A backyard is almost never just a backyard. Whether you have a pool or a simple entertaining area, you’ll want to incorporate a timeless home design that won’t look good today but become outdated tomorrow. Introducing: natural stone.

Natural Stone

Natural stone refers to a number of different materials and minerals that are found naturally in the Earth and have been used for building and construction for thousands of years.

You’ve probably come across marble floors and granite kitchen benchtops, but have you considered surrounding your pool and entertaining area with this stunning material?

Timeless Style 

You can forget about the blue-tiled rectangular pools and poorly constructed entertaining verandas of houses gone-by. If you want to infuse sophisticated style into your backyard, natural stone is the way to go. Using natural stone around your pool is a surefire way of ensuring your home design won’t date in the future, even as the fashion changes.

Here are just some of the many reasons why natural stone is truly a timeless style choice.

The Versatility of Natural Stone

Choosing natural stone as a material for your outside area offers numerous opportunities to customise according to your preferred style. Each and every natural stone, while sharing certain characteristics like durability, hardiness and beauty, shines in a subtly different way.

Travertine, for example, comes in various rustic shades making it a solid choice for that country, simplistic look. On the other hand, if you want an area that shouts luxury and opulence from every slab, the classic aesthetic of marble simply can’t be beaten. If it’s that rugged elegant look you’re after, go for granite, and if a warm, natural glow is up your alley, opt for limestone. Natural stone simply offers an unmatched, timeless versatility in style to suit all preferences .

Blending Into Nature

This may seem like a no-brainer, but the best material to choose if you’re trying to emulate the richness of nature in your pool and entertaining area is a natural material: like natural stone! Using natural stone quarried directly from the ground itself will help create a true oasis for your home. In fact, more and more modern pools are incorporating majestic waterfalls, spillways, or fountains. What better or more classic surrounding material could there be than natural stone?

Complementing Your Landscaping 

If you want a timeless style for your pool and entertaining area, chances are you’re also taking your landscaping pretty seriously. Natural stone can be used to match a variety of retaining walls, raised garden beds, rock gardens and hardscaping. Keeping a consistent design will ensure your outdoor area’s style flows well.

Even if you want to include a stone feature wall by your pool or a stone firepit by your barbecue, incorporating natural stone will not only complement but enhance the area. Natural stone is simply the only choice if you want a flexible outdoor home design.

Natural Stone Will Last 

It’s not just the style of the natural stone surrounding your pool that will last, the stones themselves will too! Natural stone is known for its durability and hardiness. Pool surroundings and entertaining areas are prone to high volumes of foot traffic, not to mention pool chairs, outdoor tables and mobile barbeques. 

From scratches to large amounts of pressure, your natural stone will stand up to the wear and tear, not to mention its stain resistance too! If, in the event it does chip or crack, repairs can be done easily and with no fuss. Your natural stone outdoor area is designed to last in more ways than one!

Don’t Slip Yourself Up 

You’re looking for a material to surround your pool, aren’t you? Then the less slipper the better, right?

Natural stone offers a natural anti-slip quality to it that beats many other commonly used materials. Of course, granite, travertine and limestone are all known for the strong traction support they offer, but even the glossy and iconically smooth-looking marble is a surprisingly non-slip surface. (Though due to its porousness, marble and some other natural stones will require proper sealing to be truly waterproof.)

Additionally, natural stone won’t heat up too much under the hot summer sun, pack up under a freezing winter, or throw up too much glare on a bright sunny day. Properly maintained, there’s no season, no party and no lifestyle that natural stone can’t copy with!

A Timeless Beauty

At the end of the day, if you want a timeless home design the superficial visuals matter. Luckily, natural stone doesn’t just walk the walk it talks the talk too! Popular for its magnificent beauty and aesthetic appeal, the true design value in natural stone comes from the slight variation each and every slab, tile and piece offers. Instead of a boring and monotone uniformity, natural stone offers an inherent visual depth that will retain its appeal for many many years to come. Natural stone hasn’t gone out of style for thousands of years and it won’t for a few thousand more. 

Euro Marble – the natural (stone) choice

Modern, classical, or something in between, make sure to speak to the team at Euro Marble about finding the perfect and practical natural stone to surround your pool and bring your entertaining area to life.

For more handy articles about everything natural stone, check out our blog.

An Introduction to Dolomite

Dolomite, also called ‘dolostone’ or ‘dolomite rock’ to distinguish it from the mineral, is a sedimentary rock. Found primarily in sedimentary basins it forms in much the same way as limestone and shares much of the same properties such as hardiness. It is also used in many of the same applications, for example construction where it is employed to neutralise acids. In fact, the process of dolomitisation can even occur to previously formed limestone, changing it into a dolomitic limestone.

