Is engineered stone still legal in Australia?

No. The manufacture, supply, processing and installation of engineered (quartz) stone benchtops, panels and slabs has been banned across Australia since 1 July 2024. Since 1 January 2025 the Australian Border Force can also seize imported engineered stone. Natural stone, sintered stone, porcelain, laminate and timber benchtops remain fully legal.

What is the most durable kitchen benchtop material?

Sintered stone and porcelain are the most durable everyday benchtop surfaces. They are non-porous, scratch and stain resistant, and handle direct heat without sealing. Among natural stones, granite and quartzite are hardest (around 6 to 7 on the Mohs scale); marble is softer (around 3) and etches with acids.

Do stone benchtops need sealing?

Natural stone benchtops need sealing. Granite and quartzite should be resealed roughly every 12 to 18 months, and marble more often because it is porous and acid-sensitive. Sintered stone and porcelain are non-porous and never need sealing, which makes them the lowest-maintenance option for busy kitchens.

What is the best low-maintenance kitchen benchtop?

Sintered stone and porcelain are the best low-maintenance kitchen benchtops. Both are non-porous, so they resist stains and bacteria, never need sealing, and tolerate heat from pots straight off the cooktop. They are also UV-stable, which suits sun-exposed and outdoor kitchens common in Melbourne and Mornington Peninsula homes.

What thickness should a stone kitchen benchtop be?

Stone kitchen benchtops are most commonly fabricated in 20mm and 40mm thicknesses. 20mm suits most modern kitchens and vertical surfaces like splashbacks; 40mm (often a 20mm slab with a mitred edge) gives a heavier, premium look for islands and bar tops. Premier Stone can advise the right thickness for your cabinetry and span.

Kitchen Benchtop Materials Compared: A Melbourne Buyer’s Guide

by premierstone | Jun 26, 2026 | Uncategorized