Which Stone is best for my project?

Please have a read on our Product Range page to understand the difference and assist you in deciding on the best product for your project.

Visit our Showroom to view our range of Material

Our Showroom is by Appointment Only. To make an appointment to view natural or engineered stone slabs please contact our office to arrange an appointment. We stock a range of natural stone materials as well as holding stock of various engineered stone products at any given time. Please confirm with our office the material you wish to view is available at our warehouse prior to your appointment wherever possible.

I would like help with selecting the best product for my project?

Please contact us to book a time to visit our Showroom to view our samples.

Is Natural stone less durable than engineered stone?

As a rule natural stone is more fragile than engineered stone, however with suitable reinforcement added by our skilled masons throughout the production process and final installation it’s not generally a factor that should way into your decision for a material.

In terms of certain natural stones such as granite, surface durability can actually be longer wearing than engineered stone, provided appropriate care is given to the material. In the case of outdoor use granite and other natural stone is appropriate for use, whereas engineered stone is not.

Other stone’s such as marble, limestone or travertine do have properties which make them unsuitable for certain applications, however if you do have any concerns about the suitability of a given material for your project please don’t hesitate to contact us for a recommendation or refer to our product range page for more information on different material properties.

Can I put Hot Items on my Stone Benchtop?

We do not recommend this. Stone is considered heat-resistant as opposed to heat-proof, so don't place extremely hot items (such as pots and dishes from the oven) directly onto the benchtop as prolonged exposure to high-heat items can result in discolouration or even cracking. DO use trivets, insulated mats or boards to protect your surface.

Warranty

Please refer to our Terms & Conditions for information on Warranty of Products. For engineered stone products you will need to register with the relevant supplier of your chosen product. No supplier of Natural Stone offers a warranty of their product.

I am ready for someone to come out and measure my project and receive a Quote?

The first step is to complete our Request for Quote form.

We will work to provide a quote within three business days where possible. Please note that a quote is based on the plans you send to us. If we get to the point of measure and sizes or other factors have changed, then the price could also change.

I’m happy with my Quote and would like to proceed?

If you would like to proceed please email your acceptance back to the sales email address. You will then receive an Invoice for a 50% deposit. Once your deposit is received we will book in a time for your site measure.

What is the expected turnaround time?

You can expect your site measure to be booked in around a week after your deposit is received. Install time is then a further 10-15 working days from this time provided we have the material in stock. We can provide an estimated date for install however this will be confirmed via text message the day prior.

My site measure is booked, what do I need to have ready?

• Cabinetry must be fully installed

• If we are measuring for a splashback walls must be prepped correctly

• For bathroom vanities that have undermount sinks, the sink must be on-site as this will be bought back to the factory

I have a larger Commercial Project?

Email our team at sales@pacificstone.com.au with the details of your project and we will direct your enquiry to the relevant Project Manager to get in touch with you.

How do I care for my stone products?

DON’T slide rough items along your benchtop.  Again, most of the stone products are scratch resistant but not scratch-proof. 

DON’T use abrasive cleaners such as Ajax or Jif. A general guide is to only use warm soapy water to clean your stone products however we do recommend you refer to the relevant manufacturer of your chosen product. Always test clean on a small and inconspicuous area of the stone if you are unsure of a products suitability.

DON’T leave spills.  Wipe up all food and liquid spills as soon as possible. Avoid allowing acidic products or food to sit on your stone surfaces, clean up any spills immediately. With natural stone surfaces this is particularly important, however even engineered stone products can be marked in this way. In addition to this do not place hot objects, for example pots or pans, onto your stone surfaces. This can cause cracking as well as burning or marking the surface in the case of engineered stone products. Instead, place a suitable heat mat onto the stone before placing hot objects.

DON’T ever sit or stand on your benchtop.  Whilst the stone is very strong, the under cabinet or substrate may not be, especially the thinner edge in front of the sink and hotplate. 

Care for natural stone products can vary on the material chosen as the properties of natural stone vary. All natural stone surfaces will be sealed initially by us at either point of fabrication or installation. Information can then be provided as to suitable products for your stone surfaces and a regime for how often they should be used in order to maintain the best condition for your surfaces into the future.

Is it safe to have an engineered stone kitchen?

Whilst fabricating engineered stone in an unsafe manner can be potentially hazardous, the final product in your kitchen is rated to be safe for you and your family. At Pacific Stone we pride ourselves on our safety practices and ensure that any fabrication work carried out in your residence or on commercial projects is done to a standard above and beyond safety requirements. All material we use has Safety Data Sheets available to ensure it is up to specification for use.

What is the largest overhang I can have in my kitchen or laundry benchtop?

Without supports the largest overhang suitable for stone is 300mm. With supports that can be pushed to 450mm as long as the supports are every 600mm.

What is Vein Matching or Book Matching?

Vein matching is the process of cutting stone so that any veining or pattern in the material runs connected through both orientations of the surface. For example, from the top of an island bench down the waterfall panel. Book matching is the practice of mirroring a pattern in two pieces of material so that it gives the appearance of an open book. Both of these options are available in natural and engineered stone but contact our staff so that we can make sure material suitable for your project is available.

What is the difference between Edge Profiles?

Edge profiles significantly impact your benchtop’s performance, affecting everything from cleaning to safety. Since edges are the surface we come into contact with the most as we walk around and utilise the kitchen, the shape is essential for protecting and extending the life and performance of the stone benchtop.

See examples of the options available below.