Stone Pavers Vs Concrete For Your Pool Area

Stone Pavers Vs Concrete For Your Pool Area

If you are designing the outdoor area of your new home or considering renovating an existing pool area, you might be thinking about whether stone pavers or concrete pavers are the right choice for you.

The truth is that both materials offer advantages and disadvantages, and ultimately it will come down to factors such as your budget, personal preference and needs. However, to help you understand the difference between concrete and stone pavers, we have put together this handy breakdown.

Choosing Pavers - Concrete vs Stone Strengths and Weaknesses

Both natural stone and concrete pavers are used widely as flooring materials, especially for outside applications, such as a pool area.

But there are some key differences between the two.

1. Cost

Generally, using natural stone pavers is more expensive – in material cost and labour – then concrete. But, understandably, this does depend on the type of stone you choose as well as the type and style of concrete pavers you opt for.

Both materials have options suitable for a range of budgets.

2.Durability

Similarly, both stone pavers and concrete pavers are highly durable. Of course, this is a significant contributing factor as to why they are among the leading options of building material for use around a pool area.

Pools and outdoor areas require high levels of durability. There is the level of activity that goes in and around a pool, but uniquely your pavers will be exposed to a lot of water as well as environmental and weather elements.

Stone pavers are highly durable materials and an investment that will last for a long time. However, these sorts of pavers can shift slightly over time. On the other hand, concrete pavers, whilst also being durable, can be prone to cracking over the long term and after intensive water exposure.

3. Maintenance

Natural stone pavers are easy to clean but to keep them looking and functioning as good as new, regular cleaning is necessary. This just means using a soft cleaning tool and non-harsh chemical cleaners to give a quick wipe down every so often. Many types of stone also require occasional professional resealing to ensure that water from the pool doesn’t seep into the stone.

Concrete pavers are also very low maintenance. But, like stone, it requires resealing every few years to ensure its integrity and prevent water or moisture from seeping into the material and causing cracking.

4. Aesthetic

Comparing the aesthetics of natural stone pavers vs concrete pavers is really a matter of personal preference. Natural stone comes in a versatile variety of design options with a range of colours, shades, patterns and styles – all effusing natural beauty and uniqueness. 

By contrast, concrete pavers can be made to mimic the aesthetic of other materials or have the visual style and uniform look of classic concrete.

5. Safety

Safety is a top priority of everyone and around the pool area it is of even greater concern. Natural stone is highly slip-resistant when dry and stone pavers for your pool can be tailored with anti-slip treatments to make them even safer when wet.

Concrete pavers tend to be more slippery, when untreated, than stone pavers. However, like stone, they can also be treated with anti-slip coverings.

Choosing Stone Pavers: The Pros and Cons

As we mentioned before, the right choice for your pool area is going to come down to personal factors, constraints and preferences.

What is your budget?

It can be easier to determine your budget from the outset as it can drive your decision making. Remember to account for not just the material costs but initial installation costs and long-term maintenance costs.

What style are you looking for?

Both stone pavers and concrete pavers come in a variety of aesthetic styles but they are also distinct from one another. Think about what sort of visual impact you want your pool pavers to have. Are you after something unique and natural, like stone, or something more uniform and consistent, like concrete? Take into account the rest of the design style of the outdoor and pool area as well so that your pavers do not stick out like a sore thumb. 

What is your lifestyle like?

Different pools, different rules. Think about who will be using your pool area and how they will be using it. If children will be frequenting the area and playing in the pool, using more slip resistant materials is a must. If the pool is going to be used by adults, who will do so in a far more low-key and restrained way, there may be less concern regarding additional safety features.

What is your long term plan?

Different building materials can make expanding your pool area more or less difficult, or influence the resale value of your house should you choose to move in the future. Think about how you intend on using and living in your home when making a decision.

Where do you live?

Consider your local climate. Stone and concrete are both hardy materials but if you live in an area prone to extreme heat, cold or rain, you might want to consider a particular type of material accordingly.

The Pros of Choosing Natural Stone Pavers

The Cons of Choosing Natural Stone Pavers

  1. Stone pavers are designed to be highly slip-resistant.
  2. Stone pavers are easy to maintain.
  3. Stone pavers come in a wide range of colours, patterns and styles.
  4. Each stone paver is unique.
  1. The cost of material and labour for installation can be higher.
  2. Stone pavers need to be resealed every few years.
  3. In some instances, stone pavers can shift slightly over time.

The Pros of Choosing Concrete Pavers

The Cons of Choosing Concrete Pavers

  1. Concrete is generally more cost-effective.
  2. Concrete pavers are easy to maintain.
  3. Concrete can be stamped, stained and produced to design specification in many cases.
  1. Concrete can be prone to cracking when the temperature is extreme or after heavy activity.
  2. Concrete can be slippery without anti-slip protection.
  3. Concrete can be more difficult and costly to repair.

When diving into the natural stone pavers vs concrete pavers debate for your pool area, there is no wrong answer.

But if you are not sure what the ‘right’ answer is for your application, home and needs, make sure to reach out to the team here at Euro Marble. We are more than happy to talk you through the difference between stone pavers and concrete, answer questions about your particular preferences and considerations, and walk you through our showroom of amazing natural stone.

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Why Choose Marble For Your Kitchen Splashback

Why Choose Marble For Your Kitchen Splashback

There are many fantastic ways of incorporating marble in your home and specifically your kitchen. But one of the more subtle ways of using this natural stone in a low-key yet high-impact way is with a marble kitchen splashback.

Does marble work well for a splashback? What do you need to consider when choosing a marble splashback in your kitchen?

This article is here to cover all that and more.

Marble Splashbacks: The Perfect Choice for your Kitchen

Choosing marble as the material for your kitchen splashback brings both practical and effective functionality as well as style and a strong aesthetic appeal. 

Marble stone has long been associated with regality, luxuriousness and sophistication. Since the ancient days, it has been effectively used to add a sense of opulence to flooring, walls, and – more recently – kitchen benchtops, fireplaces and more. 

But the humble splashback offers an opportunity to really highlight the practical and fashionable advantages of marble stone.

