Alternatives to Engineered Stone
Massive news in our industry recently! Starting from July 1, 2024, there'll be a shift away from using Engineered Stone in new installations. No need to worry if you already have an existing engineered stone benchtop – once it's in place, it's stable. These changes are aimed at safeguarding the trades involved in the installation process. Now, if you're exploring alternatives to Engineered Stone, here's a friendly rundown of some fantastic options:
Image Credit: Designer Surfaces
Timber Benchtop
What is it? Natural, hardwood timber in various species like oak, rosewood, and melunak.
Why? It's naturally beautiful, highly durable, and scratches or dents can be easily sanded out.
See examples at https://timberbenchtopsaustralia.com.au/
Laminate Benchtop
What is it? Compressed layers of decorative paper and reinforced plastic on a substrate like particleboard or MDF.
Benefits? Inexpensive, easy to clean, non-porous, waterproof, and a vast range of colors and styles.
See examples at https://www.polytec.com.au/
Porcelain Slab
What is it? Made from a two-ore firing process and contains minerals like Kaolinite, feldspar, ball clay, glass, bone ash, and quartz.
Why? Safe, hygienic, easy to clean, scratch-resistant, and environmentally stable.
See examples at https://designersurfaces.net.au/
Stainless Steel Benchtop
What is it? Also known as Inox, an alloy of iron resistant to rusting and corrosion.
Why? Hygienic, waterproof, heat-resistant, durable, easy to clean, versatile, with a range of textures and finishes.
See examples at Brisbane Stainless.
Solid Surface
What is it? Made from refined bauxite and blended with pure acrylic resin.
Why? Zero silica, repairable, seamless joins, stain-resistant, UV-stable, and environmentally friendly.
See examples at CASF or Austron Surface.
Lapitec (Sintered Stone)
What is it? Timeless, full-bodied material made from natural materials and silica-free.
Why? Hygienic, antibacterial, scratch-resistant, easy to clean, heat-resistant, and 100% natural.
See examples at Lapitec.
Natural Stone - Marble / Granite / Quartzite / Dolomite
What is it? Quarried directly from the earth's crust.
Why? Unique, durable, sustainable, timeless, easy to maintain, and a variety of options.
See examples at Project Stone.
Concrete
What is it? A mixture of cement, air, water, sand, and gravel.
Benefits? Durability, heat sensitivity, heat resistance, easy cleaning, and versatility.
See examples at Concrete Benches.
Tile Benchtop
What is it? Tiles made from glazed or unglazed fire clay.
Benefits? Trendy, heat-resistant, stain-resistant, easy maintenance, affordable, and versatile.
See examples at Marilena Baynes Interiors.
Happy exploring!
