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Dave Wilson, national manager at Mastercraft Kitchens, has seen a major change in the kitchen industry over recent years: growing awareness of respirable crystalline silica, or RCS. “It is the dust that comes from the silica content which goes into an engineered stone benchtop,” he explained.
While engineered stone has long been a popular choice for its durability and style, older products often contained very high silica levels. When cut or polished, they could release fine dust that, over time, posed serious risks to the workers handling them.
For homeowners, the message is reassuring. “If you’ve got an engineered stone top in your home, it’s not dangerous,” Dave said. “It’s like having asbestos in your soffits. They’re only dangerous if you cut them or break them.” The focus is on protecting fabricators and installers, not people living with a finished benchtop.
Australia has already banned high-silica engineered stone, while in New Zealand strict WorkSafe rules govern how fabricators manage dust. Even so, Mastercraft Kitchens has taken a proactive approach, removing high-silica samples from showrooms and guiding clients towards safer materials. “We would hope that by the end of 2025 we’re pretty close to a zero silica situation,” Dave said.
The truth is that silica isn’t disappearing entirely – even granite contains some. But with safer products now available and strong practices in place, homeowners can feel confident choosing a benchtop that looks great and supports the health of those who build it.
Disclaimer: This article is based on a podcast featuring insights from experienced professionals and is intended for general information and inspiration only. While we aim to share valuable guidance, please seek personalised advice from qualified professionals before making decisions about your property, finances, or renovation plans.
Curious to see more practical advice from industry experts? Visit our Top Tips hub for quick, valuable insights shared by people who’ve been there, helping you plan smarter and avoid common mistakes.
Our Renovating Your Kitchen Guides take the guesswork out of your project. From budgeting and layout to appliances and cabinetry, you’ll learn how to make confident, future-proof choices – whether you’re renovating to sell or stay. Join MyTrends for access to this and a full library of guides to support your property journey.
Curious to see more practical advice from industry experts? Visit our Top Tips hub for quick, valuable insights shared by people who’ve been there, helping you plan smarter and avoid common mistakes.
Our Renovating Your Kitchen Guides take the guesswork out of your project. From budgeting and layout to appliances and cabinetry, you’ll learn how to make confident, future-proof choices – whether you’re renovating to sell or stay. Join MyTrends for access to this and a full library of guides to support your property journey.
Episode Overview
In this episode of the Trends Property Insight Series, we sit down with Dave Wilson, National Operations Manager at Mastercraft, to explore what it really takes to design and deliver a kitchen that works, not just looks good. With a network of over 80 licensees across New Zealand, Mastercraft is a household name when it comes to kitchens. However, behind the scenes, Dave’s role extends far beyond cabinetry. From coordinating electricians and plumbers to staying ahead of design trends, health regulations, and material safety, he’s seen every challenge (and shortcut) that can make or break a kitchen project. From coordinating electricians and plumbers to staying ahead of design trends, health regulations, and material safety, he’s seen every challenge (and shortcut) that can make or break a kitchen project. Dave shares how kitchen planning has evolved and why the kitchen is now one of the most complex areas to renovate in the home.
Search similar articles
Dave Wilson, national manager at Mastercraft Kitchens, has seen a major change in the kitchen industry over recent years: growing awareness of respirable crystalline silica, or RCS. “It is the dust that comes from the silica content which goes into an engineered stone benchtop,” he explained.
While engineered stone has long been a popular choice for its durability and style, older products often contained very high silica levels. When cut or polished, they could release fine dust that, over time, posed serious risks to the workers handling them.
For homeowners, the message is reassuring. “If you’ve got an engineered stone top in your home, it’s not dangerous,” Dave said. “It’s like having asbestos in your soffits. They’re only dangerous if you cut them or break them.” The focus is on protecting fabricators and installers, not people living with a finished benchtop.