Why Splashbacks Are Important

A kitchen splashback serves more than one function in the kitchen. Most obviously, it provides a ‘wall defense’ and protects the walls behind your cooking and washing areas. Kitchens are often hives of activity. To keep your wall from being exposed to splashes, stains and heat, the splashback acts as a protective shield. Without which, your walls would be damaged and dirtied by moisture, grease and heat. In some circumstances, this can lead to everything from mould growth and discolouration to degradation and damage.

Splashbacks are particularly critical behind the stove and sink, as those are the areas of the kitchen where spills and splatters are the most likely.

Another benefit of splashbacks is its hygienic contribution to the kitchen. Intentionally designed to be smooth, they are easy to keep clean and easy to keep free of bacteria build-up and offensive odours or stainage. 

Of course, one further element of a splashback that is no less important to consider is the aesthetic appeal. Splashbacks are not just functional elements – they form an important piece of the design puzzle. Customising your splashback in terms of colour, pattern and material can help to bring the overall area to life and act as a visual focal point, much like a feature wall.

The contained nature of a splashback means you can both opt for a bold colour scheme or intricate design, without risking overwhelming the space, or simply add a complementary and neutral splashback that blends in with the rest of the kitchen.

Why Choose Marble For Your Kitchen Splashback

1. Marble is highly durable

Let’s start with the practical benefits of a marble kitchen splashback. Marble is renowned for not just its visual appeal, but its hardiness and durability. Properly sealed and regularly maintained, marble splashbacks offer high levels of stain resistance and mark resistance. So, even the busiest of kitchens can benefit from using marbles.

Marble stone, compared to some other types of stone and construction material, is relatively porous. While professional sealing goes a long way to counteract this, splashbacks experience minimal wear and tear from water and liquid due to the fact that they are a vertical installation. This means marble brings with it all the durability you need for the application and will maintain its beauty and functionality over the long term.

2. Marble is heat resistant

Marble stone was formed and is thus designed to withstand high temperatures. Many splashbacks are located near or behind the stovetop, where – of course – there is likely to be high exposure to heat. 

Using marble splashbacks in your kitchen will give you the safe and reliable barrier against heat that you need.

3. Marble is easy to clean

This one is important! Marble is famous for its iconic beauty. But if you are worried about whether or not this brilliant aesthetic will degrade over time – don’t be! With simple, easy and regular maintenance of your marble kitchen splashback you can keep your stone looking fantastic for many years to come.

A daily wipe with a soft, warm and wet sponge (non-abrasive) and non-harsh chemical cleaners with low acidity is all you need to clean your marble effectively. 

4. Marble increases your home’s value

Investing in using marble stone for your kitchen splashback is a win-win. You get to enjoy using this stunning material in your kitchen and it increases your home’s value. Between the value of the stone itself and its longevity (thanks to its high durability) as well as the enduring psychological appeal of marble, this natural stone often draws potential buyers if you are thinking of reselling and makes the home more attractive, and therefore higher value, in the real estate market.

5. Marble is gorgeous

We couldn’t leave this one off the list! With all the practical considerations said and done, the truth is that nothing stands up to the beauty and aesthetic appeal of marble. Synonymous with luxury and sophistication, there is a reason marble has been used in royal palaces and mansions for centuries.

The classic off-white and grey-veined marble offers a timeless elegance that won’t date your kitchen as interior design trends change over time. And, at the same time, marble stone comes in a surprisingly wide range of colours, patterns and styles, so that you can find the perfect slab to suit any aesthetic preference and kitchen design.

Whether your home is designed to feel minimalist and modern, or rustic and Earthy, there is a type and style of marble to suit your preferences. Moreover, marble splashbacks can also be finished in different ways. You can opt for a polished finish to achieve a sleek and shiny look, or a honed finish to achieve a more natural feel.

There is another important point to note here. Marble, like all natural stone, is quarried from the ground and not produced in a cookie-cutter factory. This means every single slab of marble is distinct and unlike any other in the world. If you’re looking for a one-of-a-kind material that hits all the right function and fashion notes, a marble kitchen splashback is right for you!

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Granite in the kitchen: Pros and Cons

Granite In The Kitchen: Pros And Cons

Granite kitchen benchtops, splashbacks, wall cladding, floor tiles and sinks are getting more and more popular!

While this unique natural stone has been used in construction and interior design for many, many years, granite remains an increasingly common choice of material. But is it right for your kitchen

That depends on your needs and your personal preferences. To help you make the right decision, here is an introduction to using granite in your kitchen.

Using Granite in the Kitchen

Granite is a natural stone that is formed beneath the Earth’s surface. Its unique composition, primarily consisting of materials such as quartz, feldspar and mica, is formed by a slow crystallisation of magma. More specifically, high temperatures beneath the ground allow the magma to cool slowly over millions of years.

This process and its components is what gives it the iconic speckled and granular aesthetic. It also contributes to its durability and hardiness.

Granite is quarried in many regions around the world. The most well-known and popular quarries are in the U.S., Italy, Canada, China, India, Brazil, and parts of Africa.

This stone is a popular choice of material for use in the kitchen because of its high level of resistance to scratching, heat damage, and staining. However, there are both advantages and disadvantages to using granite – which we will break down below.

Options for Incorporating Granite in the Kitchen

Granite can be effectively used in various applications to enhance both the appearance and functionality of your kitchen. 

1. Benchtops

Granite kitchen benchtops are the most popular option. The unique aesthetic of granite and its functional durability make it a stunning and practical option.

2. Splashbacks

A granite kitchen sink splashback is a contained and therefore budget-friendly way of infusing this fantastic stone into your home. It can add a sophisticated and beautiful focal point while providing functional utility.

3. Wall Cladding

If you’re more interested in a grander granite kitchen makeover, consider wall cladding. This natural stone can create a striking visual effect and add both texture and depth to your kitchen.

4. Floors

Granite tiling is a durable and luxurious-looking option for flooring. Its hardiness makes it resistant to heavy foot traffic and activity, and easy to keep clean and maintain.

