When designing your dream kitchen, every detail matters. After choosing the perfect colour for your engineered stone benchtop, the next crucial decision is selecting the right thickness. At Royal Victoria Collection, we offer our entire range in both 20mm and 30mm options, and each has its own distinct advantages.
But first, it’s important to understand that the engineered stone of today is not the same as it was a few years ago. Following a landmark Australian government ban on traditional quartz-based stone — which came into effect on 1 July 2024, making Australia the first country in the world to take this step — our entire collection is now crafted from a safe, sustainable, and high-performance blend of approximately 85% recycled glass and 15% resin. This means you get a beautiful benchtop with complete peace of mind.
So, which thickness is right for you? This guide will break down the differences in aesthetics, cost, and design considerations to help you make an informed choice for your Queensland home.
The Sleek and Modern Choice: 20mm Benchtops
A 20mm benchtop offers a slim, elegant profile that has become increasingly popular in modern and contemporary kitchen design. Its streamlined appearance creates a sense of minimalism and sophistication.
| Pros of 20mm Benchtops | Cons of 20mm Benchtops |
|---|---|
| Modern Aesthetic | Less suitable for traditional designs |
| Cost-Effective | May require more support for overhangs |
| Versatile | Can look less substantial in large kitchens |
Why Choose a 20mm Benchtop?
- Contemporary Style: If you are aiming for a sleek, European-inspired look, a 20mm benchtop is the perfect choice. It pairs beautifully with handleless cabinetry and minimalist fixtures.
- Budget-Friendly: Generally, a 20mm slab is more affordable than its 30mm counterpart, allowing you to allocate more of your budget to other areas of your renovation.
- Waterfall Edges: The slimmer profile of a 20mm benchtop is ideal for creating stunning waterfall edges, where the benchtop appears to flow seamlessly down the side of the island or cabinetry.
The Bold and Luxurious Choice: 30mm Benchtops
A 30mm benchtop provides a more substantial, classic look. Its thickness adds a sense of weight and luxury to the kitchen, making it a statement piece in its own right.
| Pros of 30mm Benchtops | Cons of 30mm Benchtops |
|---|---|
| Luxurious Appearance | Higher cost |
| Greater Durability | Can overpower smaller kitchens |
| Ideal for Traditional Designs | Less suited to minimalist aesthetics |
Why Choose a 30mm Benchtop?
- High-End Feel: The extra 10mm of thickness gives a 30mm benchtop a premium, substantial feel that exudes quality and luxury. It is the preferred choice for many high-end and traditional kitchen designs.
- Enhanced Durability: While both thicknesses are incredibly durable, the extra thickness of a 30mm slab provides additional strength and impact resistance, making it a robust choice for a busy family kitchen.
- Design Impact: A 30mm benchtop can create a powerful design statement, especially on a large kitchen island. It provides a greater opportunity to showcase the beautiful patterns of stones like our Grand Calacatta or Super White Dolomite.
Making the Right Choice for Your Home
Ultimately, the decision between a 20mm and 30mm benchtop comes down to three key factors:
- Your Design Style: Are you aiming for a modern, minimalist look (20mm) or a more classic, luxurious feel (30mm)?
- Your Budget: A 20mm benchtop is a more cost-effective option, while a 30mm benchtop is a premium investment.
- The Scale of Your Kitchen: In a smaller kitchen, a 20mm benchtop can help create a sense of space, while in a larger kitchen, a 30mm benchtop can make a bold statement.
See the Difference for Yourself
The best way to decide is to see and feel the difference in person. We invite you to visit one of our Royal Victoria Collection showrooms in Rocklea, the Gold Coast, or Brisbane to view our full range of colours in both 20mm and 30mm thicknesses. Our expert team is always on hand to offer advice and help you select the perfect, safe, and sustainable engineered stone benchtop for your project.
