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A Guide for Choosing the Correct Stone for your House

Durable or dramatic?  Beauty or brawn?  Unique or affordable?

When you choose stone for benchtops and features in your home, you don’t need to choose between any of these qualities because this naturally beautiful product has them all – and more.  That said, there are differences between each kind of stone and it’s important to select one that will meet your expectations in terms of both aesthetics and functionality.

There are no right or wrong choices and the ultimate decision is a matter of personal preference.  However, you may find the following guide helpful when you’re considering which type of stone to use in your home.

Type of stone Qualities Maintenance requirements Applications
Granite
  • Extremely hard
  • Comes in a wide variety of rich colours and unique patterns
  • Scratch proof
  • Chip-resistant
  • Heat-resistant
  • Bacteria-resistant
  • Can be honed to give a highly polished sheen
  • Can withstand extremes of temperature, hot and cold

 

Granite is porous, but if properly and periodically sealed by a professional installer, it will maintain its good looks and require minimum upkeep.

Clean regularly with warm water and a non-abrasive cloth or sponge

Its heat-resistance means it can be used near cooktops, plus it can take heat from hot pots, hair dryers, curling irons etc.

 

Marble
  • Luxurious appearance
  • Eye-catching beauty
  • Unique patterns
  • Rainbow colours
  • Softer than granite but sufficiently strong to resist most chips and dents
  • Porous nature, so acidic substances may stain the surface
  • Can be affected by extreme temperatures
Requires periodic sealing to maintain its luxurious finish Clean marble regularly with warm water, gentle soap or pH balanced stone cleaner and a non-abrasive cloth or sponge

 

Engineered stone/quartz
  • Consistent colour and style
  • Superior strength
  • Dense and non porous
  • Fully sealed
  • Impervious to scratches, chips, dents and stains
  • Resistant to bacteria, therefore very hygienic
  • Easy to clean
  • Can be cut into smaller sizes than other natural stone
  • Can be re-polished to ‘like new’ condition
No sealing required

Virtually maintenance-free Clean with warm soapy water, a mild detergent or special pH balanced stone cleaner using a soft non-abrasive cloth or sponge.

 

 

As with all stone products, it is essential to choose the right stone for each application.  Each type has different characteristics, which means some are a better choice for particular projects than others.

If you need advice or recommendations on which stone to select for your domestic or commercial job, the team at Granite World will happily help.  With over 15 years’ experience in stone and granite in Perth and a genuine focus on customer satisfaction, they have all the answers to help you choose where and how you use these naturally beautiful and highly desirable materials in your home.   Call them now on 08 9249 3009 or visit www.graniteworld.com.au for an in-depth look at the different types of stone, their unique qualities and the huge diversity of stunning installations.