Kitchen Benchtops: Three safe alternatives to engineered stone

Information about Engineered stone.......

Bunnings was one of the first retailers in Australia to stop selling engineered stone due to safety concerns. The Australian Government announced a complete national ban, coming into effect from July 1, 2024. Although it has been a staple of the past two decades, it has been found that when engineered stone is cut it releases a fine silica dust that can harm the lungs when inhaled.

With the popular material no longer an option, many renovators and tradies have been left scratching their heads about which kitchen benchtop material to choose in its place.

Here are three durable, stylish and low-maintenance kitchen benchtops you can recommend.

Laminate

Hardwearing, non-porous, are available in a huge array of colours and patterns, laminate kitchen benchtops make a great alternative to engineered stone. They’re affordable, too, allowing your clients to get the look of luxe materials like marble, wood grain and concrete for a fraction of the price of the real thing.

“With laminate, homeowners can capture the essence of stone, while enjoying its inclusive price point and durability,” says Giorgia Manenti from Kaboodle Kitchen, available at Bunnings.

With care, a laminate benchtop will look good and perform well for years. Laminate is stain-resistant and wipes down easily with mild detergent and water. For added protection, there are laminates with scuff resistance and anti-fingerprint technology (Kaboodle Kitchens’ Molasses and Feta Whip are two such options). It’s important to note, however, that it’s not as heat resistant as materials like stainless steel or natural stone, so a protective mat or trivet should be used for hot dishes, and a chopping board for cutting.

Minor chips and scratches can be repaired following instructions (check with the manufacturer). But if the damage is extensive, the affected section of benchtop would need to be replaced.

Solid surface

If your client wants a hygienic and hardwearing kitchen-benchtop material that can be integrated to include a sink and splashback for a seamless look, solid surface is hard to beat.

Solid surface benchtops come in a range of colours and aesthetics, including those that mimic marble, terrazzo and concrete. It’s quick and simple to install, softer to the touch than natural stone kitchen benchtops and less prone to chipping.

“Think Solid [solid surface] is made from natural materials and polymer resin and has zero silica content, making it a safe alternative to engineered stone. It’s also recyclable,” says Ryan Clarke, National Sales Manager at Think Benchtops, sold at Bunnings. “It offers exceptional stain resistance, plus it’s easy to clean, and any damage can easily be repaired in the home.” However, he advises, “While Think Solid [solid surface] benchtops are resistant to high temperatures, homeowners should always use a heat pad beneath hot pans or heat-emitting appliances.”

Does your client dream of a curved-edge island benchtop? Solid surface products can easily be cut into curves. At Bunnings, you can specify a 15mm radius corner to the external edges of Think Solid benchtops.

Timber

For many homeowners, nothing comes close to the warmth and beauty of a wooden benchtop. Natural timber and bamboo benchtops are popular, says Giorgia. “They add warmth and textural interest to a space thanks to their raw tones.”

Think Timber recyclable kitchen benchtops at Bunnings are made from solid, 32mm-thick hardwood timber with 42mm-wide finger-joined staves, which is sourced from responsibly managed forests. They come in a selection of wood finishes to suit a range of kitchen aesthetics, including warm European oak, rich walnut and light-toned ash.

Timber benchtops look beautiful but do require TLC; the surface can scratch, dent, stain or burn with hot objects. But applying a protective coating can help prevent damage. “We recommend applying Cabot’s Benchtop Clear or similar,” says Ryan. “Wipe spills immediately and use a heat pad for hot pots and pans. If scratches occur, remove them with fine sandpaper and apply a recoat.”