[UPDATED AUG 2024]
As of 1 July 2024, the production, distribution, processing, and installation of engineered stone benchtops, panels, and slabs are now prohibited in Australia. We welcome this new law and the ban on the manufacture, supply, processing and installation of engineered stone benchtops, panels and slabs.
Now that engineered stone is no longer an option, what are the alternatives and what can we do about engineered stone you may currently have in place in your home.
Engineered Stone Alternatives
Here are a few alternatives you could consider:
Natural Stone Countertops
- Types of natural stone (granite, marble, quartzite)
- Durability and maintenance requirements
- Aesthetic options and customization
Recycled Glass Countertops
- Environmental benefits
- Design options and patterns
- Durability and maintenance
Concrete Countertops
- Customization and design flexibility
- Pros and cons of using concrete
- Sealing and maintenance requirements
Solid Surface Countertops
- Popular brands (Corian, Avonite, etc.)
- Pros and cons compared to engineered stone
- Design options and installation process
Butcher Block Countertops
- Types of wood used (maple, oak, walnut)
- Maintenance and care tips
- Pros and cons for kitchen use
Ceramic and Porcelain Tile Countertops
- Durability and heat resistance
- Design options and installation tips
- Maintenance and cleaning requirements
Laminate Countertops
- Affordable alternatives to engineered stone
- Variety of designs and patterns
- Durability and maintenance considerations
Paper Composite Countertops
- Eco-friendly benefits
- Durability and maintenance
- Design options and customisation
Dealing with Installed Engineered Stone
Health and Safety Concerns
- Potential health risks of installed engineered stone
- Proper ventilation and dust control measures
- Regular cleaning and maintenance tips to minimise risks
Replacement and Disposal
- Safe removal and disposal methods
- Recycling options for engineered stone
- Hiring professionals for replacement and disposal
Why We Supported The Ban on Engineered Stone
[This was our original Post published 9 June 2021]
As many of you may have seen the piece on The Project TV, which aired last Sunday night, it ran through the dangers of manufacturing engineered stone for kitchen bench tops and splash backs.
We learned that many lives [including stonemasons] are being lost due to silicosis, a terminal lung illness caused by stone fabricators dry cutting, polishing, and grinding the material, which can develop after breathing in dangerous silica dust. There is 90% silica content in this material which is more than double what’s in natural granite. What was even more surprising is that this is the main stone that is being used in home renovation programs that are aired nationwide. Furthermore, Australia currently has 46% market share for engineered stone. This has all lead to 1 in 5 or 35% of workers in this industry to be diagnosed with silicosis. This epidemic is more lethal than asbestos!
Part of the responsibility lies within the design industry to say NO to these products until they are made with materials that are safe to cut, and there are laws in place to protect people and to compensate them properly for damages done. Our studio will continue to say NO to engineered stone until there are legislative measures in place to ensure the product is being safely used.
Although our office has rarely used engineered stone in the past 5 years, we would like to start an online petition against engineered stone. So, if you are a designer, or know one, please consider doing the same and joining us. Share this with as many friends, family and loved ones as you can.
We also received a wide range of questions on our Instagram post regarding engineered stone, so we thought we’d answer a few common ones below:
1. What are your top alternatives to engineered stone ie. robust natural stone?
Granite [super white], Dolomites, Granite, Laminate, Quarzite, Terrazzo, and Porcelain. This image below is the kitchen corner detailing at The Woolwich House where we used the stunning Cote D’zure Stone from CDK Stone for a truly elegant statement. You can take a look at The Woolwich House for some insight to the types of stones we used throughout this home.
2. Are there safe ways to work with this type of material? Like wet cutting?
Wet cutting is still has its dangers. In order to make it safer the stonemasons need to use vacuum cutting which is very expensive and not an option for most. Even when it is used wet (and) turns to sludge, the sludge then dries and gets on the workers boots which then turns back to powder.
3. Does terrazzo fall under this category?
Depends whether the terrazzo is cement-based or not. Always check before using terrazzo to see if it is indeed cement based – suggestion would be to not use it if so. Our studio does still use terrazzo if it is cement based. Take a look at The Clovelly House where we used terrazzo throughout.
Next Step
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If so, get in touch today and let us help you make your dream space come to life.
