Quick answer
Since 1 July 2024, Australia has banned the manufacture, supply, processing and installation of engineered stone benchtops because of the silicosis risk to workers. Sydney renovators are now choosing natural stone such as marble, quartzite, granite and dolomite, or porcelain. Marble and other calcite stones look stunning but etch easily, so many owners protect them with clear film.
What the ban means for you
- New engineered stone benchtops cannot be installed.
- Existing engineered stone does not need to be removed. Any cutting, drilling or polishing should be done by a competent tradesperson with proper dust controls.
- Source: Safe Work Australia and SafeWork NSW.
Benchtop options compared
| Material | Looks | Etch risk | Stain risk | Protection we recommend |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Marble | Classic veining, huge variety | High | Medium to high | Our film. Stops etching and staining |
| Quartzite | Marble-like, very hard | Low (test 'soft' quartzites) | Medium | Our film. Stains, scratches and everyday wear |
| Granite | Speckled, many colours | Very low | Low to medium | Our film. Stains, scratches and everyday wear |
| Dolomite | Marble-like, harder | Low to medium | Medium | Our film. Etching and staining |
| Limestone and travertine | Soft, organic | High | High | Our film. Stops etching and staining |
| Porcelain | Printed stone looks, thin slabs | None | Very low | Our film. Scratch and wear protection |
| Existing engineered stone | Uniform | None | Medium | Our film. No cutting required |
The film comes in Gloss and Satin, and the finish is your choice on any of these materials. Most people keep the original look, so Gloss goes over polished surfaces and Satin over honed or matte ones, but you can use the film to change the finish if you prefer.
Tips before you choose
- Ask your supplier for an offcut and do the lemon test (drop of lemon juice, wait five minutes, wipe).
- Decide between polished (shows etches more) and honed (shows stains more). The film finish is a separate choice you make later.
- Plan protection before the kitchen is used, so the stone is perfect when film goes on.
Read more: marble etching explained and surfaces we protect.
Frequently asked questions
Get a free, no-obligation quote
Send us a few photos of your benchtop, the stone type (if you know it) and your suburb. We reply within the hour during business hours.