Safe Use of Silica-Free Stone Materials: Perth’s Healthier Choice for Modern Homes

When you’re planning a new kitchen or redesigning your bathroom, the last thing you’ll want for your benchtop is risking the health of your family. Right?

Unfortunately, some engineered stone materials have identified with hidden risks for your health. Hence, they are officially banned due to their harms for workers during fabrication, as well as well as for homeowners.

As a result, Aussie homeowners, designers, and builders are making the shift toward silica-free benchtops. As they are better in terms of health, safety, and sustainability.

At Master Tops, we’ve been part of this transformation from the start. Based right here in Perth, WA, we’ve been crafting safe stone products for over two decades. Our team believes that future of the industry needs to be safer and smarter.

Let’s discuss how the move to silica-free stone is more than just ticking a compliance box.

Why the Shift to Silica-Free Stone Materials?

There’s been a growing push for silica-free stone materials in the industry. Especially since the health risks of crystalline silica are no longer hidden. When stone or engineered surfaces containing silica are cut, polished or drilled, very fine respirable silica dust is released. Prolonged exposure to them can lead to serious lung diseases such as silicosis.

This risk isn’t just during manufacturing or installation, but part of the full lifecycle of benchtop. As people become more informed, they prefer silica free benchtops as a safer alternative. At Master Tops, we’re responding to that demand with safer solutions that meet design luxury and occupational health standards.

The Effect of Ban on Engineered Stone Materials on the Industry

In Australia a recent regulatory shift has changed the whole market scene.

From 1 July 2024, the manufacture, supply, processing or installation of engineered stone benchtops, panels and slabs that contain 1% or more crystalline silica by weight is prohibited under the model WHS regulations.

Further, from 1 January 2025, import of those kinds of engineered stone is also banned.

So, now:

• Suppliers and fabricators must re-evaluate the materials they offer and switch to compliant products.

• Homeowners and specifiers must ask precisely what the silica content is, and if the material is classed as “engineered stone” under the legal definition.

• More clarity (and accountability) around crystalline silica-free surface claims.

This regulatory backdrop drives the commitment off reliable manufacturers like us. We’ve embraced the healthier alternatives & safe practices. Let’s see how.

How Stone Benchtop Suppliers Meet Market Needs?

To satisfy both design ambition and safety demands, suppliers and manufacturers are adapting in several key ways. E.g.

• Material sourcing: We select stone and engineered surfaces that are tested and certified to be silica free or extremely low in respirable crystalline silica.

• Information transparency: Clients receive data on silica content, fabrication risks, and ongoing maintenance and make an informed decision.

• Safe fabrication practices: Even with low-silica materials, we maintain strict workshop protocols (wet cutting, dust extraction, PPE). Because dust from ANY stone processing can pose hazards.

• Design options: Suppliers now offer a wider range of finishes, textures and colours in silica free benchtops, so that safety won’t cause you any compromise.

At Master Tops, we only work with alternative safe stone solutions that meet the low-or-zero silica threshold. So, you don’t need to worry about health or compliance.

What are Some Silica-Free Benchtop Alternatives?

If you’re thinking, “what material can deliver style and performance without silica risk?”, check out these options.

Material	Description	Best for
Granite (natural)	A 100% natural stone. Its fabrication generates dust, but the silica risk profile is low from high-silica engineered stone.	Kitchen islands, benchtops with longevity.
Porcelain slabs	Manufactured from ceramics, free of resin, and when certified “crystalline silica-free” they meet safety criteria.	Indoor/outdoor benchtops, alfresco kitchens.
Sintered stone	Uses natural minerals and high-heat pressing. If resin-free and certified, counts as non-engineered.	High-traffic kitchens, commercial use.
Recycled glass composite	Formulated to be low or zero crystalline silica. Offers unique aesthetics plus eco-credentials.	Benchtops, splashbacks, design-forward spaces.

It’s worth noting that even alternatives need to be verified as safe. So, when clients ask for “eco-friendly and stylish benchtops”, we deliver by matching design brief, material safety and installation expertise.

