Stone, with its enduring aesthetic and longevity, remains a preferred choice for kitchens and bathrooms. However, the term ‘stone’ can be vague. Natural stone, like granite and marble, is a solid aggregate of minerals, selected in slab form for a personalised touch.

In addition to traditional natural stones, the up and coming alternative is sintered stone. Sintered stone, often composed of recycled materials like quartz, porcelain, and glass, along with raw minerals such as zircone, ematite, and albite, undergoes a process of extreme heat and pressure to create a material that is highly durable and resistant to various environmental factors. This innovative material offers a range of benefits, including impressive strength, resistance to scratches and stains, and minimal maintenance requirements.

While natural stones like granite, marble, and slate have long been prized for their unique aesthetics and enduring durability, sintered stone presents a compelling alternative for those seeking a contemporary yet durable solution for their spaces. It’s versatility in design and its ability to mimic the look of natural materials make it a popular choice for a wide range of applications, from kitchen benchtops to outdoor paving.

Amidst the recent bans on engineered stone, Dekton has also emerged as a preferred alternative, blending quartz, porcelain, and glass. Utilizing exclusive TSP technology, Dekton offers resistance to abrasion, scratches, and environmental sustainability. With various sizes, colors, and textures, it caters to diverse tastes.

Porcelain benchtops offer practical advantages that suit the demands of modern living. Known for durability, porcelain resists scratches, stains, and heat, making it a sensible choice for high-traffic areas like kitchens. Crafted from natural clays and minerals, porcelain surfaces maintain a sleek and sophisticated appearance, while the non-porous nature ensures easy maintenance and cleanliness. With a focus on functionality and resilience, porcelain benchtops provide a practical solution for those seeking both style and practicality in their living spaces.

Here are some things to keep in mind if you are considering including stone in your renovation or new build:

• The standard lead time between stone site measure and installation is 20-25 working days.
• Site measure only takes place once the kitchen or joinery install is complete.
• Splashbacks, electrical and plumbing are generally completed after the stone install.
• Natural stones, granites and marbles are to be hand selected by the client from the warehouse.
• It is important that any stones with grain be viewed in large slabs as they can vary significantly. Small samples can misrepresent the overall look and we don’t want you to be disappointed.
• The stone fabricators advise clients to view the stone slabs, to work out exactly where they want the slabs cut, prior to commencement of fabrication. This is essential when you have large vein or natural stone, to maximise preferred features on show.
• Natural and low silica stone products such as Dekton and porcelain come in varying sizes and thicknesses.
• Some stones are suitable for heat and direct sunlight, some aren’t. If you are unsure, or require specific performance capabilities, please advise in advance or ask for clarification.
• In regards to bench-top joins, the fabricators always apply best practice however joins are at the fabricators own discretion, unless arranged and communicated otherwise.
• If you are wanting joins in a specific area or location, this needs to be clarified and discussed during the design development phase, prior to finalisation of final quote. The number of joins can effect the quantity of material required, hence resulting in a change to pricing.
• Standard edge profile for stone tops is a 3mm pencil round radius or aris edge detail. If an alternative edge detail is preferred, prior notice will be required.
• Stone is always quoted as one site measure and one site install. Thus separate installs will incur additional fees.

We have a great relationship with our stone suppliers and fabricators and trust that what they supply is matched for best fit. However, you as the client, need to be very clear about any specific technical or performance requirements well in advance of us commissioning stone fabrication on your behalf. If in doubt, give us a call to discuss your project, and to confirm if stone is going to be a good fit for your project and your budget.

Alternatively you could consider solid timber, stainless steel, brass, solid surface or acrylic tops, Paperock, laminate, polished concrete, terrazzo or recycled glass for your benchtops.