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If you’ve been researching benchtop options, you’ve likely come across the recent ban on engineered stone in Australia.
For years, engineered stone was a popular choice for kitchens and bathrooms. Until experts discovered that cutting and handling it released dangerous silica dust, posing serious health risks. As of July 1, 2024, that composite stone is officially off the market.
So, what’s the next best alternative? Porcelain benchtops!
Many leading brands, including Dekton, Caesarstone and Smartstone, now offer stylish and durable porcelain benchtops. But how do they compare to engineered stone?
Let’s explore the pros & cons of porcelain benchtops to help you decide if porcelain is the right choice for your home. Additionally, we’ll discuss 10 key differences between porcelain benchtops and engineered or quartz stone to help you determine if it’s truly the best alternative.
Porcelain Benchtops | Pros and Cons
Every benchtop material has its strengths and weaknesses. Here's how porcelain stacks up:
Pros of Porcelain Benchtops
✔️ Highly Durable – Porcelain is fired at extremely high temperatures which makes it incredibly tough and resistant to everyday wear and tear.
✔️ Heat Resistant – You can place hot pots and pans directly on a porcelain surface without worrying about damage.
✔️ Non-Porous & Stain-Resistant – Porcelain doesn’t absorb liquids. So, it resists stains from coffee, wine, and oil, without the need for sealing.
✔️ UV Resistant – Perfect for outdoor kitchens. It won’t fade in sunlight.
✔️ Wide Range of Styles – Available in many colours, patterns, and textures, including marble-like finishes.
Cons of Porcelain Benchtops
❌ Prone to Chipping – While strong, porcelain is brittle. If a heavy object falls on the edge, it may chip, exposing the base material.
❌ Difficult Repairs – Unlike some materials, repairing chips or cracks in porcelain can be tricky and expensive.
❌ High Installation Costs – Requires specialised tools and professionals due to its fragility during handling.
For more details read > Pros and Cons of Porcelain Benchtop | Expert’s Guide
Porcelain vs. Engineered Stone | A Complete Comparison
Let’s get into the detail:
Material Composition
Porcelain: A High-Temperature, Ultra-Durable Material
Porcelain is made from refined clay, feldspar, silica, and mineral oxides. They are then fired at extremely high temperatures (over 1,200°C). This process creates an ultra-dense, hard, and non-porous surface that is resistant to heat, stains, scratches, and UV rays. Since porcelain contains no synthetic resins, it does not degrade over time and is fully recyclable.
Engineered Stone: A Quartz-Resin Composite
Engineered or quartz stone is made from 90–95% crushed natural quartz mixed with 5–10% polymer resins, binders, and pigments. The resins act as a glue to hold the stone particles together, creating a solid surface. While this makes this man-made stone durable, the presence of resins means it is not as heat-resistant or UV-stable as porcelain. Over time, resins can break down, leading to discoloration, cracking, and yellowing.
Health & Safety: Is It Safe to Use?
Porcelain: 100% Safe, No Health Risks
Porcelain is made purely from natural minerals, meaning it contains zero harmful chemicals. It doesn’t release any volatile organic compounds (VOCs), making it a safe choice for food preparation areas. Additionally, since porcelain is completely non-porous, it does not harbor bacteria, mold, or mildew.
Engineered Stone: A Serious Health Hazard (Now Banned in Australia)
The biggest issue with engineered stone is silica dust exposure. During fabrication (cutting, drilling, or grinding), quartz stone releases crystalline silica dust, which is highly toxic when inhaled. This can lead to silicosis, a severe lung disease that has caused serious health issues among workers in the stone-cutting industry.
Due to these health risks, Australia has officially banned this composite stone, making it illegal for new installations. This means homeowners and businesses now need to look at safer alternatives like porcelain.
Durability & Lifespan
Porcelain: Built to Last for Decades
Porcelain last 30+ years as it’s one of the most durable surfaces available in Australia. It is highly resistant to wear and tear, including scratches, stains, heat, and moisture. Because it does not contain synthetic resins, porcelain does not degrade, crack, or discolor over time.
Engineered Stone: Good Durability, But Limited Longevity
Quartz stone is also durable, but not as long-lasting as porcelain. While it can resist scratches and stains, its resin content makes it prone to wear over time. Resins can yellow, fade, or crack, especially in high-heat environments like kitchens. Typically, engineered stone lasts 10–15 years before showing signs of aging.
Scratch Resistance
Porcelain: Highly Scratch-Resistant (Mohs 7–8 Hardness)
Porcelain is one of the hardest surfaces available, with a Mohs hardness rating of 7–8 (similar to granite). This means it is highly scratch-resistant, and you can even cut directly on the surface without causing visible damage.
