Natural stone is just that – rock which occurs naturally in the Earth’s crust which has been extracted from a quarry and cut into a slab.
The most common varieties of natural stone used for home applications include granite, marble, travertine, quartzite, limestone and sandstone.
Granite is a very hard natural stone. Granite benchtops are ideal for use both indoors and outdoors and are commonly used as kitchen benchtops.
The name “granite” comes from the Latin word granum, which means grain, a reference to the coarse grain structure of the rock. The grains are formed as magma in the Earth’s crust cools down. This natural process means that each slab of granite is absolutely unique.
Granite comes in a huge variety of colours and patterns.
Granite is durable, easy-to-maintain and will last for decades if cared for correctly.
Marble is a naturally occurring stone which begins as limestone but is transformed through the recrystallization process under high pressure and heat under the Earth’s surface.
Marble is a classic and timeless, elevating the prestige and beauty of its environment. The presence of marble in your home will evoke classical Greek and Roman splendour.
Although softer than granite, Marble is durable and is a popular choice for staircases, fireplaces, floors and kitchen benchtops.
Quartzite is another type of natural stone, popular due to combining the hardness of granite but with an appearance more similar to marble. Quartzite undergoes a similar heat and pressure process to marble, although quartzite is based on sandstone rather than limestone.
Quartzite is very hard and strong, making it ideal for high-wear applications such as kitchen benchtops and flooring.
Quartzite is not to be confused with quartz, which is an engineered alternative to natural stone.
Engineered stone, as the name implies, is a man-made alternative to natural stone. Engineered stone is made from a mixture of quartz and resin, a high-tech and modern alternative to traditional quarried natural stone slabs.
You may be familiar with some of the following brands of engineered stone:
Engineered stone benchtops can also be referred to as composite stone benchtops, quartz stone benchtops or even reconstituted stone benchtops.
Engineered stone, made from quartz and packed with resin, is a popular choice for kitchen benchtops as it can give you a marble appearance and is often more durable than natural stone.
However, when considering the product for your stone kitchen benchtops, it’s important to consider whether the benchtops will be exposed to direct sunlight. Engineered stone is not UV protected and may experience discoloration over time if exposed to direct sunlight.
Engineered stone is not laminated to a substrate, it is a solid self-supporting material stocked in either 20mm or 30mm.
From granite, marble, quartzite, and engineered stone, our state-of-the-art showroom in Brendale stocks hundreds of large-scale samples of engineered and natural stones to view and choose from.
To provide a competitive quote, we need as much information as possible. This includes knowing the desired type of edging and placement of cut-outs (sink/hob), up-stands, checkouts, window rebates, tap holes, water filter holes, air switches etc.
Due to the incredible durability and hard surface it requires considerable effort to manufacture correctly, so it is comparable to most quality granites.
Granite varies in price. Generally, entry level granites are cheaper than engineered stones but some of the more exotic stones are more expensive than engineered stone.
Lead-time from measure template to installation varies due to workload but generally in 2 weeks.
Yes, in fact we recommend it.
Engineered stone as a quartz composite is comparable to Granite. In the lighter colours engineered stone is a stronger and more consistent product than lighter coloured granites which are generally softer and more porous.
On a 30mm benchtop the underside is honed to achieve a smooth finish. On a mitred benchtop a piece of 20mm material is placed on the underside to achieve a smooth finish (solid stone packing).
Under normal use and conditions, the stone (not marble) is resistant to staining or scratching but do not use as a cutting board, avoid prolonged exposure to oils, acids etc (see care and maintenance sheet). Marble or limestone-based products have a high lime content that makes it susceptible to heat staining, scratching & acid degradation.
Not advisable (see care and maintenance sheet).
Caesarstone is 3000 x 1400. Granite slabs vary in size with an average nominal size of 3000mm x 1900mm.
The lighter colours can be used outdoors but this is not recommended for the darker colours where direct and continuous exposure to UV light may result in oxidation of colour. Engineered stone is not warranted for outside use.
Yes, Granite can be used outdoors!
We stock some granites in a textured finish. We are able to source any marble or granite worldwide, providing you have the time to wait. This can be up to 16 weeks.
Yes in most cases (there may be colour variation). Granite tiles can also be identical.
Caesarstone is from Israel. Granite slabs are imported from Europe and India.
It is possible to join. Joints are placed in the least visible place while maintaining the integrity of the bench top. They are visible, the joints are called a butt join and the material is epoxy filled (appro 2mm thick) Joint position and the number of joins are determined by our templates at time of final site measure.
As stonemasons we carry out site templating, manufacture and installation only (other work such as carpentry, cabinet making, plumbing and electrical need to be arrange by the customer). If there is an existing top – everything must be disconnected and removed down to the carcass (organised by the customer). Any sinks or joints need to cure for 24hrs.
Click here to read The Process.
Clear and unrestricted access is required to install the customers top – you may incur extra charges if a Hiab is needed.
Granite and engineered stones have different care and maintenance regimes. Granite is pie sealed before it leaves the factory.
Engineered stone tops (Quatz Based) do not require sealing. General daily cleaning for any stone bench top should be done with stone specific cleaners. These cleaners will not strip the sealer from granite and are PH neutral and therefore will not affect the surface of the bench. pH neutral cleaners are particularly important for marble, limestone and marble based engineered stones.