintered at extreme heat/pressure) | $65-$150 | Countertops, facades, flooring |
| Sensa | Natural granite | 100% natural granite with stain protection | $45-$90 | Kitchen countertops |
Silestone: The Flagship Product
Silestone is Cosentino's highest-volume product and the quartz brand that most fabricators encounter regularly. Key characteristics:
- HybriQ+ technology: Cosentino's proprietary manufacturing process uses a minimum of 20% recycled materials and incorporates recycled water in production
- N-Boost technology: A treatment applied to certain Silestone lines that enhances color depth and stain resistance
- Bacteriostatic properties: Silestone includes built-in antimicrobial protection
- 25-year warranty: Covers manufacturing defects for residential installations
For fabricators, Silestone machines similarly to other premium quartz brands. Standard diamond tooling works well, and the material cuts predictably on CNC bridge saws. Slab sizes are typically 63" x 128" (jumbo format), which provides good yield on standard kitchen layouts.
Dekton: Ultra-Compact Surfaces
Dekton is Cosentino's more recent product line, and it presents unique fabrication challenges. The material is created through a sintering process that applies extreme heat (over 2,000°F) and pressure to compress a blend of raw materials into a nearly indestructible surface.
Dekton Fabrication Specifics
- Thickness options: 8mm, 12mm, 20mm, and 30mm
- Slab sizes: Up to 126" x 56" (standard) and larger formats available
- Cutting: Requires specific diamond blades designed for sintered materials - standard quartz blades wear out faster
- Edge finishing: Limited edge profiles compared to quartz; thinner formats (8mm, 12mm) are often used with mitered edges
- Flexural strength: Significantly higher than quartz, making it suitable for cantilevered applications
Fabricators working with Dekton for the first time should invest in proper training. The material behaves differently than quartz or natural stone during cutting and polishing, and using the wrong tools can lead to chipping or cracking.
Sensa: Pre-Treated Natural Granite
Sensa is Cosentino's natural granite line that comes with a factory-applied stain protection treatment. This differentiates it from standard granite slabs that fabricators source from other suppliers.
For fabricators, Sensa granite machines like any other natural granite. The key difference is in post-fabrication handling - the stain treatment is applied at the factory, so fabricators don't need to seal the material after installation.
Why Cosentino Matters to Fabricators
Volume and Market Presence
Cosentino products appear in a large percentage of US countertop projects. For many fabrication shops, Silestone and Dekton jobs make up 20-40% of their monthly workload. Understanding Cosentino's product lines, pricing tiers, and fabrication requirements is essential for any growing shop.
Distribution Network
Cosentino operates its own distribution network, separate from traditional stone distributors. Fabricators order directly through Cosentino Centers, which handle inventory, delivery, and claims processing. This differs from brands like MSI or Arizona Tile, where fabricators purchase through independent distribution.
The direct relationship means:
- Faster claims processing when defects are found
- More consistent inventory availability
- Direct technical support for fabrication questions
- Marketing support programs for authorized fabricators
Fabricator Programs
Cosentino offers tiered programs for fabrication partners. Higher-tier fabricators receive benefits like priority inventory access, marketing co-op funds, and lead referrals through Cosentino's consumer-facing website. Qualification typically depends on annual purchase volume and quality metrics.
Cosentino Fabrication Best Practices
Template Accuracy on Premium Materials
Cosentino materials - particularly Dekton and upper-tier Silestone designs - are priced at $50-$150 per square foot at retail. Mistakes on these materials are expensive. A single remake on a Dekton kitchen island can cost $2,000-$4,000 in wasted material alone, before labor.
Digital templating with AI-powered verification helps fabricators catch errors before cutting begins. A 3-layer template check can identify dimension mismatches, missing sink cutouts, or incorrect edge specifications - the kinds of errors that lead to remakes.
Slab Nesting for Multiple Cosentino Products
Shops that run multiple Cosentino jobs per day benefit from intelligent slab nesting. Because Silestone and Dekton slabs come in specific sizes, optimizing how pieces are arranged on each slab can reduce waste by 10-15%. On material that costs $40-$120 per square foot, that waste reduction adds up fast.
Inventory Tracking
With three different product lines (Silestone, Dekton, Sensa) and dozens of colors in each, tracking Cosentino inventory accurately is critical. Shops that maintain digital slab inventory can quickly identify which remnants are available for smaller jobs, reducing the need to order new full slabs.
FAQ
Who owns Cosentino?
Cosentino is a privately held, family-owned company based in Almeria, Spain. The Cosentino family maintains ownership and management control.
What brands does Cosentino make?
Cosentino manufactures three primary surface brands: Silestone (engineered quartz), Dekton (ultra-compact sintered surfaces), and Sensa (pre-treated natural granite).
Where are Cosentino products manufactured?
Primary manufacturing takes place at Cosentino's facilities in Cantoria, Almeria, Spain. The company also operates processing and distribution centers globally.
How do fabricators become Cosentino partners?
Fabricators apply through Cosentino's partner program, which evaluates shop capabilities, equipment, installation quality, and annual volume potential. Contact your regional Cosentino Center for application details.
What is the difference between Silestone and Dekton?
Silestone is an engineered quartz surface (94% natural minerals with resin binders), while Dekton is a sintered surface created through extreme heat and pressure without resins. Dekton is more heat-resistant and UV-stable, making it suitable for outdoor use.
Can Dekton be used outdoors?
Yes. Dekton is UV-stable and highly resistant to freeze-thaw cycles, making it suitable for outdoor kitchens, facades, and flooring. This is a key differentiator from quartz products.
How thick are Dekton slabs?
Dekton is available in 8mm, 12mm, 20mm, and 30mm thicknesses. Thinner formats are typically used for cladding and backsplashes, while 20mm and 30mm are standard for countertops.
Does Silestone need to be sealed?
No. Silestone is nonporous and does not require sealing.
What is Cosentino's warranty?
Silestone carries a 25-year warranty for residential use. Dekton offers a 25-year warranty as well. Sensa granite includes a 15-year stain protection warranty. All require professional installation by an authorized fabricator.
How does Cosentino pricing compare to other brands?
Silestone is generally priced similarly to Cambria and Caesarstone ($50-$120/sq ft retail). Dekton tends to be priced higher ($65-$150/sq ft) due to its advanced manufacturing process.
Protect Your Margins on Every Cosentino Job
With material costs ranging from $50 to $150 per square foot, Cosentino jobs leave little room for fabrication errors. SlabWise helps shops catch template mistakes before they become expensive remakes, optimize slab layouts for better yield, and keep customers informed without tying up your phone lines. Try SlabWise free for 14 days.
Sources
- Cosentino Group - Official company information and product specifications
- Silestone by Cosentino - Product technical data sheets
- Dekton by Cosentino - Fabrication and installation guidelines
- Natural Stone Institute - Surface material fabrication standards
- Kitchen & Bath Design News - Cosentino market analysis
- Remodeling Magazine - Cost vs. Value countertop material data