Engineered Stone Alternatives: Is Sintered Stone Silica Free?
Reviewed by Team Asetica · Sydney · Perth · Melbourne · October 2026
No. Sintered stone is not silica free. Like all porcelain and natural stone, it is made from natural minerals, including crystalline silica. It is not covered by Australia's engineered stone ban because it has no resin binder, which is why Asetica's sintered stone is an engineered stone alternative you can still specify for a new kitchen.
- Engineered stone benchtops have been banned in Australia since 1 July 2024 (Safe Work Australia).
- Sintered stone is not covered by the ban because it is made from natural minerals with no resin binder.
- Like granite, marble and porcelain, it contains natural minerals, including crystalline silica. Stonemasons cut every stone with water-fed machinery and dust controls as standard practice.
- Once installed, a sintered stone benchtop is an inert surface that never needs sealing.
- For the full guide to the ban and your options, read engineered stone alternatives.
What does the ban actually cover?
The ban covers engineered stone: an artificial product with 1% or more crystalline silica, made by binding stone materials with resin, supplied as benchtops, panels or slabs. Granite, marble, porcelain and sintered stone all contain natural minerals, including crystalline silica. What separates sintered stone from engineered stone is the resin binder, and sintered stone has none.
Why is sintered stone not covered by the ban?
Sintered stone is made from natural minerals pressed and fired at high temperature, with no resin binder. Safe Work Australia's definition of engineered stone excludes sintered stone and porcelain provided they contain no resin. Ask your supplier for the safety data sheet to confirm, or download ours from the downloads page.
How is sintered stone cut and installed?
Stonemasons cut and polish every stone the same way, granite, marble, porcelain and sintered stone alike: with water-fed machinery and dust controls as standard practice. Once installed, the benchtop is an inert surface. It never needs sealing, and you clean it with warm water and a mild detergent.
Replacing an engineered stone look? Order up to 3 free samples, sent the next business day to NSW, VIC and WA, or see full slabs at our showrooms in Sydney (Padstow, by booking only), Melbourne (South Yarra) and Perth (Home Base Subiaco). Choose your samples
What can you choose instead of engineered stone?
Asetica's sintered stone comes in 3200 x 1600 mm slabs, 12 or 20 mm depending on the look, in marble, quartzite, travertine, concrete and solid looks that replace popular engineered stone styles. It is non-porous, resists heat, stains and UV, and is backed by a 25-year Asetica warranty. For a material by material comparison, read our engineered stone alternatives guide and our sintered stone vs quartz guide.
Pictured: Calacatta White benchtop and splashback.
Frequently asked questions
Is sintered stone silica free?
No. Like all porcelain and natural stone, sintered stone contains natural minerals, including crystalline silica. It is not covered by the engineered stone ban because it has no resin binder.
Is sintered stone banned in Australia?
No. Safe Work Australia's definition of engineered stone excludes sintered stone and porcelain provided they contain no resin, and sintered stone is made with no resin binder.
How do stonemasons cut sintered stone?
The same way as every stone, granite and marble included: with water-fed machinery and dust controls as standard practice.
What is a sintered stone benchtop like once installed?
Once installed, it is an inert surface. It never needs sealing, and you clean it with warm water and a mild detergent.
Where can I see sintered stone?
See full slabs in Sydney (Padstow, by booking only), Melbourne (South Yarra, walk in Tuesday to Friday, 10am to 4pm) and Perth (Home Base Subiaco), or order up to 3 free samples, sent the next business day to NSW, VIC and WA.
Asetica Surfaces is a trade wholesaler supplying sintered stone slabs to stonemasons, cabinet makers, builders, architects and designers across Sydney, Perth and Melbourne. Slabs are 3200 x 1600 mm in 12 mm or 20 mm, depending on colour, and backed by a 25-year Asetica warranty. Asetica does not cut, install or quote direct to homeowners; your chosen stonemason does. Call 1300 161 388.