Stone & laminate benchtops in Pakenham & Cardinia.

From 1 July 2024 it became illegal in Australia to manufacture, supply or install the old high–silica engineered (reconstituted) stone. The reason is silicosis — the lung disease that the dust from cutting high–silica stone was causing in stonemasons. This is the single biggest change to kitchen benchtops in a generation, and it directly affects every Pakenham renovation. If a quote still lists the old quartz product, that installer is breaking the law and putting people at risk. Every benchtop we fit is a compliant low–silica or silica–free product, or natural stone, porcelain or laminate — all of which are unaffected.

Your compliant benchtop options.

• Low–silica engineered stone: the major brands now offer compliant ranges. Consistent colour, hard–wearing, the most popular choice. ~$600–$900/m² installed.
• Natural granite: quarried, unique veining, excellent heat and scratch resistance, seal occasionally. ~$700–$1,100/m².
• Porcelain: ultra–thin, extremely heat and UV stable, ideal for a waterfall island. ~$800–$1,300/m².
• Laminate: the budget pick — modern laminates look nothing like the old builder tops and suit a makeover. ~$200–$400/m².

Edges and details.

• Edge profiles: 20mm or 40mm square, pencil–round or bevel — the 40mm square is the current Pakenham favourite.
• Waterfall ends: stone running to the floor on an island — the standout feature in premium Heritage Springs kitchens.
• Undermount sinks: cut and polished into the stone for a seamless wipe–down.
• Drainer grooves and trivet recesses fabricated to order.

Benchtop pricing — a worked example.

A typical Pakenham estate kitchen with about 5m² of benchtop plus a 2.4m island, in compliant low–silica engineered stone with a 40mm edge and a waterfall end, runs roughly $5,500–$8,500 supplied and installed. Step up to porcelain on the island and you are closer to $10,000–$12,000.

Template to install.

We template (measure) the benchtop the day your cabinetry goes in. The stone is then fabricated and installed about one to two weeks later, usually in a single day. Sequencing the template early gets your kitchen back in service as fast as possible.