Caesarstone’s New Ranges Replacing Engineered Stone
Caesarstone Mineral & Porcelain Benchtops
Explore the latest in Caesarstone Kitchen Benchtops with their new Mineral & Porcelain ranges. Caesarstone offers these two new ranges as a safe alternative to their now-banned engineered stone range.
Australia banned engineered stone over health concerns related to quartz and silica causing life-threatening silicosis. This ban has made Porcelain Benchtops the perfect choice for modern kitchens and benchtop solutions.
Caesarstone Benchtop Installation Experts
At United Stone Melbourne, we specialise in manufacturing and installing a variety of porcelain benchtop materials like Caesarstone’s new Mineral & Porcelain range.
We were the first in Australia to discontinue the use of engineered stone and advocate against it. We put all our efforts into using crystalline silica free benchtop materials. We transitioned to using Porcelain years before the Australia-wide ban on engineered stone.
We have installed thousands of Porcelain Benchtops for our customers and have over 20 years of Kitchen Renovations expertise.
Contact Us at United Stone Melbourne to learn more about Caesarstone Benchtops, which come with a LIFETIME Warranty.
Caesarstone Porcelain Features
Extreme Heat Resistant
Porcelain surfaces handle high temperatures effortlessly, allowing hot cookware to be placed directly without damage.
Stain & UV Resistant
The non-porous nature of porcelain makes it highly resistant to both stains and UV rays, ensuring lasting color and easy maintenance.
Extreme Durability
Porcelain’s strength means it resists scratches, chips, and cracks, making it a reliable choice for high-traffic areas.
Hygienic & Antibacterial
Thanks to its non-porous surface, porcelain naturally prevents the growth of bacteria and mold, ideal for kitchens and bathrooms.
Fingerprint & Streak Resistant
Porcelain resists fingerprints and streaks, keeping surfaces easy to clean and maintain a polished look with minimal effort.
Eco-Friendly
Made from natural raw materials, porcelain is 100% recyclable and free from crystalline silica, making it an environmentally conscious option.
Caesarstone Mineral Features
Caesarstone’s Mineral range is the replacement for their now-banned engineered stone quartz range. This man-made product is crafted from recycled glass, natural minerals, and eco-friendly resins. While it retains the engineered quality of its predecessor, it lacks the extreme durability and heat resistance of Porcelain. The Mineral range provides a natural stone aesthetic with consistent patterns and is a more budget-friendly, environmentally conscious option, though it is less suited for high-traffic or high-heat areas.
Affordability
More budget-friendly than Porcelain, offering a cost-effective solution without the same level of durability or heat resistance.
Eco-Friendly
Crafted from recycled glass, eco-friendly resins and natural minerals, this surface is free from crystalline silica.
Edge Polishability
While the main surface of Mineral cannot be polished like Porcelain, the pattern remains visible on the edges that require polishing, maintaining consistent visual appeal.
Less Heat Resistant
Unlike Porcelain, Mineral surfaces are not suitable for high-heat applications, making them less versatile in areas like kitchens.
Not Stain or UV Proof
Mineral surfaces are not as stain-resistant or UV-proof as Porcelain, which may lead to fading and discoloration over time.
Lower Durability
While durable, Mineral surfaces are less resistant to scratches, chips, and cracks compared to Porcelain, making them less ideal for high-traffic areas.
Frequently Asked Questions about Caesarstone
Find answers to frequently asked questions about Caesarstone’s products, including the move from engineered stone to safer alternatives. Our FAQs address key topics to help guide your choices.
Caesarstone Mineral vs Porcelain – What’s the difference?
The main difference is durability and heat resistance. Caesarstone Porcelain is more durable and highly heat-resistant, making it suitable for both indoor and outdoor applications. The Mineral range, while more affordable and sustainable, offers less heat resistance and durability. Porcelain is crafted from silica-free minerals at high temperatures, while the Mineral range is made from recycled glass, natural minerals, and eco-friendly resins, offering a consistent stone-like appearance.
Is Caesarstone Engineered Stone?
Caesarstone is a manufacturer of engineered stone, not the engineered stone itself. While the company produces engineered stone products primarily made from quartz, these are no longer available in Australia due to the ban on quartz-based materials. Caesarstone has introduced new alternatives, such as the Mineral collection, which are still engineered but made from recycled glass, natural minerals, and eco-friendly resins, offering a safer and more sustainable option.
Is Caesarstone Banned in Australia?
The original Caesarstone engineered stone containing quartz is banned and has been discontinued in Australia due to its crystalline silica content. However, Caesarstone’s new Mineral and Porcelain ranges comply with safety regulations and are not banned.
How do you clean Caesarstone?
To clean Caesarstone, use a mild detergent or a pH-balanced cleaner with warm water and a soft cloth. Avoid using abrasive cleaners or pads, as they can damage the surface. For tougher stains, a non-abrasive cream cleanser can be applied with a non-scratch pad. Regular cleaning helps maintain the surface’s shine and durability.
What is Caesarstone made of?
Caesarstone surfaces are primarily made from engineered stone, which originally consisted of about 90% natural quartz combined with resins and pigments. However, their new Mineral range is crafted from recycled glass, natural minerals, and eco-friendly resins, offering a safer, crystalline silica-free alternative to traditional quartz-based products. The Porcelain range is made by fusing natural minerals at high temperatures to create a highly durable, non-porous surface.
What are alternatives to Caesarstone?
Alternatives to Caesarstone include Porcelain benchtops, which are highly durable, heat-resistant, and suitable for both indoor and outdoor use. Natural stone options like granite and marble are also excellent choices, offering unique aesthetics and long-lasting performance. These materials provide a range of options for those seeking different styles and functionalities in their benchtop surfaces.
