Accurate templating
Good measurement reduces last-minute site cutting and gives the workshop the detail needed for sinks, hobs, taps and edges.
Measuring serviceResponsible fabrication
Safe stone fabrication matters before your worktop is fitted
Good stonework is not only about a polished edge. It is also about controlling dust, planning accurate templates and doing as much cutting and shaping as possible in a properly equipped workshop.
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Priority
Dust control
Stone dust can contain respirable crystalline silica, so controls matter.
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Best practice
Workshop cutting
Accurate templating reduces the need for site cutting.
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Expectation
No casual dry cutting
HSE guidance makes clear that uncontrolled dry cutting is not acceptable.
Why it matters
Stone dust is a serious health issue
Natural stone, engineered stone and other mineral surfaces can produce fine dust during cutting, grinding and polishing. That dust can contain respirable crystalline silica, which is harmful when breathed in.
Responsible fabrication is built around preventing avoidable dust exposure. That starts with accurate measurements, correct templating and controlled workshop processes before the stone reaches the customer home.
- Plan cut-outs before fabrication starts
- Keep major cutting, shaping and polishing off site
- Use suitable wet methods, extraction and cleaning controls
- Treat site alterations as the exception, not the normal plan
Controls
What safe fabrication looks like in practice
Customers do not need to know every regulation, but they should know the signs of a responsible approach.
Workshop preparation
Cut-outs, shaping and polishing should be completed in an equipped environment wherever possible before fitting.
Our workshopClean site fitting
Installation should focus on fitting, checking and finishing the stone, not creating avoidable dust in the home.
How to orderCustomer checklist
Questions worth asking any stone supplier
A safety-conscious supplier should be comfortable explaining how the stone will be measured, fabricated and fitted.
- Where is the cutting done? Most cutting, shaping and polishing should be planned for the equipped workshop.
- How are sink and hob cut-outs confirmed? Appliance models and templates should be agreed before fabrication.
- How is dust controlled? Ask about wet methods, extraction, cleaning and how unavoidable site alterations are managed.
- What needs to be ready on site? Cabinets should be fixed, level and ready before the template appointment.
Primary sources
Current HSE guidance is clear about dust control
HSE guidance says stone worktop installers should minimise dust creation on site and do as much cutting, shaping and polishing as possible in a suitably equipped workplace before installation.
In May 2026, HSE also highlighted that dry cutting of engineered stone is unacceptable and confirmed water suppression as part of the required control approach. The practical takeaway for customers is simple: accurate templates and controlled workshop fabrication are not optional extras.
Questions
Safe stone fabrication questions
Why is dry cutting engineered stone a concern?
Dry cutting can create high levels of respirable crystalline silica dust, which is hazardous when breathed in. HSE guidance is clear that proper controls are required.
Can all cutting be done before installation?
Most cutting, shaping and polishing should be planned for the workshop. Accurate templating helps reduce the need for site alterations.
What should be ready before templating?
Cabinets should be fixed, level and ready, with sink, hob, tap and appliance details confirmed so the workshop can fabricate accurately.
Interior Stone Designs
Want stone fitted the responsible way?
Send your plans and the workshop can explain how the stone will be measured, fabricated and fitted with dust control and site readiness in mind.