When designing your dream kitchen in Queensland, the benchtop is often the centrepiece — a surface that needs to be as durable as it is beautiful. For years, engineered stone has been a popular choice, but a recent landmark decision in Australia has transformed the industry, making it safer and more sustainable than ever before.
At Royal Victoria Collection, we are proud to be at the forefront of this change, offering a new generation of stunning, high-performance benchtops. Here’s what you need to know to choose the perfect surface for your home.
A New Era for Engineered Stone: Safety and Sustainability First
In a world-first move, the Australian government has banned the use of traditional engineered stone containing high levels of crystalline silica, which was linked to serious health risks for stonemasons. This ban came into effect on 1 July 2024, making Australia the first country in the world to take this step. It has paved the way for a new and improved type of engineered stone, and it’s what we exclusively offer at Royal Victoria Collection.
What is the new engineered stone made of?
Our modern engineered stone slabs are crafted from a composite of approximately:
- 85% Recycled Glass: Using recycled glass not only creates a beautiful, luminous surface but also diverts waste from landfill, making it an environmentally responsible choice.
- 15% High-Quality Resin: This resin acts as a binder, fusing the glass particles together to create a strong, non-porous, and incredibly durable slab.
This innovative composition contains amorphous silica (from the glass) rather than crystalline silica, which has been deemed a safe and approved material for use in these new products. This means you can have a stunning, resilient benchtop with complete peace of mind.
Key Factors for Choosing Your Benchtop
With safety assured, you can focus on the exciting part — choosing the perfect style for your kitchen.
1. Colour and Style
Your benchtop sets the tone for the entire kitchen. Whether you’re after a timeless classic or a bold statement piece, our collection has a colour to suit your vision.
- For a touch of opulence, consider the dramatic veining of our Luxury Range, featuring stones like Taj Mahal, Calacatta Viola, and the exquisite Green Onyx.
- For a bright, contemporary feel, our lighter-coloured stones can make your space feel larger and more open.
2. Durability and Maintenance
Thanks to its non-porous surface, our recycled glass and resin engineered stone is highly resistant to stains, scratches, and heat. It’s easy to clean and requires no sealing, making it a practical choice for busy Queensland households.
3. Thickness: 20mm vs. 30mm
We offer both 20mm and 30mm slab thicknesses, allowing you to tailor the look to your design preference. A 20mm slab offers a sleek, modern profile, while a 30mm slab provides a more substantial, luxurious feel.
4. The Royal Victoria Collection 25-Year Warranty
We stand behind the quality and durability of our products. Every Royal Victoria Collection benchtop comes with a 25-year limited warranty, giving you confidence in your investment for decades to come.
Experience the New Generation of Engineered Stone
Choosing a benchtop is a significant decision, and we’re here to help. We invite you to visit one of our showrooms in Rocklea, the Gold Coast, or Brisbane to see and feel the beauty of our safe and sustainable engineered stone collection for yourself. Our expert team can guide you through the options and help you find the perfect surface to complete your dream Queensland kitchen.
