Frequently Asked Questions

Stone comes from quarries. A quarry is an open excavation or pit in a mountain from which stone is obtained by digging and cutting. This produces large blocks of stone, which are then sliced into sheets called slabs. Slabs are then polished on one side, which brings out the colour in the stone. Slabs coming from one block will be quite similar in colour and veinage. Slabs are a standard 20 thick, however thicker slabs can be ordered

Marble is formed when limestone undergoes the process of recrystallization under high pressures and temperatures and forms in the earth’s crust. On the other hand, travertine is formed under further high pressure and temperatures in hot springs and limestone caves. Granite is a natural igneous rock. Please click on Stone Gallery to see the different images.

There is a wide range of prices for marbles, limestone and granites with a lot of overlap. Cost of stone is determined not by type of stone or the look. Cost is mostly determined but by availability of material from quarries, accessibility and shipping costs. As a guide, mid-ranged priced granite and marble are similar in price.

Giving a square metre rate on a custom made job is inaccurate. The cost is effected by: material costs, edging and surface finishes, cut-outs, splashbacks, transporation and fixing costs. The best way to obtain a price is giving us a plan of your job, either in person or by email.

Yes, you can use marble, so long as it is sealed. The concern here is that because marbles (and limestone and travertine) contain calcium carbonate, the polished surface is more vulnerable to household acids including vinegar, mustard, citrus and a host of other food-related products. Additionally, marble and limestone can be scratched more easily than harder stones such as granite. However marble is still a very strong surface when compared to other materials.

This said, marble is still an excellent hygienic surface for kitchens.

The choice is a balance between aesthetics and practicality. If you seal and take care of your marble kitchen, then there is less of a chance of damage. The other choice is a engineered stone, giving choice of marble looking stone, with a very durable surface.

Like marble, polished limestone is subject to surface changes or damage from kitchen acids including citrus juices, vinegars, mustards, and so forth. Unsealed, some of the more porous limestones can be subject to stains. All limestone benches leaving our factory are sealed, and we recommend resealing it with HMK S34 on a yearly basis.

Because granite is a very hard stone that is formed at very high temperatures deep in the earth, its polish is not subject to etching by household acids, or scratching by knives and pots and pans. It is unaffected by typical kitchen heat such as hot pans, or spilled liquid.

Like any solid surface, high impact blows can harm granite. Because of its crystalline structure, it can chip if subjected to sharp hard objects. Unsealed, granite can absorb stains such as oil, which can ultimately cause dark spots or discoloration. Heat from pots and pans or burning liquids will not affect granite under normal circumstances.

Only if you want to ruin your good knives. Using a chopping board is recommended. 

Most stains can be removed. Even oil stains can usually be removed using a poultice or paste that will draw out the oil from the stone.

No, not at all. There are some limestones that are very hard and dense, nearly as hard and resistant as granite, and extremely non-porous. Keep in mind, though, that these very hard limestones are still calcium-based and, if polished, are subject to damage from household acids.

Natural stone has been formed over millions of years but improper care can ruin nature’s beauty. Although we usually think of stones as a hard material, it is a porous material that can absorb spills and stains if untreated. Sealing your stone with a quality impregnating sealer, such as HMK S34 will minimize the chance most spills from damaging your investment. However note that sealers are not a permanent means to preventing potential stains.

A sealer such as HMK S34 is a penetrating impregnator, meaning the sealer is absorbed by the stone and sits below the surface of the stone. It therefore does not effect the surface, unlike lacquer treatment.

Keeping your stone free of dust and sand will minimise any scratches and wear-patterns that can develop from everyday use of some natural stone, such as marble and limestone. Sweep or dust all natural stone surfaces regularly to remove loose soil and dust.

Clean your natural stone on a regular basis with warm water and a clean, non-abrasive cloth, sponge or mop. In addition, using a pH neutral cleaner specially formulated for natural stone will help remove soils that normal dusting or damp mopping leave behind.

A quality cleaner such as HMK R55 can be used at full strength or diluted depending on what level of cleaning is required. This cleaner is developed especially for natural stone and tile care.

Do not use general purpose cleaners or you may damage your stone. Do not use products that contain lemon, vinegar, or other acids as these may etch the stone surface and damage the polish. Do not use scouring powders or creams; these products contain abrasives that may scratch the surface.

Many different companies around the world make their own blend of stone. Each uses a combination of quartz, binding agents and colours. Please see Engineered Stone for more information.