Pros and Cons of Using Granite in the Kitchen

Pros

1. Durability

As mentioned above, granite is an incredibly hard form of natural stone. This hardiness makes it ideally resistant to scratches and heat. For a room in the home like a kitchen, which is prone to high levels of activity, exposure to food and liquid, and likely to be subjected to items of varying temperatures, using a highly durable material like granite is key.

2. Aesthetic

Granite is a beautiful type of stone. Its iconic granular aesthetic makes it stand out even amongst other forms of natural stone. But, importantly, granite comes in a wide range of colours, patterns, and shades so if you love the thought of using it in your kitchen you can find the perfect slab to suit your chosen design style.

3. Maintenance

Granite needs to be professionally sealed to ensure its integrity and appearance. But once done, it is easy to clean, resistant to stains and simple to maintain. Always use approved cleaners that aren’t high in acidity. Avoid hard brushes. And wipe down regularly with warm water and a clean cloth and your granite will look spectacular for many years to come.

4. Uniqueness

Every slab of granite is unique. Because of the fact that the stone is quarried out of the ground and not produced en masse in a factory, every single stone is singular. When you opt for a granite kitchen benchtop or sink splashback, no other granite anywhere in the world will look precisely the same. 

5. Investment

Granite stone is a smart investment when it comes to your home. Not only does the luxurious appearance and popularity of granite enhance the overall value of your home today, but its longevity and durability means that your return on investment will stretch long into the future should you choose to sell your home down the track.

Cons

1. Price

Granite kitchen makeovers can be more expensive than using other materials. Both the cost of the stone itself and the installation cost needs to be considered if you intend on installing a granite benchtop, splashback, flooring or wall cladding.

2. Weight

Granite is also a heavy stone. This means that not all kitchens will be ready and suitable for a granite benchtop as is. Some cabinetry may require additional support to ensure it has the sturdiness and strength to bear the weight.

3. Porosity

Granite is highly durable but it is porous. This is why it is important to ensure your granite benchtop or flooring is properly sealed by a professional every few years. Over time, without the right care and maintenance, it can absorb liquids spilt on it and stain.

4. Cool Surface

This beautiful natural stone has a unique ability to remain cool to the touch. While this is most commonly an advantage in places with warm weather and in rooms of the home likely to see a hive of activity, such as a kitchen, it might not suit all preferences.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Granite Kitchens

Granite countertops are highly durable, aesthetically pleasing, scratch and heat resistant, and every slab is unique. This combination of advantages make it a great choice for use in the kitchen. 

To maintain granite, it is recommended that you clean them regularly using warm water and a non-abrasive cloth and detergent. Avoid using harsh chemicals and regularly reseal the granite every few years. 

Sealing frequency can vary based on a number of factors. Generally, every few years will suffice but the more regularly you seal the more it helps prevent staining.

Granite is heat-resistant, but it is always advisable to use trivets or heat pads under very hot pots and pans. Sudden temperature changes have been known to cause thermal shock, and potentially lead to cracks or damage.

Like with heat, granite is scratch-resistant. Nevertheless, we recommend using a cutting board to both protect your knives from dulling and keep your granite unexposed to any potential scratching.

Start Planning Your Granite Kitchen Makeovers with Euro Marble

At Euro Marble, we love all things granite and stone.

Whether you want to incorporate granite around your kitchen sink, are considering end-to-end wall cladding, or just want to arrange a time to come into our showroom and see our beautiful collection of granite slabs for yourself, make sure to contact our team today. 

Marble vs Wooden Dining Table Tops

Marble vs Wooden Dining Table Tops

Both marble stone and wood are popular choices of dining table top material. If you are looking to replace the surface top of your dining room table, or you are wondering what the difference between a wood and marble top for a dining table is, this guide is just for you.

Exploring Marble Table Tops

Marble stone is a popular choice of material for use in the home, including for everything from kitchen benchtops to table tops.

Being a natural stone, a marble slab used for your table is more than just a hardy choice – it brings with it an iconic and sophisticated aesthetic. Marble is formed in the ground from limestone which is exposed to high pressure and high temperature resulting in a dense and crystalline stone structure.

When the marble stone is quarried from the Earth, the single slab of stone is then crafted and refined into a seamless and elegant surface for use atop your table.

Exploring Wooden Table Tops

A dining table with a wooden top is also a popular option. There is a wide variety of commonly used wood for dining room tables including Tasmanian Oak, Jarrah, Blackwood, and Victorian Ash in Australia.

Each type of wood brings with it distinct characteristics in terms of its colour, shading, grain pattern, durability and overall impact. Plus, the versatility of wooden table tops means that you can achieve a range of aesthetic appearances and find or commission the perfect wooden slab to suit your preferences. 

Comparing Marble Vs Wooden Dining Table Tops

Should you choose marble for your dining table top? Or should you opt for a wooden table?

Let’s break down some key differences between the two. 

1. Price

When it comes to price, marble stone is generally more expensive due to the cost of quarrying, processing and transporting the slab. High quality marble might be worth the investment, but it can command a higher price tag initially. 

Wood on the other hand is often more affordable. Of course, the price will depend on the type of wood and craftsmanship requirements involved, but is more commonly preferred for the budget constrained.

2. Durability

Both marble and wood are durable materials which contribute to their respective popularity as dining table top materials. Marble, being a tough stone, is known for its durability but it is more porous than some other stone options, such as granite and quartzite, so without property maintenance and professional sealing it can stain or chip over time. 

Wood, while also durable, can be more susceptible to scratches and water damage in particular. On the other hand, with the right care, maintenance and protection it can also last for many, many years.

3. Maintenance

Both marble and wood table tops will need regular maintenance to keep them looking and functioning their best. The marble stone table top should be regularly sealed to prevent stain and damage to the stone itself. Cleaning should be done with non-acidic cleaning products and soft materials to ensure there is no scratching or straining.

Wood needs periodic polishing and, sometimes, refinishing to maintain its stellar appearance. To best take care of your wooden table top, always wipe up spills as quickly as possible as liquid exposure can cause warping.