What is Super White Dolomite?

Super White Dolomite is a type of Dolomite boasting an exquisite white colouring infused with wisps of grey veining. This luxury-looking stone exudes the same stunning milky shades of marble, which is one of the many reasons why Dolomite is fast becoming an equally stylish and practical alternative to it.

In recent years, Super White Dolomite has enjoyed a surge in popularity among builders, renovators and interior designers because it offers that perfect match of gorgeous aesthetic with practical functionality.

Image Source 

Dolomite vs Marble

While similar in appearance, though of course this will vary from slab to slab, Dolomite is a far denser natural stone than marble. Not only does this mean it’s less porous, making it better for areas of the home that are exposed to significant amounts of liquid like bathrooms and kitchens, but it also means that it’s tougher as well. Super White Dolomite is extremely hardy and resistant to scratches, chips, stains and cracks.

Uses of Dolomite

Thanks to its versatility and durability, Dolomite is used for many applications. Super White Dolomite is most commonly used residentially for kitchen benchtops and splashbacks, or bathroom vanities, flooring and bathtubs. Low porosity, high resistance to water damage and extreme hardiness makes this more than just a fashionable choice but a functional one as well.

Other commercial uses of dolomite include:

• Construction – where it’s crushed and used as an aggregate in various projects, and used to produce ceramics and glass.
• Chemical Industry – where it’s calcined to produce lime, used for magnesia and utilised to neutralise acids.
• Steel Industry – where it’s used as a sintering agent in steel production.
• Agriculture – where it’s used as a feed additive and soil conditioner.

Image Source 

Where does Super White Dolomite come from?

Quarried in the south of Bahia, Brazil, Super White Dolomite is processed from the blocks in which they are cut and polished into slab shapes. These slabs are then inspected to ensure quality, structural integrity and visual appeal before being trucked and shipped to us, here in Sydney, Australia.

The Benefits of Dolomite

There are a number of reasons why this sophisticated and timeless stone is commonly used for internal and external home construction.

Variety of Patterns

While Super White Dolomite is becoming increasingly popular due to its visual beauty and seductive allure as a marble-like stone, that doesn’t mean there isn’t opportunity to customise your selection of slab. Like other natural stones, no two slabs of Dolomite are exactly the same. The intensity of the grey veining, the exact shade and hue of white and silver, and the undulating patterns all vary from piece to piece.

Durability

There are a lot of uses for Super White Dolomite (as we expanded on earlier) but one of the common uses is for a kitchen benchtop. Why? Because in addition to standing out as a visual feature of note, Dolomite is a highly durable and long lasting stone material. Your kitchen is bound to see a lot of action and movement, so choosing a scratch-resistant and non-porous natural stone like Super White Dolomite is a great option.

Image Source 

Heat & Pressure Resistant 

If you’re thinking of installing Super White Dolomite in a kitchen or bathroom, you won’t just want a non-porous material – you’ll want something that can take the heat! Dolomite is very resistant to both heat and pressure, and even acidic etching, so using it as a splashback or benchtop is a no brainer.

Maintenance 

Keeping your Super White Dolomite super and white is the key to enjoying the rich elegance this stone has to offer. Luckily, Dolomite is easy to clean if done regularly and will retain its appeal for many, many years if properly sealed and then resealed every couple of years.

Cost

Marble is one beautiful stone and we love using it, but for many customers a relatively more affordable option is the better choice. Super White Dolomite offers a more inexpensive choice without compromising on style or aesthetic flair. 

Style

We like to tell our customers that Super White Dolomite simply oozes “sensational charisma”. The rich silvery grey veins and the understated but luxurious white shading will inject a real sense of elegance into your kitchen or bathroom. Additionally, unlike some other more colourful natural stones, the timeless beauty of Dolomite means you’ll enjoy a style that won’t feel outdated in a decade.

Image Source 

How to maintain Super White Dolomite

While Dolomite is a super tough natural stone, it does require a little bit of maintenance to ensure it not only lasts a lifetime, but does so looking as sparkling and cleanly as you’d like. Luckily, it’s easy to maintain with just a little bit of proactive care. 

1. Clean up spills as soon as they occur.
2. Avoid using knives or other cutting instruments directly on the stone.
3. Seal your Super White Dolomite.
4. Clean using warm water and a soft sponge.
5. Avoid using abrasive cleaners or harsh chemicals.

