Engineered stone is a popular construction material known for its durability and low maintenance. However, in a world first, the Australian government banned the use, supply, and manufacture of silica-containing engineered stone products under new work health and safety laws. From 1 July, 2024, engineered stone products, including benchtops, slabs, and panels, have been banned across all Australian states and territories and, from 1 January, 2025, there will be a complete ban on engineered stone imports.

The ban came after a years-long campaign supported by doctors, trade unions, and workers and is in response to compelling evidence from the Department of Employment and Workplace Relations, indicating that working with engineered stone produces silica dust, thereby heightening the threat of silicosis among workers.

Fortunately, there are several safe and sustainable alternatives to engineered stone that can be used in construction projects. In this article, we will define engineered stone, discuss its benefits and health risks, and explore the alternatives that builders and homeowners can choose from.

What is Engineered Stone?

Engineered stone containing silica, also known as quartz or agglomerate stone, is a composite material made by mixing crushed stone with a resin binder. This manufactured product is made in a factory and can be customised to suit the specifications of any project.

Engineered stone was long seen as an attractive option for many builders and homeowners due to its durability and resistance to scratches, stains, and heat. But benefits aside, the threat of developing life-threatening silicosis from working with it became evident, specifically for the stonemasons, installers and other workers exposed to the dust.

Why was Engineered Stone Banned in Australia?

For decades, engineered stone benchtops were a preferred style in Australia. However, with rising cases of silicosis, proven to be caused by the inhalation of silica dust, it was removed from the market in July 2024.

The dust, containing up to 95% crystalline silica, is created when the engineered stone is cut, drilled into, or ground. So, workers and home DIYers exposed to silica dust during installation and preparation are exposed to it, with profound effects.

Among the most troubling, silica dust has been shown to cause long-term damage, including lung cancer and silicosis, or lung scarring.

Timeline for the engineered stone ban and when it began

In October 2023, Safe Work Australia published the Decision Regulation Impact Statement: Prohibition on the Use of Engineered Stone (Decision RIS). The statement recommended a ban on the use of all engineered stone, regardless of its crystalline silica content, with the protection of the health and safety of workers as its primary aim.

Then, in December 2023, the Australian government made a world-first decision to ban engineered stone completely. Commonwealth, state, and territory workplace ministers unanimously agreed to implement a national ban on the product and agreed to a deadline of July 1, 2024 in all states and territories.

Some states such as NSW, SA, NT and WA have subsequently agreed to a 6-month transition period, whereas Vic, QLD, WA and the ACT have held fast to the July 1 ban.

Marking the final step in the national ban, the Australian government announced that imports of fake stone will be banned from January 1, 2025, meaning that bringing engineered stone benchtops, slabs and panels into the country will be illegal.

What should homeowners and builders do now?

If your existing benchtops or tiles are made from engineered stone, you don’t need to worry if you plan on leaving them just as they are. However, those planning to remove engineered stone products from their home should know that new rules apply. From September 1, 2024 tradies have been required to comply with new work health and safety laws for the handling of all materials containing at least 1 per cent crystalline silica.

Alternatives to Engineered Stone

The good news is that safe and visually stunning alternatives are readily available: natural stone and silica-free quartz. Because these options feature low or zero silica, there's no need to worry about your health and safety. If you're looking for a new benchtop for your kitchen or laundry that you can feel good about, here are some excellent alternatives to engineered stone.

Natural Stone BENCHTOPS

There are many excellent natural stone alternatives, including marble, travertine, onyx and granite to use for kitchen benchtops. Sourced straight from the earth, it's long-lasting and naturally beautiful.

Terrazzo BENCHTOPS

This stunning composite features chips of marble, granite, quartz and glass in a cement base. Terrazzo benchtops are stylish, durable, and sustainable, with a distinctive look that will set your kitchen apart.

Porcelain BENCHTOPS

Benchtops made of porcelain — a type of sintered stone — are created with natural materials like clay and other minerals, then fired at a high temperature. Porcelain is low-porous for easy maintenance, durable, and looks just as stunning as natural stone.

Quartz Benchtops

Silica-free quartz benchtops combine contemporary style with everyday durability. Designed to mimic the look of natural stone, they’re non-porous, stain-resistant, and low-maintenance — ideal for kitchens, bathrooms, and laundry spaces. Available in a wide range of colours, quartz offers a safe, modern alternative to silica-containing engineered stone.

Natural Stone: The safe alternative

Ready to give your home an upgrade using natural stone? Attila can help. As natural stone experts, we’ve held our lifelong pledge never to work with silica-containing engineered stone products. Witnessing first-hand the hazards of the engineered stone manufacturing plants many years ago, the health risks were not something we felt comfortable with.

Our commitment to providing customers with high-quality and safe materials for their homes has always been paramount. And our conveniently located Campbellfield showroom has the most extensive collection of natural stone in Melbourne, so we invite you to come and look around.

Attila: The natural stone specialists

Having witnessed firsthand the hazards within engineered stone manufacturing plants over two decades ago, the team at Attila made a firm decision never to sell engineered stone. We saw that the health risks posed to workers due to the silica dust exposure were alarming and unacceptable. Our commitment to safety and quality has been unwavering, leading us to prioritise natural stone products that uphold the well-being of our customers and employees.

Choosing a safe and quality alternative to silica-containing engineered stone is simple with Attila. We have a stunning range of natural stone, silica-free quartz, and sintered stone surfaces like porcelain, just waiting to be discovered. You can check out eight natural stone options that are stunning alternatives to engineered stone kitchen benchtops. Reach out to our friendly team today, or book a consultation at our showroom and see the wonder of natural stone for yourself.