Quartz Worktops and Dry Cutting: What Customers Need to Know

Quartz composite worktops remain a safe, durable and highly popular choice for homes across the UK.

Quartz composite surfaces contain levels of silica, which is a natural compound found in many building materials commonly used in the UK, including sand, concrete and bricks. When any material containing silica is cut in a dry environment the dust generated can lead to respiratory illnesses to those inhaling the dust. A recent guideline by the HSE has banned all dry cutting of Quartz composite surfaces in the UK.

The use of water when cutting largely reduces the level of dust created. The water used when cutting is then processed, and slurry waste disposed of carefully. This, in combination with appropriate and effective PPE, all but eliminates any risk associated with processing Quartz composite materials.

At Impala Stone, all our surfaces are wet cut in our factory using the correct equipment and processes. We do not dry cut quartz composite materials, and we do not offer cutting work on site without the facility to wet cut.

For homeowners, this means there is no risk from simply using a professionally fabricated and installed quartz worktop in your kitchen, utility room or bathroom. The safety concern relates to uncontrolled dust during cutting, not to the finished surface.

Quartz composite remains an excellent choice for many homes. Some slab manufactures have, in recent years, developed colours which have a 0% silica content. These options are available to view in our showroom, along with other materials we supply for use in the home such as Granite, Marble and sintered stones. Our team can talk you through the different surfaces available and help you choose the right material for your home, style and budget.

At Impala Stone, we remain committed to the health and well-being of the whole team and all customers.