Australian ban on engineered stone and the emerging design alternatives.
31 January 2024
Nobody likes change, but you can’t put a price on life, so the Workplace Health and Safety law amendments to prohibit the use of engineered stone in Australia should come as no surprise.
The product has been banned since 1 July 2024. This change will protect thousands of workers from exposure to excessive levels of respirable crystalline silica (silica dust) when the stone is cut, shaped, or polished.
Australia will be the first country worldwide to ban the product, and others are expected to follow. The decision comes after lengthy calls from doctors, workers, and unions over rising cases of silicosis. This lung disease develops from inhaling fine silica dust and can lead to serious lung complications and death.
CEO and renovation coach, Belinda Smith of Renovation and Real Estate says we’ve learnt through the eradication of asbestos late last century how crucial it is to act quickly when it comes to occupational health hazards.
“There wasn’t a lot of time between the Safe Work Australia recommendation in December 2023 and the decision to ban. As well as big supply companies, it impacts us as renovators, interior designers and decorators, builders, developers, and kitchen and bathroom companies.”
While the prohibition has raised anxiety for these businesses, many are pre-empting the cut-off date and are phasing out supply in favour of safe alternatives.
“We were discussing in our renovation group if this would become like asbestos with costly processes for treatment and removal from old homes. But at this stage, that’s not the case, so if you have it in your kitchen benchtops and bathrooms, you don’t have to replace them,“ Belinda said.
The law prohibits the selling, machining and use of engineered stone but does not affect already existing slabs in residential and commercial properties. Minor repairs or modifications will still be allowed as will the removal and disposal of stone, though these should be approached with precautionary safety measures.
Fortunately, there are plenty of functional, economical and attractive substitutes already on the market:
Natural stone including granite, marble and limestone:
Stone is mined from a quarry, cut into slabs and polished, as opposed to engineered which is ground natural stones mixed with resin or cement. While natural stone slabs are more costly than engineered or other products, each slab is authentically unique.
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Timber and timber-look:
A cost-efficient alternative that adds warmth to any space. The surfaces require thorough preparation and waterproofing to prevent staining, mould and rot, but the finished result is worth the effort for long-lasting benchtops.
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Laminate:
Laminate products have evolved over the decades and now come in a large variety of quality brands, colours, effects and finishes. It can give you the look of natural stone or polished concrete for a fraction of the cost. Higher-quality varieties are more resistant to damage from impact, heat, scratches and stains.
Recycled glass:
Sustainability meets style and colour. A pricier choice over other materials but recycled glass can bring life to neutral spaces in endless possibilities of shades and colour with the bonus of doing good for the environment. It’s easy to maintain and heartier than stone products so it will last.
Porcelain:
It looks like and feels like natural stone. Put your hot pots straight on the surface as porcelain is resilient against heat, scratching and staining, and is easy to look after. You will pay a little more for this product but its functionality and the variety of looks and colours make it a practical alternative to natural stone.
Low silica products:
Essentially, it’s engineered stone, but it has been fabricated from natural stones with low levels of silica like limestone and marble. Slabs are manufactured within the workplace health and safety limits and provide a safe and affordable alternative to engineered stone.
Polished concrete:
The cement look can make a statement or act neutrally to accent other features in your space. While the material itself isn’t expensive, crafting the slabs and shapes adds to the cost, so it’s not the most practical option if you’re on a budget. It’s sturdy and resistant to heat, scratching and damage but can be susceptible to cracking.
Stainless steel:
Probably not your first thought when opting for your benchtops but when combined with complementary cabinetry and splashbacks, stainless steel and other metal products like brass and copper can look sleek and make an impression. It’s not as expensive as natural stones but also not the cheapest alternative. That said, it’s a robust and sustainable option for the added expense. A little polishing will be needed to make it shine however there’s a reason this is the surface of choice in commercial kitchens, restaurants and bars; it’s the most sanitary.
Tiles:
Re-emerging in design, tiles are an affordable way to add appeal to your space. The varieties, colours and textures available offer endless opportunities to create aesthetically interesting features, not just as splashbacks but on the benches themselves. Grouting and tile sealing products have improved to make the surfaces exceptionally durable, easy to clean and long-lasting.
Given the options available for any budget, we shouldn’t miss engineered stone for long. Considering the cause, support for this change will benefit the lives and well-being of people working to make our homes beautiful and their families too.
Happy renovating.