4. Appearance

Both marble and wood are wondrous and stunning materials from an aesthetic point of view. Ultimately, it really comes down to your personal preference and interior design choice. 

Marble brings a sense of luxury and unique visual patterns across a range of colours to help achieve an elegant design aesthetic. Wood, by comparison, is great for providing a sense of warmth and a natural feel to your home.

5. Customisability

Both marble and wood table tops can be customised quite easily. From the shape to the size of your dining room table, marble and wood can be tailored to a wide range of aesthetics. 

6. Weight

If weight is a concern of yours it is important to note that marble is significantly heavier. On the one hand, this higher density makes moving a table with a dining table top more challenging. On the other hand it also adds to the durability and long-term value of the furniture. Wood, being generally lighter than stone, is easier to relocate if needed.

7. Complementarity

Your dining room’s table top should complement the rest of your chosen aesthetic and decor. Marble stone is best suited for formal dining options or minimalist aesthetics.

Wood, while suitable for formal settings, is often preferred for casual dining room aesthetics and especially interior design styles such as rustic.

8. Heat Resistance

Your dining room table top is likely going to be exposed to some hot dishes. Marble is naturally heat resistant and with the right sealing and protection can withstand direct contact with dishes of a higher temperature.

By comparison, wood is not very heat resistant and placing hot items directly on to it can cause burns, heat stains and warping. 

9. Environmental Impact

Marble stone does require some amount of energy during the extraction and transportation process. However, this hardy and natural material means that it can last for many years and offer a sustainable table top solution.

Wooden table tops vary in their environmental impact. Different sourcing practices will determine the level of eco-friendliness so it is important to consider how, where and from whom your wooden top is being sourced from.

The Perfect Marble Top for Your Dining Table is at Euro Marble

It is important to consider your personal preferences, budget, needs and home design when choosing between wood and marble dining table tops.

Ultimately, both materials bring unique benefits, aesthetics and value to your home and with high levels of customisability, you can find the perfect dining table to bring a smile to every meal! 

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Quartz Vs Quartzite

Quartz Vs Quartzite

Did you know that quartz and quartzite are not the same thing? While, when it comes to considering different stone materials, these two options are often compared to one another, they are distinct in many ways.

From origin and properties to aesthetic appeal and durability, there are many layers to the quartz vs quartzite analysis, and we are here to break it all down for you.

What is Quartzite vs Quartz?

Origin and Development

Quartzite is a naturally occurring metamorphic rock. It is formed from sandstone when it is subjected to high heat and intense pressure. These forces kick start a process that crystallises the quartz grains within the sandstone. The result is a dense and durable natural stone that offers both practical and aesthetic utility.

Quartz, on the other hand, is not a naturally occurring rock. It is a man-made material and is often referred to by the more descriptive name of engineered stone. In most cases, quartz is created by combining crushed quartz crystals with various resins, polymers and pigments. Normally about 90-95% of quartz is natural quartzite but this can vary. 

Use in Construction and Interior Design

Both quartzite and quartz are used widely in construction and interior design. Quartzite is widely used for countertops, wall cladding, and outdoor design thanks to its unique natural aesthetic patterns and colour, as well as its hardiness to scratches and heat resistance. 

Quartz or engineered stone is widely used in kitchen countertops, bathroom vanities and interior flooring. This non-porous material makes it easy to maintain and resistant to maintenance. Plus, being man-made it can be manufactured in a variety of standard colours and patterns.

Comparing Quartz vs Quartzite

1. Natural vs Artificial

The main difference between these two stone varieties is that quartzite is a natural stone and is quarried from the ground for use in construction and design. On the other hand, quartz is not a naturally occurring material and is made in a factory.

2. Practical Functionality

The truth is that both quartzite and quartz are hardy and durable materials – hence their popularity in construction and home design. However, there are some slight differences. Quartzite is a naturally occurring rock and therefore, thanks to the intensity of its formation process, is extremely durable. By comparison, quartz is highly durable but ever so slightly less so. 

When it comes to porosity, which can make a material more or less resistant to staining when exposed to liquid, quartzite is slightly more porous whereas engineered stone is non-porous. It is recommended that any natural stone surface is regularly resealed to best protect it from staining and other damage.

3. Heat Resistance

If you are considering quartzite vs quartz countertops or just about any kitchen-based application, heat resistance is an important consideration. For best practice, we always recommend using a trivet or mat and not placing hot dishes and pots directly onto any stone benchtop. Nevertheless, for the highest level of heat resistance, quartzite is the best option. While quartz is still moderately resistant to heat, it is less resistant when compared to its natural counterpart.

4. Customisation

Both quartz and quartzite can be highly customised. But in different ways. Quartz is produced in a factory so it can be customised to achieve just about any colour, pattern and style. But availability is subject to the production line and every slab or quartz in that run will be identical. Quartzite is a natural stone and is therefore limited to the natural variations of the rock in its respective quarry. What this does mean, though, is that every single slab is unique in its own right.

5. Price

Quartz is most commonly the cheaper option. This human-produced stone does not need to be quarried from the ground and transported around the world. So while quartz offers a more budget-friendly option for those constrained when it comes to price, quartzite is a premium choice that should be considered as more of a long-term investment that will last, in terms of aesthetic and functionality, long into the future. 

Understanding Engineered Stone Use in Australia

In Australia, both quartz and quartzite are quite popular options for use in construction and interior design. 

Quartz is favoured for its versatility, uniformity in production, lower price and ease of maintenance. In the past, this has made it a common choice for use in modern kitchens and bathrooms especially. Quartzite is appreciated for its natural beauty and strength. Being a premium natural stone material, it is often preferred in high-end designs.

However, recent regulatory developments in Australia have impacted the production, use and availability of engineered stone/quartz. 

As of 1 July 2024, the government has prohibited the ongoing use of engineered stone entirely. Why? When engineered stone is cut, it releases a fine silica dust that – when inhaled – can and has caused lung disease (or silicosis). Recent reports have indicated that workers have been developing diseases at an alarming rate and over time the calls of unions and health advocates has resulted in stricter regulations. Recently, an ultimate ban on the manufacture, supply, processing, and installation of engineered stone products was put in place.

