Upgrading your kitchen doesn’t always mean a full renovation. In many homes across Perth, Melbourne, Sydney, and Brisbane, replacing your kitchen sink is a cost-effective way to give your space a fresh, functional facelift. But when your benchtop is made from engineered or natural stone, replacing the sink comes with strict rules around silica dust cutting.
At 2Magpies, we supply premium kitchen sinks from brands like Oliveri, Modern National, and Linkware, and deliver Australia-wide — with a strong focus on metro and regional areas around Perth, Melbourne, Sydney, and Brisbane. Here’s what you need to know before modifying stone surfaces and replacing your sink.
What is Silica Dust
Silica dust, also known as respirable crystalline silica (RCS), is released during mechanical processes like cutting, grinding, drilling, sawing, polishing, quarrying, or tunnelling of materials that contain crystalline silica — such as natural stone or engineered stone products. The dust particles are extremely fine, making them easy to inhale. Once breathed in, RCS can travel deep into the lungs and cause serious, irreversible lung damage, including diseases like silicosis.
Why Replace a Kitchen Sink?
Homeowners are choosing to replace their sinks for several reasons:
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Modernise with designer styles like brushed gold sinks or matte black granite
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Upgrade capacity or configuration (e.g. going from single bowl to double)
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Replace worn, stained, or damaged sinks
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Convert to undermount sinks for a seamless benchtop finish
Explore our full range of kitchen sinks or browse location-specific selections:
The Challenge with Stone Benchtops
1. Stone is Hard — and Fragile
Granite, quartz, and engineered stone are strong, but prone to chipping or cracking if not cut correctly. Precision is essential, and most homeowners are advised to use a professional stonemason.
2. Sink Cutout Sizing
Unless your new sink is the exact size (or larger) than the old one, you may need to cut or reshape the stone — which introduces strict safety regulations due to silica content.
What Are the Silica Cutting Rules in Australia?
Stone benchtops often contain crystalline silica, a mineral that produces hazardous dust when cut or drilled. Prolonged exposure can cause silicosis, a life-threatening lung disease. This has led to nationwide changes in silica regulations, including a ban on some engineered stone products. Australia has banned the use, supply and manufacture of engineered stone benchtops however as many of use already have these safely in place in our kitchens, there are some key safety requirements if you wish to modify the kitchen sinks opening:
Key Safety Requirements (as of July 2024) can include:
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Dry cutting is banned across all states
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On-site modification is heavily restricted
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Wet cutting with dust suppression and extraction is mandatory
💡 Best Practice: Avoid DIY on-site cutting. Get your stone work completed by a licensed fabricator in a controlled environment.
Each state has it's on Work Safe rules on modifying legacy engineered stone so it's advisable to review the below before commencing your kitchen sink cutout changes:
New South Wales - Legacy Stone Modifications
Queensland - Ban on Engineered Stone: Protecting Workers' Health
South Australia - Notification for permitted work with legacy engineered stone
Victoria - Repair, remove, modify and dispose of legacy engineered stone
Australian Capital Territory - Engineered stone ban from 1 July 2024
Western Australia - Stone Benchtop and engineered stone ban
Northern Territory - Permitted work on legacy engineered stone
Choosing the Right Sink for Existing Cutouts
Avoid unnecessary cutting by choosing a sink that fits your existing cutout. At 2Magpies, we recommend:
✔️ Oliveri Granite Sinks
Stylish and functional, Oliveri offers granite sinks that suit common cutout sizes and are ideal for Perth, Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane homeowners looking for durability and modern aesthetics.
✔️ Modern National PVD Sinks
From brushed gold to gunmetal black, these PVD sinks offer a luxury finish with flexible sizing options. Their undermount and top-mount models are popular across Australia’s designer kitchens.
✔️ Linkware Stainless Steel Sinks
Perfect for budget-conscious renovations, Linkware’s deep stainless sinks are reliable, hygienic, and easy to fit into many standard cutouts.
Things to Keep in Mind Before Replacing a Sink
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Measure the existing cutout (length, width, depth) accurately
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Check mounting style (top-mount, undermount, or flush mount)
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If cutting is unavoidable, engage a qualified stonemason
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Choose a retrofit-compatible sink to minimise risk and cost
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Make sure your installer is aware of and complies with silica regulations
Delivery Available to Perth, Melbourne, Sydney & Brisbane
No matter where you are, 2Magpies delivers sinks and accessories directly to your door — with smash-proof packaging and money-back guarantee. We supply:
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Full kitchen sink kits
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Sink accessories and drainers
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Tapware and mixers to match
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Undermount, top-mount, and apron front models
Explore our collections by location:
Final Thoughts: Upgrade Safely and Stylishly
Replacing a sink in a stone benchtop is achievable with the right products and planning — but cutting stone must be done carefully and legally. With 2Magpies, you can choose from a wide range of compliant, stylish sinks and enjoy fast delivery to Sydney, Melbourne, Perth, Brisbane, and beyond.
Whether you're looking for a bold gold statement sink, a granite undermount option, or a classic stainless steel bowl, we have what you need — and we’re here to help.
📞 Need help choosing the right sink or checking fitment?
Call us on 0431 582 258 or contact us online
