General FAQ's

Where are the natural stones sourced from?

Each natural stone is handpicked for its beauty and functionality from around the world. We source our natural stones from Italy, Greece, Turkey, Brazil and from many other countries around the world.

What is the difference between Calacatta and Culcatta?

Calacatta is a time-honoured, luxury Marble sourced exclusively from Italy.
Culcatta is both a common misspelling of Calcatta and may refer to white marbles sourced from Kolkata, India (formally Calcutta).

What stones are usually recommended for a kitchen benchtop?

Generally Marble and Granite stones are the most popular and are the most commonly used for kitchen benchtop applications. It should be noted that Granite is one of the most durable and non-porous natural stones available and its properties help it resist staining, etching and retain a fine luster over long periods of time. Although Marbles are commonly used in bar applications and residential kitchens, its high percentage of calcium carbonate makes it vulnerable to acidic substances if not maintained in an appropriate manner.

Do you work with engineered stone?

Unfortunately, we are predominately a natural stone supplier/fabricator and have worked with natural stone for over decades now. If your project has a majority of natural stone and a small component of engineered stone, we will take it on however prefer not to especially in light of the silicosis disease that has eventuated from its use.

Am I able to put a stone on hold and if so for how long?

Here at Brothers Stone & Kitchen if you like a particular stone but are unsure if it will work for your home you are able to put it on hold. When putting a stone on hold we ask for a deposit, of generally 30%, to secure the slab and then hold the stone for four weeks. After this four week period we ask for full payment for the natural stone or if it doesn't suit your needs you can receive your deposit back and continue browsing our collection.

What are Natural Stone Benchtops Made Of?

As the name suggests, natural stone is a naturally constructed material that is quarried from the earth. Used as a sturdy and beautiful surface for hundreds of years, natural stones contain no harmful chemicals, which is ideal for unnecessary exposure in the home. Natural stone is a popular choice for both residential and commercial applications. Visually, a significant benefit of natural stone is the large variety of colours, patterns, styles and types available, which commonly exceeds that of engineered benchtops. Due to its unique qualities, natural stone provides a one-of-a-kind centrepiece in the home, sure to make a big impression on your guests, with no two slabs alike.

However, in terms of durability and scratch-resistance, natural stones do not hold well under intense use and are susceptible to premature deterioration if not properly cared for. As they are porous materials, your stone will need to be sealed a few times a year to ensure stain resistance. Natural stones are specifically the perfect choice for BBQs, alfrescos and other outdoor surfaces since they hold heat resistant and UV resistance qualities which minimise the risk of these benchtops breaking down over time due to prolonged sun exposure.

Brothers Stone & Kitchen is one of Australia's leading manufacturers of natural stone products. We offer innovative design elements such as lit Onyx New York Marble which creates a speciality surface that is nothing short of breathtaking. Natural Stones are most suitable for top-of-the-range kitchens if the price is no concern. Find high-quality luxury materials for your kitchen from the Brothers Stone & Kitchen website, including:
Marble Benchtops
Granite Benchtops

As we are stonemasons, we do not carry our own line of natural stones, nor can we carry samples of natural stones due to the ever-changing patterns and designs available from suppliers. If you have an image or name of a natural stone, our team can do the leg work of finding suppliers with said stones. Contact us anytime; our stone experts are happy to discuss.

What are Engineered Stone Benchtops Made Of?

While natural stone has historically been the go-to for gorgeous benchtops, modern technology has improved upon the resistance and durability of stones with man-made alternatives, whilst still offering stunning natural beauty. Engineered stone is a scientifically developed stone that is a minimum of 90% natural forming quartz. Unlike natural stones, engineered stone surfaces are non-porous because they are manufactured with quartz, one of the hardest minerals on earth. Engineered stone surfaces have superior resistance against scratches and chips. Engineered stone surfaces are certified using the world’s most rigorous and comprehensive standards. Some of these include CSIRO certification for resistance to extreme heat, chemicals and stains, as well as the National Sanitation Foundation’s food safety certification.

Engineered stone is quality controlled to a specific recipe, offering identical products within each batch. This allows for consistency in style and colour, even if you require additional or replacement stones many years later. On the other hand, natural stone displays large variances between each product, making matching surfaces difficult. Engineered stone is particularly ideal for bathrooms and kitchens, as it is water-resistant with low moisture absorption, making it perfect for indoor wet areas. Engineered stone benchtops are carefully tailored to ensure the material can withstand the intense use of an everyday kitchen benchtop. Most types of engineered stones offer high durability and great hygienic qualities, such as water, heat and stain resistance, as well as being easy to clean surfaces that do not require much ongoing maintenance or any sealing required!

What are Porcelain Stone Benchtops Made Of?

Porcelain stone is known in the industry as the most luxurious benchtop material, as a denser, less porous and more durable stone than quartz stones. Porcelain benchtops are constructed at a very high temperature from powdered clay and coloured pigments. At Brothers Stone & Kitchen, we sell Dekton Porcelain Benchtops, Atlas Plan Porcelain Benchtops from Smartstone, and QuantumSix+ Porcelain Sheets.

Natural Stone FAQ's

Is all natural stone suitable for benchtop applications?

Most natural stones are suitable for benchtop applications, even in kitchens. Depending on your chosen stone, the way in which you care and treat your natural stone might differ to ensure it remains in the best condition possible. It is always best to talk with your sales consultant about your intended use, so they can offer the best possible solution for your needs.

Is there much colour and vein variations in each block of natural stone?

Each stone is unique in both its colouring and veining. This means that no stone is the same and so to find the perfect block of stone for you, it's best to come and inspect the stone in person to ensure it suits your needs and tastes.

Where can natural stone be used?

Natural stone can be used almost anywhere, both inside and outside. Depending on where the stone is located, the method in which the stone needs to be taken care of will differ to ensure it remains of the highest quality. Natural stone can be used for benchtops, splashbacks, wall cladding, flooring, vanities and a variety of other uses.

What is the difference between a honed and polished finish?

Honed stones have a soft matte finish, whereas polished finishes are much glossier and have a reflective appearance. Depending on the chosen stone it can offer either of these finishes.

Is there much variation in a block or bundle of natural stone?

Most definitely! There can be significant colour and pattern changes from one slab to another so its very important and recommended to visit our premises to see the slabs and appreciate the variation prior to committing with the material. It is important to note that just like human’s DNA, no two slabs will be exactly the same.

Is there a warranty on the stone, like if it cracks?

Unfortunately, there is no warranty on the stone itself as it is a natural product however there is on our workmanship. Cracks in the natural stone can occur as a result of misuse, movement in floorboards and substrates or even from dropping a heavy item on it (to name a few). Slabs are generally quite resilient and survive overseas shipping, truck transportation and fabrication.

What is the average thickness of the stone slabs?

The majority of natural stones we bring in have a thickness of 20mm. Any other thickness sizes such as 30mm can be specially ordered depending on the quantity. Natural stone tiles are usually 10mm, 12mm or 20mm and similarly different thicknesses can be specially ordered but this is dependent on the material and quantity required.

Do you have natural stone tiles available to match my benchtop selection?

Generally, we do. Most of our marbles and limestones are available to be purchased in tiles. It is best to talk with your sales consultant about the tiles you need about both quantity and the material you desire.

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