Find the Perfect Stone at Euro Marble

Ultimately, while both quartz and quartzite serve valuable and unique roles in construction and interior design, their origins, properties, and implications for health differ significantly. 

Of course, the recent ban on engineered stone in Australia due to silicosis risks, makes natural stones like quartzite the more accessible, safer and better option for future projects.

Learn more about Quartz and Quartzite

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Using Marble in Contemporary Design and Architecture

Contemporary interior design and modern architecture offers a surprisingly blank canvas on which highly personalised and aesthetically wonderful creations can be made.

Creating a space that reflects modern design trends, state-of-the-art technology and current cultural values isn’t as hard as you might think and marble design work can be the key to just that.

In this article, we’ll dive into the role of marble in contemporary design and architecture, outline why you should consider using this unique natural stone and provide some tips for incorporating it in modern projects.

Understanding Contemporary Design and Architecture

The general period covered by the term ‘contemporary design and architecture’ stretches from the late 20th century to the present day. Contemporary design and modern architecture go hand in hand but are distinct in their own rights. 

Classical architecture tends to be governed by a set of aesthetic and structural principles, while modern architecture has become more fluid in application and more varied in style.

Classical design similarly tends to be more distinct and consistent in style, while contemporary design moves the focus more to originality, personal expression and preference, and even eclectic combinations.

Some of the more recognised elements of modern day design and architecture are:

  • Asymmetry – unconventional shapes, non-linear forms, and unique layouts are all features differentiating modern design/architecture from traditional and symmetrical design of the past.
  • Materials – modern styles open the door to using more diverse materials and creating striking contrasts with those materials (in both aesthetics and textures).
  • Sustainability – current trends tend to focus on more environmentally friendly, energy efficient and more sustainable practices.
  • Nature – Open spaces, large windows and other design elements typical of modern design and architecture are focused on blurring the distinction between indoor and outdoor environments to promote greater integration.

 

Incorporating Marble Design

Marble stone is a metamorphic rock. This means it is formed under intense heat and pressure from its original state as limestone into the iconic and beautiful stone we recognise instantly today.

Due to its unique aesthetic beauty and functional durability, marble has been used in architecture, construction, design and art for centuries. Ancient palaces throughout history and modern homes across the globe use marble in varied and wonderful ways.

Today, contemporary interior design trends and modern architecture practices make great use of marble still and with its various colours and patterns, and structural and decorative applications, it’s not hard to see why this versatile natural stone has remained popular.

The Benefits of Using Marble

1. Visual Appeal

Marble is stunning in every sense of the word. Its luxurious shading and visually arresting veining adds elegance and sophistication to every application.

2. Durability

Like all stones, marble is strong, durable, hardy and long-lasting. This makes it particularly functional and practical for use in both indoor design and outdoor architecture, and vice versa.

3. Heat Resistant

Marble is also unique in its thermal properties: It remains cool to the touch, even in hot climates, which makes it perfect for use in Australia in particular.

4. Timeless Style

While contemporary interior design trends are likely to change over time, the classical beauty of marble is timeless and won’t lose its luster or appeal over the years.

5. Versatility

Marble design is incorporated in many applications. From flooring to wall cladding, and from kitchen benchtops to fireplaces, there is almost no space in the home in which marble can’t be enjoyed.

6. Sustainability

Responsibly sourced marble in conjunction with energy-efficient shipping methods can ensure a smaller environmental footprint than many other architecture and design materials.

7. Easy Maintenance

Regular, simple cleaning with warm, soapy water is more than sufficient in keeping marble looking pristine. Coupled with professional resealing every few years, your marble stone will continue to exude natural beauty for many years to come.

8. Home Value

Marble is a beloved stone and incorporating it into your property will add to its potential resale value as buyers are always looking for luxury aesthetics and high quality materials.

9. Complementarity

Marble offers seamless fusion with other materials commonly used in modern contemporary interior design and architecture. So, whether you’re coupling it with wood, glass or metal, marble will help to enhance your modern and eclectic style.

How to Incorpore Marble in Contemporary Design and Architecture

1. Use marble design as a statement feature

Marble is more than a practical construction material: It’s a work of art in its own right! That gives you the opportunity to use marble as a statement piece in and of itself. This visual design anchor can add a sense of luxury and aesthetic appeal to any space of the home.

2. Create visual depth and variety

As mentioned above, marble can be combined with a variety of other materials. In contemporary interior design, where mixing and contrasting different elements is popular, this gives you plenty of opportunity to achieve complementary and beautiful visual depth.

3. Keep your interior design minimalistic

Minimalist trends remain an enduring component of contemporary interior design. Fortunately, marble complements exactly this style. Thanks to its natural beauty and subtle but striking veining, large slabs of marble can be used for flooring, walls, or benchtops balancing a sense of minimalism with retained visual sophistication. 

4. Artistic elements, furniture and accessories

Marble doesn’t have to be used in great quantities to make a great impression. There are many decorative elements (such as feature walls), furniture opportunities (such as coffee tables), and accessories (such as sculptures) in which marble can be utilised to add an element of personalisation and creativity.

5. Enhance the aesthetic design of your outdoor spaces

Marble is not just a great addition inside the home, and contemporary design and architecture includes your outdoor space as well. Marble stone can be used in patios, for garden paths or around pool areas to help elevate and enhance the overall look whilst still being functional and practical as well.

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Thoughtful incorporation and consideration of this timeless stone has helped designers, architects and homeowners achieve some fantastic creations. If you’re interested in discussing more marble design ideas or want to find the perfect type of marble for your contemporary interior design project, make sure to contact our team here at Euro Marble.

Our Guide to Backlighting Stone

Are you considering using backlighting and stone in your home or commercial property?

It’s a fantastic idea! Backlit stone looks amazing and can work wonders in all sorts of spaces. But this unique stylistic choice does need correspondingly unique considerations to ensure it looks and functions as well as it ought to.

Here is our guide to how to go about using natural stone for your backlighting feature.

What is Backlighting?

