Sinterized Particle Technology, a high-tech process that represents an accelerated version of the meta- morphic change that natural stone undergoes when subjected to high temperatures and pressure over thousands of years.” The material has zero porosity and is super strong, lacking micro-defects in other mate- rials that can cause tension or weak spots and it resists heat, frost and thawing. It’s also super flat, with 1/4000th of an inch tolerance. To best show the value of Dekton, Cosentino chose to part- ner with highly-skilled NTCA Five Star Contractors. These contractors have a proven ability to expertly handle Dekton’s hardness and its size with specialized techniques and equipment necessary to work with the material. That’s why Larry Mazzola, who runs Cosentino DC, turned to Collins Tile and Stone in Ashburn, Va., and David Allen Company (DAC) in Raleigh, N.C. Stellar collaboration from Five Star Contractors Both NTCA Five Star Contractors – an industry-recognized measure of excellence and accomplishment – Collins and DAC have had a long professional and personal friend- ship, born of mutual membership in the National Tile Contractors Association (NTCA). Buck Collins, president of Collins Tile and Stone, is dedicated to employing installers with Certified Tile Installer (CTI) credentials, an CASE STUDY –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Crews had to diamond-grind the floor to prepare it for primer and self-leveling underlayment. Primer was applied after diamond-grind- ing and prior to self-leveler application. Crews get ready to level the floor. LATICRETE NXT Level created a smooth, flat surface for the Dekton panels. 58 TileLetter | April 2017