When choosing a benchtop, the decision often comes down to two main choices: engineered stone or natural stone. Both offer a beautiful, durable surface for your kitchen, but they have key differences in performance, maintenance, and composition.
As of 1 July 2024, Australia has banned engineered stone containing crystalline silica, paving the way for a new generation of safer, more sustainable products. Let’s compare this new engineered stone with natural stone.
What is Natural Stone?
Natural stone, such as marble, granite, and quartzite, is quarried directly from the earth in large blocks, which are then cut into slabs, polished, and sealed. Each slab is unique, with its own natural variations in colour, pattern, and veining.
What is the New Engineered Stone?
The new generation of engineered stone, fully compliant with Australian regulations, is a composite material made from approximately 85% recycled glass, pigments, and 15% resin. This mixture is compressed under high pressure and heat to form a dense, non-porous slab.
Comparison: Engineered vs. Natural Stone
| Feature | Engineered Stone (Recycled Glass) | Natural Stone (Marble, Granite) |
|---|---|---|
| Composition | ~85% recycled glass, 15% resin | 100% natural quarried stone |
| Porosity | Non-porous | Porous (requires regular sealing) |
| Stain Resistance | Excellent | Good to Fair (can stain if not sealed) |
| Maintenance | Low (soap and water cleaning) | High (requires regular sealing) |
| Sustainability | High (uses recycled materials) | Lower (quarrying is resource-intensive) |
Which One Should You Choose?
Choose engineered stone if you want a low-maintenance, highly durable surface, prefer a consistent look, are concerned about sustainability, and want the peace of mind of a product designed to meet Australia’s world-first safety standards.
Choose natural stone if you want a one-of-a-kind, unique piece of nature in your home, appreciate natural variation, and are prepared to commit to regular sealing and maintenance.
The Royal Victoria Collection Choice
At Royal Victoria Collection, we are proud to specialise in the new generation of high-quality, safe, and sustainable engineered stone. Our collection offers the beauty of natural stone with the superior performance and low maintenance of an engineered product. Visit our showrooms in Rocklea, Gold Coast, and Brisbane to explore the future of stone benchtops.
