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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.
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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 Jarrod Angove, General Manager of Landmark Homes North Shore and Rodney to unpack everything you need to know about designing and building a new home in New Zealand. With over 14 years at Landmark and decades of combined experience in construction and client relationships, Jarrod is on a mission to make the home-building process transparent, enjoyable, and tailored to each client’s lifestyle.
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.
View more from
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 Jarrod Angove, General Manager of Landmark Homes North Shore and Rodney to unpack everything you need to know about designing and building a new home in New Zealand. With over 14 years at Landmark and decades of combined experience in construction and client relationships, Jarrod is on a mission to make the home-building process transparent, enjoyable, and tailored to each client’s lifestyle.
Search similar articles
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