If you’re planning a kitchen or bathroom renovation in 2025, one of the first things to consider is what materials you can and can’t use, especially when it comes to your benchtops.
As of 1 January 2025, the Australian Government has prohibited the supply, import, manufacture, and installation of engineered stone products containing more than 1% crystalline silica. This change has influenced the materials available for use in homes across the country, including many popular quartz-based surfaces.
At Addstyle, we’ve fully embraced this shift, helping our clients navigate the new rules while continuing to deliver stunning, functional and compliant spaces.
So what are the best alternatives to engineered stone in 2025?
Let’s explore.
What’s Behind the Change?
The national engineered stone ban was introduced in response to increasing health concerns around the fabrication of high-silica materials. As a result, builders and designers across Australia have moved to low- and no-silica alternatives that meet both safety and performance standards.
At Addstyle, we’ve worked closely with our suppliers and fabricators to ensure all benchtop materials we specify are compliant, without compromising on aesthetics or longevity.
Compliant and Beautiful Benchtop Alternatives in 2025
Here’s what Addstyle clients are choosing for their renovations this year:
🪨 1. Natural Stone (Marble, Granite, Quartzite)
Silica content: Varies, generally compliant
Best for: Kitchen islands, vanities, feature benchtops
Supplier partners: Cosentino and CDK Stone
Natural stone continues to be a timeless option. Each slab is unique in colour, veining and character, and materials like marble, granite, and quartzite remain highly sought-after in both contemporary and traditional homes.
At Addstyle, we source premium natural stone through trusted partners like Cosentino, Sensa natural stone to ensure each selection aligns with the style, function, and compliance needs of the project.
🧱 2. Porcelain and Sintered Stone
Silica content: Low
Best for: Kitchens, bathrooms, splashbacks, outdoor benchtops
Notable brand: Dekton by Cosentino
Porcelain and sintered stone surfaces are non-porous, UV-stable, and highly durable—making them ideal for modern living. Available in a wide variety of finishes, they can mimic natural stone, concrete, or metal with stunning realism.
Dekton, from global surface leader Cosentino, is a standout. It offers:
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Ultra-compact durability
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High heat and stain resistance
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Seamless finishes across large-format surfaces
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Suitability for both indoor and outdoor spaces
With no need for sealing and minimal maintenance required, Dekton is fast becoming a favourite for clients seeking performance and peace of mind.
🧪 3. Crystalline Silica-Free Surfaces
Silica content: None
Best for: Kitchen benchtops, splashbacks, bathrooms
Key brands:
Both Cosentino and Caesarstone have released fully crystalline silica-free surface collections, created in response to Australia’s new legislation.
Xeron® is Cosentino’s latest innovation—crafted with recycled materials, zero silica, and high resistance to wear and tear.
Caesarstone’s Mineral™ and ICON™ ranges combine advanced mineral blends and sustainable content, offering clients the sophisticated look Caesarstone is known for, in a safe and compliant format.
These new-generation surfaces allow for the same freedom in design, without the regulatory limitations of traditional engineered stone.
🪵 4. Timber Accents
Silica content: None
Best for: feature islands and open shelving
Timber surfaces, either natural or engineered, are being used more frequently in combination with stone and porcelain to introduce warmth and texture to a design. From fine-grain oak to deep walnut tones, timber adds a soft contrast and a sense of craftsmanship to any space.
In many of our 2025 renovations, we’re seeing timber used to complement hard surfaces for a layered, architectural look.
Can I Still Use Caesarstone?
Traditional Caesarstone engineered quartz products are no longer permitted under the 2025 regulations due to their high crystalline silica content. However, Caesarstone is continuing to evolve its offering with new, compliant surfaces under the Mineral™ and ICON™ lines. These products are fully crystalline silica-free and designed to meet the same performance and design expectations.
We will continue to review these on a case-by-case basis as they become available locally and as our fabricators adopt the required handling and installation processes.
Planning a Renovation in 2025?
At Addstyle, we’ve adapted every aspect of our specification and selection process to align with the new stone legislation. We work closely with clients to select the right materials—balancing beauty, durability, safety, and compliance.
Whether your style leans minimalist and architectural or classic and detailed, today’s compliant benchtop materials offer an exceptional range of options to suit your space.
📍 Explore our recent renovation projects
📞 Book a complimentary consultation to start planning with confidence.
Frequently Asked Questions
What benchtop materials are banned in 2025?
All engineered stone products containing more than 1% crystalline silica are banned in Australia from 1 January 2025.
Is Caesarstone still available?
Caesarstone’s traditional quartz surfaces are no longer permitted, but their new Mineral™ and ICON™ collections are crystalline silica-free and fully compliant.
What’s the safest option for kitchen benchtops now?
Dekton, natural stone, porcelain, and silica-free engineered alternatives are all excellent choices—depending on the application and look you’re after.
What’s the difference between porcelain and sintered stone?
Porcelain is a type of sintered stone. Both are made by compressing and firing natural materials at high temperatures to create a highly durable, non-porous surface.
