OUR TOP 7 ALTERNATIVES TO ENGINEERED STONE

In case you hadn’t heard, engineered stone will no longer be available in Australia from 1st July 2024. This is a good move for the industry and we fully support it being phased out. While this does mean that engineered stone (as we know it) is off the table, there are still some fabulous alternatives available for kitchen and bathroom benchtops …. including one you’ve probably never heard of because it’s brand, spanking NEW and we reckon you’re going to love it! We reveal that one at the end.

Here are our top 7 fave benchtop materials for you to consider:

(resist the temptation to skip down to number 7 to find out about the new innovation first ;-)

7 STANDOUTS FOR YOUR DREAM BENCHTOP

1) ULTRACOMPACT SURFACES

The ultracompact surfaces are created by putting the raw materials found in glass, porcelain, and quartz, under extreme heat and pressure to create an almost indestructible material. Patterns printed on the surface can mimic marble, woodgrain, cement, and metallics.

Because it’s such a dense material, it’s strong and non-porous – making it arguably the most durable product on the market. And, because it comes in jumbo-sized slabs, you should encounter fewer joins in your benchtop. If you want a thin profile edge, this surface can also handle larger spans and overhangs better than other materials. It’s also environmentally friendly, recyclable, and the easiest to clean (it isn’t damaged or dulled by harsh chemicals).

Innovation like this also comes with a hefty price tag (it is likely to cost more than engineered stone did) and it requires specialised installation.

2) Porcelain

Crafted from high-quality porcelain clay that is fired at extremely high temperatures, porcelain benchtops are coated with a pigmented glaze to give them the appearance of natural stone or marble. The thin slabs are a lighter weight than natural stone, making them easier to carry during installation, however their thinness also makes them a tad more fragile during this process, so stonemasons need to take extra care not to crack or snap the slab.

Porcelain’s non-porous surface is very durable and it can handle hot pots and pans directly on the surface and is suitable for use outdoors. One aesthetic drawback of porcelain is that it’s only available in a limited range of edge profiles.

3) NATURAL STONE

Every piece of real, natural stone is different, carrying its own unique mixture of veins, mottles, colours and imperfections. It’s the romance of the ‘real thing’ that drives people to purchase natural marble and granite ahead of look-a-like materials, which are, in fact, more durable, easier to care for and, in most cases, cheaper. The good news is that some real marble isn’t as expensive as you think and, depending on the variety you choose, it can even be cheaper than its high-end imitation friends!

The downside is that marble is one of the least practical materials you can have in a kitchen. It’s porous and must be sealed to protect it from stains. Unfortunately, marble is also a bit soft and a bit brittle – it didn’t go to the school of hard knocks, meaning it can chip, scratch and break with normal kitchen activity. If you’re set on using the ‘real deal’ be prepared to embrace the flaws of your natural stone along with its beauty.

4) TIMBER

There’s a certain warmth and texture that only timber can bring to a room and perhaps this could be through your benchtop? It does require a little TLC as it can stain, scratch and dent quite easily, but that can often add to its overall charm (and you can also rejuvenate timber with some re-sanding and re-finishing).

Timber isn’t necessarily cheap. Sure, you can pick up some pre-cut, standard-size benchtops from Bunnings and IKEA (we’ve done it), but for anything a bit thicker, longer or with a custom-shape, you could end up in the mid–high price range. Depending on how the timber was sourced it is usually an environmentally-friendly option, plus it can look great in so many different styles of kitchens, modern and traditional.

5) LAMINATE

It’s come a long way! So, take a look before you turn up your nose. In fact, we’ve used it in a bathroom in Erin’s home with amazing results. #watchthisspace #house16

Did you know you can now buy laminate that resembles real marble? Brands like Laminex, Formica and Polytec have introduced colours based on the most popular styles of marble, Carrara and Calacatta.

Laminate is the most affordable option on this list by a country mile. But it is more prone to cuts, scratches and heat marks (which can’t be repaired). It’s very tough if you drop something heavy on it, is stain-resistant and easy to clean (just wipe it down but don’t use abrasive cleaners). It’s also lightweight, making installation much quicker and easier. Make sure you choose ‘post-formed’ laminate – this means the laminate wraps around the edges of your benchtop, avoiding cheap-looking joins and any chance of peeling.

6) CONCRETE

Concrete creates a pretty raw aesthetic which suits an industrial, organic or minimalist look. The major watch out with concrete is that, like a concrete driveway or path, your benchtop won’t be perfect. Similar to marble, concrete is porous meaning it will absorb liquids and can stain (in sections where the sealant has worn off). It also doesn’t fare well with any hot pans set directly on the surface as the sealant will discolour. The good news is that concrete can be reasonably repaired but will need ongoing resealing. And contrary to some belief, concrete isn’t a cost-saver, it can be a pricey option.

So, having heard that concrete is not cheap, nor durable and requires ongoing maintenance, why would anyone buy it? For the LOOK and FEEL! And they’re two very important factors when designing a kitchen. Concrete is unique and if you’ve got your heart set on it and are going into the purchase with eyes wide open, then we say go for it!

7) Talostone MinQZero

We’ve saved the best till last! Just when you thought that engineered stone was completely off the table, the clever clogs at Talostone have gone above and beyond to develop a product that looks and feels just like engineered stone but with zero crystalline silica to ensure compliance with the new industry standards. Yep you heard right, Talostone’s MinQ®Zero range provides all the same benefits of traditional engineered stone in terms of durability, stunning colours and limitless edge profiles … but without any silica content.

And guess what? We’re already using this product in a reno we are currently undertaking (the one that will follow Erin’s house ;-) .

Talostone’s latest technology, MinQ® Zero, will be officially rolled out in the first 6 months of 2024.