Manufactured surfaces (silica free)

Manufactured crystalline-silica-free surfaces are a new generation of benchtop materials designed to provide the attractive appearance and everyday practicality associated with engineered stone, while complying with Australia's current requirements relating to engineered stone.

Rather than being cut directly from a natural stone slab, these surfaces are manufactured using combinations of materials such as recycled glass, minerals, pigments and binding materials. This allows manufacturers to produce a wide range of colours and patterns, including designs that recreate the appearance of marble and natural stone.

Note: QN Designs follows professional fabrication practices and dust control practices in line with Safe Work Australia requirements.

Why choose a manufactured surface benchtop?

• Wide choice of designs – Available in contemporary colours, subtle patterns and realistic marble-inspired veining.
• Consistent appearance – Colours and patterns tend to be more predictable than natural stone.
• Low maintenance – Most manufactured surfaces are non-porous and do not require regular sealing.
• Stain resistant – Being non-porous makes them well suited to everyday kitchen use and spills.
• Easy to clean – Everyday cleaning generally requires only a soft cloth, water and a mild detergent.
• Durable – Quality surfaces provide good resistance to everyday scratches, impacts and wear.
• Hygienic – Their low absorption makes them an excellent surface for food preparation areas.

What we offer

Ranges available in Australia include products from brands such as VITRUM, Stone Ambassador, Linnstone and Silestone, with compositions varying between manufacturers and individual product ranges.

We offer two ranges - a basic and premium end.



quartzite - looks like marble but tougher

Quartzite is a premium natural stone formed deep within the earth when sandstone is subjected to intense heat and pressure. The result is an exceptionally hard stone with beautiful natural movement, colour and veining.

Quartzite is particularly popular with homeowners who love the sophisticated appearance of marble but would prefer a harder and more durable natural stone.



Every slab of quartzite is created by nature, which means no two benchtops are exactly the same. Colours can range from soft whites, creams and greys through to dramatic greens, blues, golds and darker tones.

WHY CHOOSE quartzite?

• Naturally beautiful – Each slab has its own unique colour, movement and veining.
• Premium appearance – Quartzite can create a striking centrepiece in a high-end kitchen.
• Very hard and durable – It is one of the harder natural stones used for kitchen benchtops.
• Good heat resistance – Natural quartzite performs well around normal kitchen heat when properly cared for.
• Distinctive character – Natural variations give the kitchen a finish that cannot be exactly replicated by a manufactured surface.
• Long lasting – With appropriate care, a quality quartzite benchtop can last for many years.

WHAT WE OFFER

Quartzite is an excellent choice for customers who want a genuine natural stone with a luxurious appearance and excellent durability.

Quartzite generally sits towards the premium end of the benchtop market, particularly for rare or highly patterned slabs.

granite

Granite is a natural stone that has been used for kitchen benchtops for generations. It is formed from slowly cooled molten rock and is known for its exceptional strength, durability and distinctive natural appearance.



Every granite slab is unique. Depending on where it is quarried, granite can contain combinations of whites, greys, blacks, browns, greens, reds and other colours, often with attractive mineral patterns running throughout the stone.

WHY choose granite?

• Extremely durable – Granite is well suited to the demands of a busy family kitchen.
• Naturally unique – No two slabs are identical.
• Excellent heat resistance – Granite performs particularly well in kitchens where hot cookware is regularly used.
• Scratch resistant – Its hard surface provides excellent resistance to normal everyday wear.
• Timeless appearance – Granite works equally well in contemporary, classic and traditional kitchens.
• Wide range of colours – From understated neutral designs to highly dramatic natural patterns.
• Long lifespan – Properly maintained granite can remain beautiful for decades.

WHAT WE OFFER

Granite is an excellent option for homeowners looking for a strong, practical and authentic natural-stone benchtop.

As a one of a kind premium stone, granite has natural variations, mineral markings and movement.

This is an an important part of its appeal and give every kitchen a genuinely individual character.

marble

Marble is one of the world's most recognisable and luxurious natural stones. Known for its beautiful veining, depth and elegant appearance, marble has been used in architecture and interiors for centuries.



Each marble slab is completely unique, with natural veins and variations created over millions of years. Popular colours range from classic whites and soft greys through to dramatic greens, blacks and richly coloured stones.

WHY choose marble?

• Exceptional natural beauty – Marble has a depth and character that is difficult to reproduce artificially.
• Completely unique – Every slab has its own individual veining and movement.
• Timeless appeal – Marble works beautifully in both contemporary and traditional kitchens.
• Premium finish – It can create a sophisticated focal point for kitchen islands and benchtops.
• Wide design selection – Available in subtle understated varieties as well as highly dramatic statement stones.
• Ages naturally – Over time, marble can develop a distinctive pattern that many homeowners consider part of its character.

WHAT WE OFFER

Marble is softer and more porous than granite or quartzite and does require more care than many other benchtop materials.

For this reason, marble is a premium material that is best suited to homeowners who appreciate the beauty and natural ageing of genuine stone and are comfortable giving their benchtop a little more care.

For the right kitchen, few materials can match the depth, elegance and individual character of natural marble.