The 2024 change
From 1 July 2024, engineered stone benchtops, panels and slabs were banned across Australia due to the silicosis risk for workers who cut and process them. Many kitchens installed before then have engineered stone, and it can stay, but it is no longer available for new kitchens.
Benchtop options
| Material | Strengths | Watch-outs |
|---|---|---|
| Natural granite / quartzite | Durable, heat resistant, unique | Needs sealing; natural variation |
| Marble | Beautiful, classic | Etches and stains easily |
| Porcelain / sintered stone | Heat, scratch and stain resistant | Edge chips; fabrication skill |
| Solid surface | Seamless joins, integrated sinks | Heat and scratch marks |
| Laminate | Affordable, many looks | Heat and water at edges |
| Timber | Warm, repairable | Needs oiling; water care |
| Stainless steel | Hygienic, heat proof | Scratches, shows marks |
| Low-silica engineered surfaces | Engineered look | Check compliance and specs |
How benchtops are installed
- Cabinetry installed and levelled.
- Benchtop templated on site.
- Slabs fabricated — cut-outs for sinks and cooktops, edges finished.
- Installed and joined.
- Splashback, sink, tapware and cooktop fitted.
Templating after cabinets go in is why benchtops are often the longest wait in a kitchen renovation.
Islands
Waterfall ends, thicker mitred edges and overhangs for seating all affect fabrication and cost. Overhangs need support to suit the material.
Costs
See the 2026 cost bands.
Call 02 4306 7538 or send your kitchen details through.
More for your kitchen
Questions people ask before they commit
Why can't I get engineered stone anymore?
Australia banned the manufacture, supply and installation of engineered stone benchtops, panels and slabs from 1 July 2024 because cutting and processing it exposed workers to high levels of respirable crystalline silica, a cause of silicosis.
What are the alternatives to engineered stone?
Natural stone such as granite, marble and quartzite; porcelain and sintered stone slabs; solid surface acrylics; laminate; timber; stainless steel; and newer low-silica or silica-free engineered surfaces that comply with the ban.
Is porcelain a good benchtop?
Porcelain slabs are heat and scratch resistant, very low maintenance and come in stone and concrete looks. Edges and cut-outs need careful fabrication, and chips on edges are harder to repair than with some other materials.
What about my existing engineered stone benchtop?
The ban does not require removing existing benchtops. Any work that cuts, grinds or removes them must be done with appropriate controls to manage silica dust, so tell your renovator it is engineered stone.