Engineered stone benchtops can no longer be made, supplied, cut or installed in Australia. The ban started on 1 July 2024, so a new kitchen now needs another material: laminate, natural stone, porcelain or sintered stone, timber, stainless steel or solid surface. Each sits at a different price and suits a different kitchen.
What the ban covers
The ban makes it an offence to manufacture, supply, process or install engineered stone benchtops, panels or slabs. Under the definition, engineered stone is an artificial product that contains at least 1% crystalline silica, is made by combining natural stone materials with other ingredients such as resins or pigments, and then hardens. Many of the slabs sold as "quartz" were engineered stone.
The definition does not include porcelain or sintered stone that contains no resin, ceramic tiles, concrete, bricks or plasterboard. Since 1 January 2025, engineered stone benchtops, panels and slabs have also been banned imports.
Some newer products are sold as low-silica or silica-free. Whether one can be installed depends on what it is made of, not its name, so ask for the product specification before you choose. Safe Work Australia explains the rules on its engineered stone ban page (checked 10 November 2026).
If you already have an engineered stone benchtop
The ban does not mean an existing benchtop has to come out. It can stay where it is. Cutting, repairing or removing one disturbs the material, though, so get professional advice before any work on it, for example when a renovation keeps the old benchtop or changes a cut-out.
How the options compare
These are general installed price ranges per square metre, to help you set a budget. The final cost depends on the size of the benchtop, the edges and the cut-outs.
| Material | General range, installed | Worth knowing |
|---|---|---|
| Laminate | $150 to $400 per m² | The most affordable. Many stone and timber looks, and modern edges hide the old dark line. Needs a trivet for hot pans. |
| Natural stone, such as granite | From about $600 per m² | Every slab is different. Care depends on the stone and its finish; some need sealing. |
| Porcelain and sintered stone | $900 to $1,800 per m² | Thin, hard and heat resistant, with stone-look patterns. Resin-free products are outside the ban. |
| Timber, stainless steel and solid surface | Usually between laminate and porcelain | Timber warms up a kitchen but needs oiling; stainless steel is hard-wearing; solid surface can be joined almost invisibly. |
What else changes the price
- Thickness and edges. A thicker or mitred edge uses more material and more work.
- Waterfall ends. Carrying the benchtop down the side of an island looks striking and protects the end panel, but it adds material and a careful join.
- Cut-outs. An undermount sink or a cooktop cut-out costs more than a top-mount sink.
- Joins. A long run or an L shape may need more than one slab and visible joins.
A common way to keep the look within budget is a feature material on the island and laminate around the walls.
Where Omega fits in
Omega organises the benchtop as part of a kitchen renovation, so you are not finding and booking a supplier yourself. Tell Bill how you use the kitchen and what you like the look of, and the benchtop is planned with the cabinetry. For the full cost picture, see what a kitchen renovation costs in regional NSW.