Do Silica-Free Benchtops Compromise on Looks or Quality?

No, they don’t have to. Most clients worry that choosing silica-free stone means sacrificing the look or performance of their kitchen or bathroom, but that’s not the case.

Here’s what we’ve found:

• Modern porcelain and sintered surfaces compete the quartz and slab materials in pattern, colour variation and finish quality.

• Natural granite benchtops provide timeless stone feel with durability, heat and scratch resistance.

• Engineered surfaces that are certified “crystalline-silica-free” now exist. Means you can still get engineered-stone style without the high silica risk. There are mineral surfaces formulated to meet “less than 1% crystalline silica” thresholds.

We’ve installed many “silica free kitchen benchtops” that look indistinguishable from high-silica counterparts, but offer a safer profile. So, yes, with right selection & professional installation, the quality and finish of silica free benchtops is superb.

Environmental & Long-Term Benefits of Silica-Free Stone

Aside from the health and regulatory benefits, choosing silica-free stone materials offers other advantages too. E.g.

• These materials are eco-friendly and stylish, using sustainable manufacturing, recycled content or lower-impact sourcing.

• In long-term home ownership, they give you fewer maintenance concerns and higher durability, means better value.

• With the ban on high-silica engineered stone in Australia, selecting compliant materials now means future-proofing your investment. You won’t have surprises if you sell or upgrade.

Our Aussie clients value the high-end design (resort-style kitchens, premium bathrooms) with responsible, compliant materials and installation.

Safe Practices Implemented by Master Tops

We take safety and compliance seriously from the moment we design to installing. Our practices for safety & compliance include:

Safety Practice	Description
1. Material verification	For every product we offer, we check certification for silica content and whether it qualifies as “engineered stone” under the WHS regulations.
2. Controlled fabrication	Our workshop uses wet-cutting where appropriate, dust extraction systems, and arrange the separation of clean and dusty zones.
3. Qualified installers	Our installation teams are trained in handling, transport and installation of slabs and benchtops. So that, even on-site work avoids uncontrolled dust release.
4. Maintenance advice	For your stone kitchen benchtop, we provide guidance on how to clean, what to avoid, how to look after the surface so it stays in top form.
5. Legacy considerations	If you’re renovating and removing old installed material (especially if it contain crystalline silica), we can advise safe removal and disposal. According to new guidance, removal or modification of legacy engineered stone must be controlled with high-risk work protocols.

By following these steps, Master Tops helps you choose and install your stone bench tops with confidence in both style and safety.

Want to Buy Silica-Free Engineered Stone for Your Space?

Choose Master Tops for Trusted Silica-Free Stone Benchtops

At Master Tops, we bring 20 years of experience in crafting and installing premium stone products. From high-end residential homes to resort and commercial developments, we’ve earned our place as Perth’s go-to choice for elegant and responsible stone solutions.

If you’re considering a new benchtop or full installation, let’s talk about your design, material options and how we can deliver a look that lasts safely and beautifully.

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FAQs

1. What does “silica-free” really mean?

It means the material contains either zero or extremely low concentrations of crystalline silica, reducing the health risks when processing.

2. Are silica-free stones as durable as traditional stone benchtops?

Yes, they can be. Natural granite and well-engineered low-silica materials offer high durability, scratch and stain resistance.

3. If I already have an existing benchtop made of engineered stone, is it safe?

Generally, yes, for everyday use. But if you plan to cut, grind or remove it, you must follow defined safety protocols.

4. Can “silica free kitchen benchtops” cost more?

Sometimes they cost a little more due to certification and safe fabrication procedures. But it is an investment in health, compliance and long-term peace of mind.

5. How can I be sure the material is truly silica free?

Ask for test certification (such as NATA-accredited lab reports) showing crystalline silica content and if the product falls under the engineered stone ban.

6. Where can I buy silica-free engineered stone alternatives?

At Master Tops you can buy silica-free engineered stone or other compliant materials in Perth, WA. We’ll help you select and install with safety and style in mind.