Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the cost?
Please refer to our detailed Pricing Guide.

With a 10-20% variation, and as a very rough guide only:

Standard Caesarstone is the cheapest, followed by Granite, and then Marble.

What is the difference between Granite, Marble and Caesarstone?

 Please refer to our Materials guide.

Your understanding of Care and Maintenance will also help you in your decision process.

After understanding these products, your choice should be based on the look you are after, as all stone that is installed and sealed properly, will perform similarly.

 

Can I use Marble in my Kitchen?
Yes, of course you can!

Brisbane Granite and Marble has been a specialist in Marble for over 30 years and although Marble can chip, crack, stain and etch, we recommend the following to avoid any problems.

  • A minimum of a Pencil Round edge detail is recommended to reduce chipping, instead of the industry standard Arris finish.
  • Use only 30mm thick Marble – avoid 20mm stone.
  • We will only warrant 30mm thick marble in kitchens with cutouts.
  • All of our natural stone leaves the factory sealed, however we recommend a second treatment on-site to get a 15 year Guarantee against staining.
  • A honed (matte) finish is preferable. Etching cannot be stopped but can be reduced visually when Marble is honed.
    Note: An etch in honed Marble can be fixed on-site, however, an etch in polished Marble needs to be re-cut and re-polished in our factory.

Please refer to our Care and Maintenance guide on Marble.

Do I need to seal my stone? Does stone stain?
Yes some natural stone will stain quite easily if not sealed.

Caesarstone does not need to be sealed and comes with a 10 year product warranty

All of our natural stones are sealed prior to leaving the factory.We recommend this be resealed over time. The best option is to receive a secondary seal after installation and get a 15 Year Guarantee against staining.

Contact us for more information.

Can the product be repaired?
Most chips, etches and stains can be fixed or removed. Cracks however – cannot.

So please be guided by us when we recommend a thicker stone or discuss overhang limits, or maximum benchtop sizes.

What is the biggest piece I can have for my Island bench?
As a very general rule of thumb, we will only warrant benchtops to a maximum size of 3mtr x 1.2mtr in 30mm stone.

Anything bigger than that is prone to failure and cracking. However, different stones on different sites, on different floors will all produce different results.

If you want to push the limits on size, come to our showroom so we may discuss it in greater detail. There are many ways of getting around some of these problems.

Can you sit or stand on the benchtops?
Simple answer is NO.

Stone is a veneer only. It has very little structural support and relies entirely on the base it is placed on.

Can the stone be in a “L” shape?
Depending on the actual size of the piece, this is possible, providing that there is an internal radius in the corner and not square cut.

It is a much more expensive and labour intensive process to produce.

What is a gable or waterfall end?
A gable or waterfall end is a piece of stone that runs down to the floor.

It has the ability to match the grain in the top and side panel to make the grain appear as though it is running over and down the edge which gives it the name “waterfall”.

Can I put hot pots on my benchtop?
It is NOT recommended to do this.

It is best to order a trivet with your benchtops, made from the same material as your benchtops.

A stone trivet is great for a cheese board, servery, and the ultimate hot pot holder. A manageable size for washing up  and height is around 400mm x 300mm.

What is a honed finish?
Quite simply it is a matte finish instead of high gloss.

This is achieved by our main slab polishing machine, that can polish and hone the surface of all of our materials.

Can I cut on my Granite bench top?
Only if you want to ruin your good knives! Granite is harder than your knife blades and will dull them very quickly if you use the bench top as a cutting surface. Always cut and chop on a designated cutting board.
How do I clean my benchtops?
Please refer to our  Care and Maintenance guide.
What is the best thickness and edge to have?
Without a doubt, for natural stone including Granite and Marble, always use 30mm thick stone with a modern edge detail such as Pencil Round.

View our Edge Profiles.

What is etching?
Etching occurs when acid in some form comes in contact with a calcium based stone such as Marble or Limestone.

Acids generally in the form of foodstuffs such as lemons and juices, alcohol, cleaners, basically any liquid not PH neutral. This causes a chemical reaction, which removes the polish, or roughens the surface of honed Marble or Limestone.

Granite is impervious to many common household acids.

Etching cannot be stopped but can be reduced visually by providing the Marble in a honed(matte) finish.

Further to that, an etch in honed Marble can be fixed on-site. An etch in polished Marble needs to be re-cut and re-polished in our factory.

What is the warranty?

All Engineered Stone is covered by a 10 year product warranty.

Do I need to remove my old benchtops?

Yes the old benchtops will need be removed.

You will also need a plumber and electrician to remove and re-install your plumbing, gas and electrical fittings.