Guides, ideas & stone know-how.

Australia's engineered stone ban: what it means for your kitchen

From 1 July 2024, Australia became the first country to ban engineered stone. The ban covers manufacturing, supplying, processing and installing it. The reason is worker safety: cutting and polishing high-silica engineered stone releases respirable crystalline silica dust, which causes silicosis, an incurable lung disease.

Is my existing benchtop dangerous?

No. The risk comes from dust created when stone is cut or ground. Finished, installed benchtops don't release silica in normal use. Repairs and removal of existing engineered stone are still allowed under strict controls.

What are the alternatives?

• Natural marble: very low in silica, beautiful veining, softer and more characterful.
• Granite and quartzite: extremely durable natural stones, cut under proper dust controls.
• Sintered and porcelain compact surfaces: marble-look, ultra-tough slabs that comply with the ban.
• Recycled-content surfaces: newer products made largely from recycled materials.

How we fabricate safely

Our workshop uses wet cutting, on-tool water suppression and respiratory protection, in line with WorkSafe Victoria requirements. That protects our team and gives you peace of mind.

Marble vs granite vs compact surfaces: which is right for you?

Choosing a benchtop is about more than looks. Think about how you cook, who uses the kitchen and how much maintenance you're happy with.

Marble

Nothing matches the depth of real marble veining. It's softer than other stones and will etch with acids, so it suits people who love a lived-in patina.

Granite

Hard, heat-tolerant and practical. Modern honed and leathered finishes make it feel very current.

Compact surfaces

Sintered and porcelain slabs give you the marble look with outstanding scratch, stain and heat resistance. They're ideal for busy families and outdoor kitchens.

Still unsure? See our comparison table or visit the workshop to feel the difference.

20mm or 40mm? Choosing the right edge profile

The edge is the part of your benchtop you see most. A slim 20mm Aris edge feels minimal and contemporary. A Pencil Round softens corners, which is great for families with young children.

A 40mm mitred edge is made by joining a folded strip to the slab, so it looks like a solid block of stone. It's perfect for statement islands and waterfall ends.

Try each one in our Online Visual Studio.

How to care for natural stone benchtops

• Wipe spills promptly, especially wine, citrus and oil.
• Use a pH-neutral cleaner and a soft cloth. Avoid bleach and abrasives.
• Use trivets under hot pans and chopping boards for knives.
• Reseal natural stone every 1–3 years, depending on use.

Compact surfaces need no sealing: warm soapy water is all it takes.

Glass splashbacks: getting the colour right

Glass changes how colour looks. The tint of the glass and the light in your kitchen both shift the final shade. Low-iron glass gives the truest colour, especially for whites and pastels.

We recommend choosing your benchtop first, then matching the splashback to a paint colour or sample. Preview combinations in the Visual Studio, then we'll make a physical sample before production.