How can we help?
General Questions
Do you have a showroom where I can view Natural Stone options?
Yes, our Woollahra showroom showcases our extensive collection of natural stone. With years of experience in the stone industry, our expert consultants will guide you through each stone’s story, helping you find the perfect option for your project—from concept to construction.
What makes some natural stones more expensive than others?
Several factors contribute to the price of natural stone. Harder and denser stones are more difficult and costly to quarry and process. Quarrying methods also play a role—stones quarried below ground are generally more expensive than those extracted above ground due to the added complexity. Additionally, since natural stone is sourced from various locations around the world, long-distance shipping costs can increase the price. These factors combine to make certain stones more expensive than others.
Can I request samples of natural stone?
Yes, we provide samples for some of our stones upon request. However, it’s important to remember that samples represent only a small section of a tile or batch, giving a general idea of the stone’s appearance. For slab purchases, we encourage clients to visit our slab warehouses and personally select the slab that resonates with them.
Where do you source your natural stone?
We source our natural stone from 12 different countries around the world to ensure the highest quality for our customers. Each type of stone is chosen based on its origins and the unique characteristics that make it suitable for specific applications.
Does the location of the stone’s origin affect its quality?
While the characteristics of natural stone are influenced by the geological formations of its origin, it is not strictly determined by geographical boundaries. Stone from certain regions may be better suited for one application over another, depending on its qualities and properties. Our expert team ensures that the stone you choose is perfectly suited to your project’s needs.
Use
Do you have a showroom where I can view Natural Stone options?
Natural stone can be used on almost every interior and exterior surface of your home. Popular applications include floors, kitchen countertops, backsplashes, vanity tops, bathrooms, showers, fireplaces, facades, wall cladding, patios, walkways, and landscaping.
What makes some natural stones more expensive than others?
Yes, all natural stones can be used for kitchen benchtops and vanities, though some types perform better in these settings. Granite, Quartzite, Dolomite, and Marble are the most popular and durable stones for kitchen applications, providing both beauty and resilience.
Can I request samples of natural stone?
Yes, Natural Stone is frequently used around swimming pools and in outdoor areas, adding a timeless and elegant element to landscaping. However, some corrosion can occur due to pool chemicals, whether from a chlorinated or saltwater pool. With the use of a non-slip finish, which is typically applied to external paving, and proper sealing, natural stone can perform well in pool environments without issues.
Where do you source your natural stone?
Natural Stone comes with a wide variety of textural finishes and visual characteristics, offering endless possibilities for your project. Whether you’re looking for a polished, honed, leathered, or brushed finish, the range of options allows for creativity, with applications limited only by your imagination. Each finish enhances the stone’s distinct beauty in a different way.
Appeal
Can I rely on samples and images when choosing natural stone?
Samples and images are useful tools to help you visualize the natural stone you’re interested in, but keep in mind that variation is an inherent property of natural stone. Colors and surface patterns can differ between batches, meaning the sample or image you see is only a general guide. We recommend viewing the stone in person whenever possible to appreciate its true beauty and unique qualities.
What should I expect in terms of colors and patterns with natural stone?
The colors, textures, and patterns of natural stone vary from surface to surface, making each installation unique. These variations are part of the stone’s exceptional natural beauty, adding character and individuality to your project. The stone’s color and veining will differ depending on where the blocks are cut at the quarry, and where the tiles are cut from within the block. Variation from tile to tile and batch to batch is natural and should be embraced as a special feature of natural stone.
What makes Natural Stone so appealing?
Natural satone is organic and timeless, offering unique subtleties and variations that no other material can replicate. Its rich history connects us to some of humanity’s greatest achievements, from the Egyptian pyramids and the Great Wall of China to Roman aqueducts and medieval cathedrals.
Maintenance & Care
How do I clean natural stone tiles and countertops?
For everyday cleaning, use a microfiber cloth with a mixture of warm water and mild detergent. This will help maintain the stone’s appearance without causing damage.
What cleaning products should I avoid on natural stone?
Never use abrasive household cleaners or products containing acidic ingredients, as they can damage the stone. Instead, opt for stone-specific cleaners that are non-abrasive and have a neutral pH. You can refer to our comprehensive guide to stains and their removal for more detailed recommendations on stone care.
Does Natural Stone Need to Be Sealed?
Yes, we recommend sealing all natural stone products. While sealing doesn’t make the stone completely stain-proof, it provides a window of opportunity to clean up spills before they penetrate the stone and cause permanent staining.
How does sealing help maintain the stone?
Sealing, combined with ongoing maintenance, is the best way to ensure that your natural stone retains its original look for as long as possible. Proper care will protect your stone and help preserve its beauty. For more detailed care instructions, please refer to our Care & Maintenance Guide.