Backlighting is a stylistic design technique that involves the placing of a light source behind a material that is either semi- or fully translucent. The effect is one of illumination as the light passes through the material without the harshness of direct brightness.

There are many ways to create stunning visual effects using backlighting. With backlit stone, for example, you can bring out the inherent beauty of the stone itself and highlight particular aspects of its composition.

Backlighting is a popular feature of interior design nowadays as it can be a simple and yet refined way of adding a bit of flair and opulence to an otherwise bland lighting arrangement.

What are the Best Options for Backlit Stone?

Natural stone is a fantastic option for both internal and external design, but not all stones are great for backlighting. Translucency is the key here. Without an element of translucency, the light source will not shine through and the entire effect of backlighting will be lost. So what are the best options of stone for backlighting?

Onyx Stone

Backlit onyx looks spectacular! Onyx stone is known and beloved for its translucent properties. This is why it is in fact the most popular stone for use in backlighting.

Its ability to diffuse light creates a bold and dramatic effect, softening the light itself, whilst bringing to life the stunning patterns of the stone.

You can use onyx throughout the house: It’s beautiful as is for incorporation on a feature wall or it can blend seamlessly into your home as a kitchen countertop.

Quartzite Stone

Quartzite is a popular stone for many reasons. Its high level of durability and hardiness makes it a functional and practical option for use in construction and design. Yet it’s not just about the brawn – quartzite is beautiful as well.

Different types of quartzite offer varying degrees of translucency so you will need to consider the specific type and slab when choosing this wonderful stone. Nevertheless, translucent varieties of quartzite can absolutely work visual wonders with backlighting behind it.

Marble Stone

We couldn’t possibly leave marble off the list here, could we? Like quartzite, this iconic natural stone comes in a wide variety of types. Make sure you consider the variety in front of you to ensure you achieve the optimal effect with your backlit marble.

However, with the right translucency, few things measure up to the aesthetic appeal of lit marble stone. The translucent crystal patterns and subtle shading that is so beloved of marble only becomes more stunning when set in front of the backdrop of carefully designed lighting.

Granite Stone

Granite is not as commonly used as a backlit stone as the options above. Yet, with the right type, it can really serve a powerful visual statement.

Granite is known for its granular make-up and unique aesthetic, so with the right degree of translucency, this intricate material can become absolutely glorious when enhanced with backlighting.

How to Choose the Right Stone for Backlighting

When choosing a stone for backlighting, there are several key factors to consider.

 

1. Translucency

It is likely obvious by this point, but worth including here for comprehensiveness’ sake. Translucency is the most important factor when considering backlit stone. Only translucent stone tiles will allow the light to pass through to create the desired effect to begin with.

To this end, while onyx is considered the most translucent stone, you can make sure that any variety of stone slab under consideration has the right level of translucency to achieve the look you are after.

 

2. Veining and Patterns

This one is all about personal preference. Natural stone comes in all shades, with a wide range of patterns and numerous different veining aesthetics. The play of backlighting and the effect of the subsequent shadows is part of what makes this design choice so alluring.

So consider what sort of pattern you want to create? What sort of mood are you trying to achieve? What sort of colours will make your room sing? Once you know what you’re after, you can begin finding the right beautiful stone to enhance with perfectly arranged backlighting. 

 

3. Thickness

Like translucency, the thickness of a stone slab or tile can affect the ability of light to pass through. Thinner stone panels allow for better diffusion of light.

There are some modern design techniques that use super thin stone panels, reinforced with other materials, to enhance translucency even more. But this comes down to personal preference and the aesthetic you’re trying to achieve.

Best Locations for Backlit Stone

Backlit stone can be used throughout the home to create ambiance, infuse style and make a strong aesthetic statement. 

In the Kitchen

Backlit countertops or backsplashes are becoming more and more popular as they can serve as eye-catching features while also providing functional lighting.

In the Bathroom

Brightly lit up stone can enhance the aesthetic of bathroom vanities or shower walls, helping to create a spa-like atmosphere.

In the Living Room

Backlit stone makes for a create and simplistic feature wall to either work as a focal visual point in the room, add some needed depth or simply bring in some colour.

In the Hallway

Backlit stone panels can create both a welcoming ambiance and functional path guide to turn your hallway into an inviting, warm space.

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Whether you’re considering a backlit marble feature wall or onyx countertop, Euro Marble is the premier supplier of natural stone throughout Sydney.

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The Ultimate Guide to Super White Dolomite

Super White Kitchen Island

What is super white dolomite, how does it differ from marble stone and what benefits can this material bring to your home?

In this ultimate guide to all things super white dolomite, we’ll introduce you to this fantastic natural stone so that you can incorporate it in your next home build or renovation project.

Super White Dolomite: what is it?

Dolomite is a sedimentary rock primarily found in sedimentary basins. Sometimes referred to as dolostone or dolomite rock, dolomite is formed in a similar process to limestone. For that reason, it shares many of the same characteristics and properties.

Super white dolomite, specifically, is a variety of dolomite that is known for its striking white colour and accompanying subtle yet stunning grey veining. Considered a luxury stone, super white dolomite has been used in internal and external construction and design for many years. In recent times, this fantastic natural stone has become even more popular thanks to its combination of aesthetic appeal and functional utility.

Where does super white dolomite come from?

Super white dolomite is sourced from quarries in the Bahia region of Brazil. As with all natural stone, it is extracted from the ground by being cut out as large blocks of stone. These blocks are then polished and cut into slabs for use in various applications.

Each slab of dolomite is inspected to ensure that it is of a high enough quality–aesthetically and structurally–to meet international standards, before they are processed and shipped around the world.

What is the difference between Dolomite and Marble?

Super white dolomite and marble are often compared against one another. This is understandable, of course, seeing as both stones come in the iconic stone aesthetic of white with grey veining.

However, there are compositional and property-related differences that are important to consider. For one, dolomite–like limestone–is denser than marble. This means that it is less porous and can often be more suitable for areas of the home exposed to liquid and moisture. (Think a super white dolomite kitchen or super white dolomite bathroom…)

Super white dolomite is also more durable and hardy, which means that it is generally more resistant to scratches, chips, stains and cracks. For that reason, many people opt for dolomite over marble for applications that are exposed to high levels of foot traffic and home activity as well.

