Will Dekton Be Banned in Australia? What You Need to Know

In recent years, Australia has taken a bold step in regulating materials used in home and commercial construction, especially with the announcement of restrictions and impending bans on engineered stone products containing crystalline silica. Among design-savvy homeowners and professionals alike, a pressing question has arisen: will Dekton be banned in Australia? The answer is more nuanced than a simple yes or no. In this article, Zicana Boutique unpacks the emerging legislation, public health findings, and how ultra-compact materials like Dekton fit into the future of Australian building standards.

As advocates of elevated living spaces and timeless design, we believe in empowering you with accurate and luxurious insights. Whether you're an architect specifying materials for a landmark project, or a discerning homeowner planning your dream kitchen, understanding material regulations is vital—and we’re here to guide you through it.

Understanding the Australian Engineered Stone Ban

In response to rising concerns over silicosis—a lung disease caused by inhaling respirable crystalline silica dust—the Australian federal government announced a nationwide ban on engineered stone products that contain more than 1 percent crystalline silica. This ban will go into effect in most states on July 1, 2024, and it has sent shockwaves through the building and design industries.

The ban targets high-crystalline silica-based quartz countertops—commonly referred to as engineered stone—many of which are ubiquitous in kitchens and bathrooms around the world. However, not all materials are treated equally under this legislation. Products like porcelain, sintered stone, and ultra-compact surfaces are under increasing scrutiny, but most stable, low-silica alternatives remain in good standing. This is crucial in determining whether Dekton will be banned in Australia.

What Is Dekton and How Is It Different?

Dekton, produced by Cosentino, is an ultra-compact surface made through a unique blend of raw materials used in glass, porcelain, and quartz surfaces, consolidated under high heat and pressure using Sinterized Particle Technology (SPT). Unlike traditional quartz surfaces, Dekton contains little to no crystalline silica depending on the color and composition used, and it doesn’t require polymeric resins for binding.

This compositional difference gives Dekton a significant advantage from a safety standpoint. In fact, recent independent tests confirm that many popular Dekton colors fall well below the 1 percent crystalline silica threshold defined in the announcement. For professionals, this means a surface that combines aesthetics, performance, and regulatory compliance—a trifecta of refinement.

If you are exploring alternatives to banned engineered stone, explore options in our luxurious Sintered Stone Slabs Collection for inspired materials that meet evolving global standards.

Is Dekton Banned in Australia?

At the time of writing, Dekton is not banned in Australia. The material’s status hinges on its crystalline silica content, which varies by color. Many Dekton variants are compliant with the Australian restriction, while some may still exceed safe silica levels. Cosentino is proactively working to reformulate its product lines where necessary, aiming to ensure full compliance with the silica thresholds.

Authorities, including Safe Work Australia, have indicated that each product will be assessed individually. Therefore, instead of blanket bans, materials like Dekton may be permitted depending on the variant and safety data associated with each specific composition. Many Australian distributors and governing bodies continue to include Dekton in alternate product lists for post-2024 installations.

Alternatives to Quartz: Stylish and Compliant Surface Options

If you’re among the many homeowners or trade professionals reconsidering design materials due to the engineered stone ban, there’s no need to compromise on sophistication. Zicana Boutique carries a curated selection of luxury natural stone slabs and sintered surfaces that elevate your space and align with the latest safety compliance measures:

• Marble Slabs Collection – A hallmark of classic elegance, ideal for bathrooms, kitchens, and feature walls.
• Porcelain Slabs Collection – A top-tier engineered material with low silica content and exceptional durability.
• Granite Slabs Collection – Naturally elegant and structurally sound, granite remains largely unaffected by bans.
• Quartzite Slabs Collection – A luxurious natural option that mimics marble aesthetics while offering greater durability.

Don’t miss our limited-time Exclusive Offers Collection and receive $100 off by using this WELCOME100 promo code on any purchase over $1,000—ideal for professionals or homeowners sourcing premium stone slabs for larger projects.

FAQ: Dekton and the Australian Engineered Stone Ban

Why is Australia banning engineered stone?

The ban is primarily a response to the spread of silicosis among workers exposed to high levels of crystalline silica during fabrication of engineered stone, particularly those containing quartz. This incurable lung disease is often linked to poorly managed worksite dust systems. The goal of the ban is to eliminate materials with unsafe silica content to protect trade workers' health.

Does all Dekton contain crystalline silica?

No, not all Dekton contains the same level of crystalline silica. In fact, many of its newer formulations contain less than 1 percent, and some are formulated to be completely silica-free. Because it is a sintered product that blends glass, porcelain, and quartz materials without resins, Dekton’s loads of crystalline silica tend to be much lower than standard quartz surfaces.

Can you still buy Dekton in Australia after July 2024?

Yes, provided you select compositions that fall under acceptable silica content levels. It is critical that specifiers and consumers check the Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) of each product and ensure their supplier offers documentation of compliance. Many imported variants of Dekton will remain available for purchase and installation.

What are the safest alternatives to Dekton?

Elegantly crafted natural stones like marble and quartzite, along with low-silica sintered options from collections such as Florim or Fiandre, offer brilliant performance and aesthetic without the risks associated with high-silica content. Browse our curated ranges for elegance and endurance.

Final Thoughts: Navigate Design With Confidence

While the question “will Dekton be banned in Australia” reflects broader concerns within the design industry, it is heartening to know that low-silica, high-performance surfaces like Dekton may continue to thrive under tighter safety standards. For homeowners striving for a blend of longevity, luxury, and modern environmental consciousness, now is the perfect time to consider alternate materials that elevate your space and exceed compliance mandates.

Ready to design with artistry and foresight? Discover timeless materials in Zicana Boutique’s Exclusive Offers Collection and enjoy $100 off any purchase over $1,000 with promo code WELCOME100. Our customer experience team is always available to guide you through product selection and project customization. Embrace elegance—compliantly and confidently—with Zicana Boutique.