Engineered Stone: Scratch-Resistant, But Not Scratch-Proof
Engineered stone is also scratch-resistant, but not as strong as porcelain. Heavy knife use or rough handling can leave minor scratches over time. While it’s more resistant than natural stone, it does not match porcelain’s superior hardness.
Heat Resistance
Porcelain: Handles Extreme Heat Without Damage
Porcelain is extremely heat-resistant because it is fired at over 1,200°C. You can place hot pans, pots, or baking trays directly on the surface. No worries about burns, scorching, or discoloration.
Engineered Stone: Prone to Heat Damage
Engineered stone, due to its resin content, is heat-sensitive. If exposed to high temperatures (above 150°C), the resins can burn, discolour, or even crack. Placing the hot cookware directly on the surface can cause permanent damage, requiring costly repairs.
Water & Stain Resistance
Porcelain: 100% Non-Porous & Stain-Proof
Porcelain is completely non-porous, meaning it does not absorb liquids, stains, or bacteria. This makes it perfect for kitchens, bathrooms, & laundry areas, where spills and moisture are common. Cleaning is easy. Just wipe with soap and water.
Engineered Stone: Stain-Resistant, But Not Fully Non-Porous
Engineered stone is highly stain-resistant, but not entirely non-porous. Over time, light-colored surfaces can absorb stains from coffee, wine, or oil. While regular cleaning helps, stubborn stains may require special cleaners or resurfacing.
Outdoor Suitability: Can It Handle Sun & Weather?
Porcelain: Fully UV-Resistant & Weatherproof
Porcelain is 100% UV-resistant, meaning it will not fade, discolor, or degrade under direct sunlight. It is also resistant to rain, wind, and extreme temperatures. Perfect for outdoor kitchens, BBQ areas, and alfresco dining spaces.
Engineered Stone: Not Suitable for Outdoor Use
Engineered stone is not UV-resistant. If exposed to sunlight, its resins will yellow and fade over time. This makes it unsuitable for outdoor applications, as it can quickly lose its original color and appearance.
Design & Aesthetic Appeal
Porcelain: Endless Design Possibilities
Porcelain benchtops come in an extensive range of textures, patterns, and finishes, including realistic marble, concrete, and timber-look designs. It can be made in ultra-thin slabs (as little as 12mm), giving a modern and sleek aesthetic.
Engineered Stone: Limited Designs Due to Resin Content
Engineered stone also offers various colours and patterns. But its designs are more limited compared to porcelain. Since it is made with resins, achieving natural variations like veining in marble-look slabs can be more difficult.
Environmental Impact
Porcelain: A Sustainable, Eco-Friendly Choice
Porcelain is made from natural minerals and contains no synthetic resins or harmful chemicals. It is also fully recyclable and has a lower carbon footprint compared to engineered stone.
Engineered Stone: Non-Biodegradable & Less Sustainable
Engineered stone contains non-biodegradable resins, which contribute to landfill waste. The quartz mining and resin production process also have a higher environmental impact.
Cost Comparison
Porcelain: A Long-Term Investment
Generally, porcelain benchtops cost between $700 to $2,000 per square meter, depending on the brand, thickness, and design. While the upfront cost may be higher than quartz stone, porcelain offers better long-term value because it needs little to no maintenance and lasts for decades without replacement. Since it is heat, scratch, stain, and UV-resistant, you won’t need expensive repairs or resurfacing.
Engineered Stone: Lower Initial Cost, But Higher Maintenance
Before its ban, engineered or quartz stone typically cost $600 to $1,500 per square meter. It’s slightly cheaper than porcelain. But hidden costs come in the form of:
Regular sealing or refinishing (as resins degrade over time)
Potential discolouration or yellowing, requiring resurfacing or replacement
Heat damage or cracking, which may require professional repairs
Additionally, since this quartz stone is now banned in Australia, future replacements and maintenance costs could be significantly higher due to limited supply.
Bottom Line | Is Porcelain the Best Alternative to Engineered Stone?
Yes! porcelain is the superior alternative for benchtops in 2025 and beyond, as engineered stone is banned in Australia now. It’s offering:
✔️ Zero health risks (no silica dust exposure)
✔️ Extreme durability (30+ years lifespan)
✔️ 100% heat, scratch, and stain resistance
✔️ Outdoor suitability (UV and weatherproof)
✔️ Sleek, modern designs with natural stone looks
✔️ Eco-friendly, fully recyclable materials
If you're looking for a long-lasting, stylish, and safe benchtop, porcelain is the best investment.
Thinking of upgrading your benchtops?
At Master Tops, we specialise in premium porcelain, Dekton, and silica-free stone benchtops. Contact us today for expert advice and a quote.
Explore our Porcelain Benchtops Collection Now
📞 Call us at (08) 6161 1969
📍 Visit us in Willetton, Perth
Explore more about: Top 10 Best Alternatives to Engineered Stone for Your Kitchen