Using Super White Dolomite

Being the versatile and functional natural stone that it is, super white dolomite can be used throughout one’s home.

1. Kitchen Countertops

Your kitchen countertop or benchtop is a fantastic opportunity to incorporate a beautiful and functional stone slab. Super white dolomite is not just stunning but highly durable and therefore quite popular for use in kitchens.

2. Bathroom vanities and flooring

Like kitchens, bathrooms require significantly durable material to ensure they can stand up to the high levels of moisture and humidity typical of the space. Super white dolomite brings with it not just the light, bright and luxurious aesthetic quality often associated with marble but a high level of practical durability as well. 

3. Wall cladding

Super white dolomite is a great option for use in wall cladding. Whether you decide to use it across a full wall’s worth of space or only have the inclination (and budget) for a dolomite feature wall, this natural stone will look amazing in just about any application. 

4. Fireplace

Your fireplace offers a unique opportunity to infuse a bit of glamour and beauty in an otherwise rather practical space. To this end super white dolomite brings an opulent quality that is most commonly associated with marble but with stronger heat resistance and durability.

Superwhite Splashback

Benefits of Choosing Super White Dolomite

1. Aesthetic Beauty

For one thing, super white dolomite is beautiful. Its aesthetic means that you can achieve a similar visual effect to marble but without the associated maintenance requirements and price tag.

2. High Durability

As mentioned above, super white dolomite is highly durable and hard wearing. This makes super white dolomite bathrooms and kitchens very functional, as its high density provides significant resistance to everyday wear and tear.

3. Heat Resistance

It’s not just about scratches and chips though. Dolomite is also high in heat resistance, so that exposure to higher temperatures–especially in the bathroom or kitchen-won’t compromise the material functionally or aesthetically when properly maintained. 

4. Easy to Maintain

Super white dolomite, like marble, does require resealing every few years to keep it clean, pristine and as good as new. However, between reseals, maintenance is easy. Simply use a soft sponge and warm water to regularly wipe down your stone benchtop or vanity.

Here is a similar guide to keep your dolomite looking and functioning as well as possible.

  1. Always clean up any spills as soon as possible (by blotting and not wiping) to prevent staining.
  2. Do not cut directly on to the stone itself to prevent scratches.
  3. Do not put hot pots and pans directly onto the stone itself.
  4. Keep the stone regularly and professionally sealed to maintain its protective barrier.
  5. Always clean with warm water and a soft sponge. Hard, abrasive sponges and chemical cleaners can damage the stone. 

 

5. Affordability

Compared to marble, super white dolomite’s price is more affordable. This has added to its surge in popularity in recent years as homeowners and interior designers can achieve similar visual effects as marble but without the associated higher price tag.

6. Timeless Style

Whenever you’re designing or renovating a home, the cyclical nature of styles and fashions can cause some aesthetics to look dated over time. Super white dolomite is understated in its aesthetic quality and timeless in its appeal, which means your investment will avoid trends that can quickly become outdated.

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Choosing Natural Stone For Your Fireplace

A cozy living room with a stone fireplace, ornate mantel, and a lit fire, flanked by two armchairs. Decorative items and a framed painting adorn the mantel.

A stone fireplace is a beautiful and functional choice for your home.

However, if you are trying to choose between the different types of natural stone for your particular fireplace, it can be tricky to make a decision.

There are a lot of important considerations. Of course you want it to look beautiful, but you also need a stone material that is suitably heat resistant, durable and requires little ongoing maintenance. Natural stone ticks all of these boxes – so how do you choose the right type of stone for you?

That is exactly what we are going to break down for you today.

What You Need to Consider for Your Fireplace

There are a few material characteristics that should be at the focus of your deliberation when it comes to stone fireplaces.

Heat Resistance

Is the stone able to withstand exposure to the high temperatures of a fireplace without cracking or deteriorating?

Durability

Is the stone strong enough to resist basic wear and tear, especially if your fireplace is going to be subject to heavy use?

Maintenance

Does the stone offer easy maintenance with minimal upkeep and is it easy to keep clean?

Benefits of Using Natural Stone for Fireplaces

Using stone cladding around your fireplace certainly ticks all of these boxes. 

For starters, natural stone–having formed under intense pressure and heat in the Earth’s surface–is not only durable in the face of heat exposure but is able to absorb and store that heat. Stone slowly releases the absorbed heat which helps to maintain and sustain the warmth of the room.

Natural stone is also hardy and resistant to wear and tear, making it a sound investment. It is easy to clean, requiring nothing more than regular wiping with a clean, soft cloth and warm water.

And, importantly, natural stone is a highly valuable and popular material. With each stone slab being unique and one-of-a-kind, you will be adding character to your fireplace. In fact, using fire stone cladding can increase the resale value of your home quite significantly. 

A Guide for Choosing Your Fireplace Stone Type

1. Budget

Let’s start off with this important piece of the puzzle. You might be surprised to know that different natural stone varieties come in at various price points. So, make sure you have an understanding of your budget before starting to weigh up different options.

2. Style

Your stone fireplace should complement your overall style. Whether your interior design aesthetic is rustic, modern or traditional, natural stone can suit it all. But it is important that you don’t start mixing and matching different styles or your fireplace will look out of place.

Ask yourself the following two questions if you’re stuck trying to choose the right style for your fireplace?

What colour, pattern and finish do you love?

Start off with the superficial. Just look at the colours and finishes of the rest of your home and think about the style that will complement or intentionally contrast in an aesthetically pleasing way.

Do you want the fireplace to blend in or stand out?

Now you need to decide what purpose you want your fireplace to fulfill. It can either become the focal feature point of the room or it can blend in with the rest of your room’s design.

3. Maintenance Appetite

As mentioned above, stone is relatively easy to maintain. But that doesn’t mean all varieties of stone are alike. Marble, for example, despite its beauty is more porous than other stones, so it will require more regular resealing to keep it looking and functioning as good as new.

