FAQ

Stone Slab FAQ

Are the natural stone slabs pictured on your website, actual images of the slab?

Yes. All the images you see on our website are from the actual slabs currently in stock.

The main image represents the first slab in each block of natural stone.

Each image is professionally photographed and colour calibrated to properly display the true colour of the stone - the veining and overall look of the slab will closely reflect the actual slab you are ordering.  There will be slight variations in colour due to differences in computer screen quality and the natural movement of colour and patterning through the block.

Does the stone slab colour and patterning change from one stone slab to another within the same block?

Yes, slightly.  As the colour, veining and pattern moves through the block, slight variations can be seen from slab to slab. 

All our stone slabs are sold in sequence, so the variations from one slab to the next is minimal.

I’ve heard the term ‘bookmatch’, what does this refer to?

Bookmatch stone slabs refers to when the veining of two or more slabs are matched, from  consecutive cuts in the stone block. 

The adjoining surfaces mirror each other.  This is like when you place your two palms side by side, the lines on each palm mirror each other with ever so slight variations.

What is the difference between engineered stone and natural stone? Which is better?

Engineered stone slabs (or manmade stone) is only suitable for indoor applications, contrary to common misconception.  Manmade stone can scratch, chip and stain. Engineered stone is not suitable for floors with under floor heating, whereas natural stone is suitable.  Engineered stone is available in a wide spectrum of colours and the colour is consistent across the surface.

Natural stone can be used in any application, indoors or outdoors.  Each piece is unique.  Its style is timeless, with wide appeal. Natural stone can be repaired or rejuvenated if damaged. Only your application will determine which the better suited material is.

 Can I resurface or change the different finish of a stone slab?

Yes, our stone masons can resurface and refinish in our factory. Please contact us for more information.

I only want a small piece of stone, not a whole slab.  Do you sell stone offcuts?

Yes.  Please contact us to get more information. 

How come other websites for stone slabs do not include prices but your website does?

Most stone suppliers in Australia are wholesalers; they do not sell directly to the home owner. When the stone industry was established, the stone fabricator determined the price of the job – including material supply plus labour to measure, cut and install – to the end user.

At Marble Hub, our model is based on transparency, making it easy for our customers to purchase stone slabs, where you know the price of the stone slab upfront and you are free to choose your stone fabricator based on craftsmanship and services.

Can you tell me how many stone slabs I will need to buy for my project?

Yes.  Email your plans or sketches to our helpfull staff [info@marblehub.com.au] and we will be happy to help you determine the number of slabs.

Do you sell half stone slabs?

We sell the whole stone slab, not by the square metre.  If you only need half a slab, you will still need to purchase the entire slab.

How heavy is one stone slab?

This will depend on the density of the stone, but in general terms, a slab of 20 mm granite weighs approximately 70kg per square.

I am a home owner, can I purchase my stone slab directly through you?

Yes, we are proud to sell direct to the public. You can choose your stone slab from our website or visit our showroom at Strathfield NSW to view the slabs.

Can I get my kitchen designer / stone fabricator to buy my stone slab from you?

Yes, of course!  Give our details to your stone fabricator and we will work with them to get the best natural stone for your project.

Can I just order the stone slab from you, and have my installer put it in?

Yes.  Usually the best installer of the benchtop is the stone mason that created it, however if you’d prefer to use your own installer, we can liaise with them.

Specify you will be using your own installer on your quote request and we’ll give you a supply only price.

Building works haven’t started yet, can I still purchase the stone slab?

Yes, this is a great idea to secure your perfect piece of stone!  You can purchase the slabs now and we will store it for free for 3 months. 

Storage longer than 3 months will be charged at a nominal fee. 

 

Kitchen Benchtop FAQ
Can marble be used as a kitchen benchtop?

Yes, marble can be used as a kitchen benchtop.  Many home owners prefer the lighter, natural veining and open appearance of marble.  Granite, which is less porous than marble has a speckled appearance with denser patterning and comes in a variety of deeper colours.

What factors are included in the price of stone fabrication?

The factors that determine the price of stone fabrication include the type of stone, slab sizes, its thickness, the edge profile design, sink type, and its application.

What does the term engineered stone mean?

Engineered stone (can also be called reconstituted, re-composed agglomerated and synthetic stone) contains a mix of stone chips that are set with resins, pigments and additives to produce a strong and viable benchtop, splashback or vanity top. 

Quartz or marble are the most common stone aggregate chips used but also igneous rocks such as granite and basalt can create a unique patterning and diverse range of designer colours.

These chips are set in a mixture of mineral fillers, resin binders, pigments and additives and vacuum pressed (using vibrocompaction process) and hardened to minimise the stones’ porosity.

How long does it take to measure, fabricate and install, after I have placed my order?

Generally, the turnaround time is 2 weeks, depending on our workload at time of order.  We can advise at the time what your turn around time will be.

What type of edge profile can I have on my benchtop?

There are more than 20 different edge profiles that can be created with stone.  See our edge profiles here  [edge profile].

A 20mm pencil round edge is the most cost effective, mitred edges or other edges are more expensive due to the time they take to be shaped.  Kitchen benchtops and bathroom vanity tops with rounded edges such as pencil round are less likely to chip.

The overall design concept will also need to be considered as to which edge design is suitable for your project.

Can I get a thick edge with a 20mm slab? What is the best edge design for my benchtops?

Yes, the technique we use to create a thicker edge from a 20mm slab is called a mitred edge. It can give an edge profile of up to 200mm thickness. When the edge is mitred, usually the pattern of the stone will follow down the edge.

There are more than 20 different edge types that can be created from stone. A 20mm pencil round edge is the most cost effective, mitred edge or other edges are more expensive due to the time they take to be completed. Rounded type edges such as the pencil round are the most forgiving type of edge. Another factor will be the overall design concept that will decide which edge design you will go for.

Is natural stone suitable in an outdoor BBQ area?

Yes. The stone looks stunning and gives your outdoor BBQ that luxe look.  The dense surfaces of the darker, coloured granites are the best choice for these areas.

What stone can I use as a fireplace surround?

A natural stone slab is the best product for these areas.

Sealing & Maintenance FAQs
I’ve heard you should seal natural stone – what do you think?

Yes, we recommend that all natural stone be sealed with a stone sealer.  This will help your stone look good for many years and protect your natural work of art from any accidental spills or messes.

All stone slabs purchased through us are sealed before installation.

Which is the best sealer to use?

We recommend the German product, Penetrating Sealer Lithofin MN Stain Stop. 

This product is applied directly to the stone to seal and protect the surface from absorbing grease, oil, dirt and water.

Do I need to reseal the natural stone?  If so, how often?

Sealers themselves need to be re-applied over time as they deplete.  Check the instructions on the sealer pack for how often they should be re-applied.

Some sealers, depending on the type of stone, sealer and its application, need to be re-applied every couple of months, some every few years.

What products should I use to clean natural stone?

The surface of your stone should be cleaned with warm water and a mild detergent that you use to wash your dishes.  You can also use a soap specifically designed for natural stone available from your hardware store.

We have put more details on cleaning and prevention of stains on our maintenance page [Stone Care].

Does the heat from hot items affect my natural stone kitchen benchtop?

Yes, the heat from very hot items such as oven baking trays, or saucepans from the stove top, can crack the stone.  You can use a trivet or remind us to cut a piece from the left over of your slab to make a matching trivet for you to use to place your hot pot on.

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