Australia has already banned high-silica engineered stone, while in New Zealand strict WorkSafe rules govern how fabricators manage dust. Even so, Mastercraft Kitchens has taken a proactive approach, removing high-silica samples from showrooms and guiding clients towards safer materials. “We would hope that by the end of 2025 we’re pretty close to a zero silica situation,” Dave said.
The truth is that silica isn’t disappearing entirely – even granite contains some. But with safer products now available and strong practices in place, homeowners can feel confident choosing a benchtop that looks great and supports the health of those who build it.
Disclaimer: This article is based on a podcast featuring insights from experienced professionals and is intended for general information and inspiration only. While we aim to share valuable guidance, please seek personalised advice from qualified professionals before making decisions about your property, finances, or renovation plans.
Curious to see more practical advice from industry experts? Visit our Top Tips hub for quick, valuable insights shared by people who’ve been there, helping you plan smarter and avoid common mistakes.
Our Renovating Your Kitchen Guides take the guesswork out of your project. From budgeting and layout to appliances and cabinetry, you’ll learn how to make confident, future-proof choices – whether you’re renovating to sell or stay. Join MyTrends for access to this and a full library of guides to support your property journey.
Curious to see more practical advice from industry experts? Visit our Top Tips hub for quick, valuable insights shared by people who’ve been there, helping you plan smarter and avoid common mistakes.
Our Renovating Your Kitchen Guides take the guesswork out of your project. From budgeting and layout to appliances and cabinetry, you’ll learn how to make confident, future-proof choices – whether you’re renovating to sell or stay. Join MyTrends for access to this and a full library of guides to support your property journey.
Episode Overview
In this episode of the Trends Property Insight Series, we sit down with Dave Wilson, National Operations Manager at Mastercraft, to explore what it really takes to design and deliver a kitchen that works, not just looks good. With a network of over 80 licensees across New Zealand, Mastercraft is a household name when it comes to kitchens. However, behind the scenes, Dave’s role extends far beyond cabinetry. From coordinating electricians and plumbers to staying ahead of design trends, health regulations, and material safety, he’s seen every challenge (and shortcut) that can make or break a kitchen project. From coordinating electricians and plumbers to staying ahead of design trends, health regulations, and material safety, he’s seen every challenge (and shortcut) that can make or break a kitchen project. Dave shares how kitchen planning has evolved and why the kitchen is now one of the most complex areas to renovate in the home.
Search similar articles
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Sorry, this page is not available at this time.
Portfolios
View Industry Specialists
Askö
Furniture designed for life. Ethically made dining and living furniture and accessories by international and New Zealand designers where refined elegance meets sleek, contemporary form. Explore our extensive range of designer furniture via our Christchurch showroom or browse online.
Plumbing World
Plumbing World is New Zealand’s most prominent 100% Kiwi-owned national plumbing merchant, operating over 50 branches from Kerikeri to Invercargill. Plumbing World offers a wide range of bathroom, kitchen, laundry, heating, and hot water products, catering to trade professionals and homeowners.
Landmark Homes
Founding directors Paul and Debbie Clarke established Landmark Homes in 1977. Their vision was to offer “something more exciting” than the average home: a home that made creative use of space but was also beautiful to live in.
Poggenpohl
Poggenpohl is a premium German kitchen brand known for its innovation, timeless design, and precision craftsmanship, offering bespoke kitchen solutions that blend luxury with functionality.
Mastercraft Kitchens
Founded in 1985, we are the largest group of independently owned and operated kitchen businesses in New Zealand, operating under a national banner. Our licensees have been carefully selected and are experts in their craft. We share an absolute passion for the design, manufacture and installation of high quality, well designed kitchens and other household cabinetry provided with personalised, friendly local service. Think national - be local.
Kitchen Studio
At Kitchen Studio we are very proud of the fact that we are been voted the most trusted kitchen brand in New Zealand for the ninth year running, and there are good reasons why more Kiwis trust us to transform their kitchen than anyone else.
Unavailable
Sorry, this page is not available at this time.