4. Context

Context matters. Is your fireplace outside? Is it inside? Understanding the climate extremes and the likelihood of exposure to the elements will greatly impact what sort of stone is best suited for your particular home application.

Stone Fireplace Ideas

Granite

Granite stone is popular for a host of reasons. Apart from its singular and iconic granular aesthetic, it is highly practical too. Granite is durable, heat resistant and requires low maintenance. 

Limestone

If you love the warmer and earthier look, limestone is a great option. Like granite, it is heat-resistant and only requires basic upkeep to keep looking great. But it has a unique aesthetic and natural-looking quality. 

Marble

We just love marble! It looks luxurious. It is striking visually. And with a wide range of veining, colours and shades available, you can find the perfect stone to enhance your interior design. However, marble stone does require some more frequent sealing but for a stone this stunning it is well worth the investment. 

Quartzite

Quartzite is known for its durability and hardiness. This heat-proof and stain-resistant natural stone is popular for many applications around the home, including fireplaces. Plus, quartzite slabs offer a sleek and modern look that will perfectly suit minimalist interior design styles.

Travertine

Travertine brings a refreshing and rustic charm to any space. Its unique aesthetic and texture makes it a wonderful addition to the home. However, like marble, it does require careful sealing and regular resealing due to its slightly more porous nature. 

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Carrara Marble vs. Calacatta Marble

A modern living room featuring a fireplace with bold veined marble, a low round marble coffee table, and minimalist decor, including framed art and a table lamp.

Few construction and interior design materials stand up to the beauty and elegance offered by marble. 

In particular, two of the most distinct varieties of this special natural stone are Carrara Marble and Calacatta Marble. Being two of the most sought-after types of stone and seeing as they are similarly named, it is not surprising that they are confused with one another.

We’ve put together this handy guide to help clarify the differences and distinctiveness between Carrara and Calacatta Marble. From aesthetics and source of origin to durability and functionality, by the end of this article, you’ll be able to make an informed decision as to which of these fantastic options best suits your needs.

The Source of Marble

Interestingly, but confusingly, both Carrara and Calacatta Marble are found in the Carrara region of Tuscany, Italy. This area has been used as a quarry for literally centuries–at least since the days of ancient Rome.

Nevertheless, there are individual quarries within this geographical location and each one offers unique marble with distinct characteristics. Carrara Marble is the more commonly found and available of the two. This makes it more affordable generally than its sister marble.

Calacatta Marble is rarer, even in the region, and this exclusivity coupled with global demand adds to both its cost but also its appeal.

The Visual Aesthetic

Perhaps the most distinguishing feature between Carrara and Calacatta Marble is aesthetic appearance. If you look closely at the two slabs side by side, you will notice differences to both their colours and veining patterns.

Carrara Marble

Carrara Marble features softer and more subtle veining patterns. Its general shade is more off-white and sometimes even a light grey with gentle undertones and striations of blue-grey colouring. The veins themselves are slightly darker than the background colouring, almost a light or water grey that seems to dissipate naturally into the rest of the stone.

Calacatta Marble

Calacatta Marble is bolder. Its veining is far more dramatic and is often thick and easily aesthetically defined. The stone itself is brighter than even white Carrara Marble which only serves to contrast more with the darker grey veining. Sometimes, the veining can even be brown or gold, depending on the variety.

Durability and Maintenance

Both Carrara Marble and Calacatta Marble have similar levels of durability and maintenance. Comparatively, marble is a porous material by natural stone standards. This means that it requires regular sealing to prevent staining, scratching and etching. Acidic substances in particular can damage the surface of the stone, so swift cleaning of spills is critical for best maintenance.

However, marble is still hardy and durable as a material. With proper care and some simple, consistent maintenance, you can ensure both the longevity and aesthetic quality of your marble.

Overall, Calacatta Marble is often less porous than Carrara Marble and will require resealing slightly less frequently. Similarly, its denser composition also makes it slightly more resistant to scratches, etching and damage.

How to Take Care of Your Marble

To begin with, as mentioned above, sealing your marble stone is important for ensuring it is protected from liquids and staining. A simple test you can run is to drop a small amount of water onto the stone surface. If the droplets do not bead up, we recommend you consider resealing.

When you do spill something, always make sure you clean it up as quickly as possible. Blot instead of wipe to ensure you don’t actually cause the liquid to spread more.

General cleaning can be done with gentle, soft cloths and using pH-neutral cleaners that are not acidic and designed specifically for marble.

Last but not least, always use mats or other protective items when placing hot dishes, pans and pots so that the intense heat from the utensil does not damage the marble itself.

Functionality and Application

Both Carrara and Calacatta Marble can and are used in a wide range of home design and construction applications. These include everything from kitchen benchtops and flooring to vanities and wall cladding.

But there are subtle differences in best practice application.

Where Carrara Marble Works Best

Carrara Marble is often used for areas of the house that don’t see such heavy traffic. This is not just a reflection of the material itself but its softer veining and more subtle aesthetic quality makes it much easier to blend seamlessly into the rest of the home design scheme. In other words, you can use Carrara Marble over large expanses of surfaces, such as walls and floors, without risking overpowering that space.

Where Calacatta Marble Works Best

On the other hand, Calacatta Marble is more often preferred for areas where you want more dramatic flair. Thanks to its bold veining patterns and more glamorous and luxurious appearance, it is more suitable for feature areas. While you certainly can use Calacatta Marble in large quantities, it also makes for excellent use in smaller, focused amounts such as a fireplace or countertop.

How to Use Your Chosen Marble

At the end of the day, you can’t really go wrong with marble. It looks fantastic. It works great. It’s classic and classy, beautiful and functional.

But if you press us for an opinion, we recommend Carrara Marble for homeowners wanting a more natural-looking and softer aesthetic. Plus, it is often more affordable so it can be more practical for many people.

If bold and stunning is the look you are after, we recommend Calacatta Marble. This sophisticated natural stone can glamour-up any space in which it is used and will catch the eye of family, friends, guests and visitors alike.

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