BREAKING: Australia Bans Engineered Stone Benchtops - What It Means for New Home Builders

18th December 2023

Pre-Construction Design & Trends News & Industry Insights

Australia has officially banned engineered stone benchtops from 1 July 2024 due to rising cases of silicosis among workers. This article explains what the ban means for home buyers, builders, and the alternatives now available for kitchen and bathroom surfaces.

BREAKING: Australia Bans Engineered Stone Benchtops - What It Means for New Home Builders

As of July 1, 2024, engineered stone benchtops will be banned across Australia. This landmark decision comes after a surge in silicosis cases among workers who manufacture and install these products. In this episode of the Home Building Hub podcast, Colin Bischof and Darren Brennan break down the announcement, explain its implications, and offer practical guidance for home buyers navigating the change.

Why Was Engineered Stone Banned?

The ban is a response to the severe health risks posed by inhaling crystalline silica dust, which is released when cutting engineered stone. This dust can cause silicosis, a deadly and incurable occupational lung disease. The first reported case in Australia was in 2015, and since then, hundreds of workers have been diagnosed.

Key points about silicosis:

• Caused by inhalation of crystalline silica dust

• Leads to lung scarring, breathing issues, and death

• Incurable but preventable by avoiding exposure

This isn’t about aesthetics – it’s about saving lives. Australia is the first country in the world to impose this ban.

When Does the Ban Start?

• Ban Date: 1 July 2024

• Scope: Installation of engineered stone after this date will be prohibited

• Contracts Signed Before 13 December 2023: May qualify for transitional exemptions (still unconfirmed)

• Contracts Signed After 13 December 2023: Should not rely on engineered stone being available

Builders and suppliers are expected to stop offering engineered stone well before the July deadline due to supply risks and uncertainty.

How Will Builders Respond?

Builders are already notifying clients and halting engineered stone orders. Even if technically permitted before July, supply chain and logistical issues mean stock is becoming unavailable. Many builders are taking a no-risk stance and moving to alternatives immediately.

Expect quick pivots across the industry to ensure compliance, reduce liability, and support the health of workers.

What Are the Alternatives to Engineered Stone?

There are several stylish and safe alternatives to engineered stone:

• Laminate – Affordable, modern, and improved in look and feel

• Dekton (porcelain-based) – Durable and gaining popularity

• Natural stone – Beautiful but expensive

• Tiles – Retro but potentially back in vogue

• Concrete – Bold, modern look

• Timber – Warm and natural aesthetic

Note: Not all builders will offer every option immediately. Availability will vary.

What Should You Do If You're Building?

If you have not yet started construction or are still early in the process:

• Do not assume you'll receive engineered stone

• Expect your builder to contact you about changing your benchtop material

• Be proactive and explore laminate or other alternatives now

• Avoid frustration by understanding the health-driven reasons behind the decision

Key Takeaways

• Engineered stone is banned in Australia from 1 July 2024 due to silicosis risks

• Builders and suppliers are expected to phase it out immediately due to health, legal, and logistical challenges

• If you're building a home, prepare for changes and be flexible with benchtop selections

• Safe, attractive alternatives are available – speak with your builder about what works for your design and budget

Glossary of Terms

• Silicosis: A deadly lung disease caused by inhaling fine silica dust

• Engineered stone: Man-made composite material commonly used for benchtops

• Dekton: A high-performance, porcelain-based surface alternative

• Laminate: A synthetic benchtop material known for affordability and versatility

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Will I still be able to use stone if I already signed a contract? Maybe – but only if your contract was signed before 13 December 2023 and your builder confirms they can still source and install it in time.

Why not just make safer cutting practices mandatory? Even with high-end safety equipment, the risk of dust exposure remains. Banning the product removes the danger entirely.

Is laminate really a good alternative? Yes! Modern laminates look fantastic and are much safer and more cost-effective.

What if my builder says they can still do stone? Proceed with caution. Supply may dry up and you risk delays or last-minute changes. Be prepared to choose another option.

Despite all of this, there's no cause for concern as there will be a silica-free stone made available that will be be like-for-like.

Listen to the full episode here: BREAKING: Australia Bans Engineered Stone Benchtops

About the Home Building Hub Podcast

The Home Building Hub podcast, hosted by industry experts Colin Bischof and Darren Brennan, is Australia’s premier resource for new home buyers. With weekly episodes featuring special guests, the podcast provides objective, high-quality insights into the home building process—completely free and without sales pitches. From understanding financing options to navigating the complexities of building a new home, each episode is packed with actionable advice and tips.

Explore more episodes at homebuildinghub.com.au and join our growing community of informed home buyers.

Disclaimer

Whilst we’re all about providing value to you, this article should not be considered as legal or financial advice. It contains general information only and is based on the content discussed during the podcast episode. This information is relevant to the episode’s release date and may not be applicable at the time of reading. Always seek independent professional advice tailored to your personal situation before making any legal or financial decisions.