For years, engineered stone was the default benchtop in Australian kitchens. That changed on 1 July 2024, when a national ban came into force under work health and safety laws. If you are planning a new kitchen, laundry or vanity, here is what changed and what you can choose instead.
What the ban covers
The ban stops the manufacture, supply, processing and installation of engineered stone benchtops, panels and slabs. It was introduced to protect the people who cut and install stone, because dust from high-silica products can cause silicosis, a serious and incurable lung disease.
Under the regulations, engineered stone is an artificial product that contains 1% or more crystalline silica, is made by combining natural stone materials with other ingredients such as resins or pigments, and has been hardened. That has two practical consequences:
- Products marketed as low-silica are still banned if they contain 1% or more crystalline silica.
- Products that fall outside the definition can still be used. These include silica-free surfaces below the 1% threshold, natural stone, and porcelain and sintered stone made without resin.
Safe Work Australia's engineered stone ban information has the full detail.
What if you already have engineered stone?
You do not need to remove an existing engineered stone benchtop. The ban is about new work. Removing, repairing and making minor changes to stone that was installed before the ban is still allowed, but it is tightly controlled, so talk to us early if a renovation involves cutting existing stone.
Your benchtop options now
Silica-free surfaces
A newer generation of manufactured surfaces is made to sit below the 1% crystalline silica threshold. They give you the clean, consistent look people loved about engineered stone, in solid colours and marble-look designs. Ranges and availability are changing quickly, so we will show you current samples at your consult.
Natural stone
Granite, marble and quartzite are not affected by the ban, and every slab is unique, which is the appeal. Marble is softer and more porous, so it etches and stains more easily and suits people who like a lived-in patina. Granite is very hard wearing. Natural stone usually needs sealing.
Porcelain and sintered stone
These are made by firing minerals at very high temperatures, without resin. They are slim, very hard and highly resistant to heat, stains and UV light, which makes them a strong choice for outdoor kitchens too. Edges and corners need a little care, and thicker looks are created with mitred edges.
Laminate
Modern laminate benchtops are a long way from the kitchens of the 1980s. They come in convincing stone and timber looks, with square or curved edges, and are the most budget-friendly option. They are less tolerant of heat and knives, so trivets and chopping boards are a must.
Timber
Solid timber adds warmth and works beautifully on islands, butler's pantries and desks. It needs oiling or sealing and will mark over time, which many people love. Keep it away from the wettest areas around the sink unless it is well sealed.
Quick comparison
| Option | Look | Heat | Care | Great for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Silica-free surfaces | Clean, consistent, marble-look | Use trivets | Low | Main kitchen benches |
| Natural stone | One of a kind | Good | Seal regularly | Statement islands |
| Porcelain and sintered stone | Slim, crisp, stone or concrete looks | Excellent | Low | Kitchens and outdoor kitchens |
| Laminate | Huge range of colours and looks | Use trivets | Low | Laundries and budget-conscious kitchens |
| Timber | Warm and natural | Use trivets | Oil or seal | Islands, pantries and desks |
Thickness and edges
Benchtop thickness changes the whole feel of a kitchen. Slim 20mm tops look sharp and modern, while chunky 40mm to 80mm edges, usually built up with a mitred edge, feel generous on an island. We build to suit anything from 20mm to 80mm profiles.
Choosing for your home
Think about how you cook, whether you have young kids, how much maintenance you are happy with and where the benchtop sits. Many of our clients mix materials, for example a durable surface around the cooktop and sink with timber on the island or in the butler's pantry.
You can try different benchtops on a kitchen in our 3D kitchen designer, then bring your favourites to a free design consult, where we will show you real samples in your own light. If you are early in the process, start with our kitchen renovation guide.