Let’s Find You Some Super White Dolomite

This increasingly popular stone will enhance your kitchen and elevate your bathroom. If you’d like to find out more about Super White Dolomite, visit our webpage, or give our expert team a call on  (02) 8585 2999.

White granite is a fantastic addition for any home. While this granular-patterned, naturally-occurring stone comes in many colours, there’s something about the white granite that simply takes our breath away.

White anything, however, is always going to be more prone to visible staining than any other colour. White granite is no different, but that doesn’t mean keeping it clean and beautiful has to keep you up at night. Here are 10 ways to keep your white granite clean and in showroom condition for the lifetime of your kitchen.

1. ALWAYS Clean Up After Yourself… As Soon as Possible

Granite is a popular stone for use in kitchens, as table tops, benchtops and splashbacks, and in bathrooms as vanities. These highly frequented areas are subject to the risk of spillage. A kitchen benchtop in particular could see everything from coffee to wine to tomato sauce spilled across its lovely white granite surface. Make sure to be proactive and wipe up spills immediately. Leaving a spill, even a cooking oil spill, will increase the likelihood of long term staining.

2. Blot Up A Spill BEFORE Wiping

Carrying on from number one, when a spill does happen–and let’s face it, it probably will–before you grab a cloth and give a Herculean wipe across the length and breadth of the granite slab, make sure you blot up the spill first. This way you’ll remove as much of the liquid as possible before having to wipe it up. Without blotting first, you’ll likely just spend the first few wipes spreading the staining liquid around and over a greater surface area.

3. Use A Soft Cloth or Sponge

Be gentle with your white granite. It doesn’t matter where you’ve installed it, this natural stone should be treated gently to avoid scratches or other damage. While there are specific granite cleaners, wipes, and detergents on the market, even just a quick wipe with a soft cloth and warm water will do the trick. While not likely to damage your granite when used once or twice, avoid using dishwashing liquid or soap as repeated use can dull your white granite’s shine. Definitely avoid abrasive cleaning pads or sponges so as not to cause scratches.

4. NEVER use Bleaches or Harsh, Chemical Cleaners

White granite has an aesthetic fit for royalty, so treat it as such. Bleaches and many household cleaners contain harsh chemicals that will damage your granite stone in more ways than one. Not only will it stain but it will also dull the colour and weaken the integrity of the sealant. Regular use of warm water, especially when applied quickly, will work wonders, as will the many varieties of granite-specific cleaners available in stores. Other no-no cleaners include vinegar, lemon, ammonia or your regular run-of-the-mill household cleaners. Better be safe than sorry!

5. Keep Varnishes and Other Liquids Away!

A lot of seemingly innocuous, everyday liquids can cause extensive and permanent damage to a pristine white granite bench or tabletop. Colognes, nail varnishes, nail removers, creams, lotions and perfumes all contain a number of chemicals that, if spilled over granite, can leave a lasting reminder of the accident. The best thing to do is to simply keep these harmful liquids far away from your gorgeous granite.

6. Beat the Heat with Trivets or Hot Pads

A lot of staining on white granite isn’t caused by liquids at all. Hot pans or pots placed directly onto a granite benchtop will leave an ugly, permanent stain. It’s even possible for the granite to crack due to thermal shock. Always place a trivet or a heat pad on the counter and then place the hot pot or pan on to that.

7. Make Coaster-Usage A Habit

While not as unsightly and hard-to-repair as heat stains, if your benchtop or tabletop is made of white granite you’re going to want to enforce coaster usage as a habit to prevent ring stains. Coffee and tea mugs, soda cans, and even glasses of water are all better off sitting on a coaster. Prevention is always better than cure and if you want your white granite to continue looking like it’s in showroom condition for years to come this is a great habit to get into.

8. Avoid Sitting and/or Standing On It

Yes, granite is one very hard and durable material. Yes, white granite is a fantastic investment that will add value and appeal to your home. But no, white granite benchtops are NOT designed to be stood or sat on. Why? If the weight placed on the slab of granite is applied too heavily in one spot it could crack. Unless the floor suddenly becomes lava, there’s really no need to jump onto your beautiful white granite top.

9. Reseal Your Granite

White granite offers endless appeal and will remain in fashion for years and years to come. To keep it looking like the day you had it installed for its entire lifetime, we recommend getting it resealed every 2 to 4 years. Resealing your granite will help protect it from the usual wear and tear that occurs over time. The longer you leave your granite without resealing it, the duller it will become and the more likely it is to get stained.

10. Institute A Regular Routine

We know you and your white granite are bound to have a long and loving relationship, but all good relationships are worth a little care. Institute a regular daily, weekly, monthly and yearly routine to keep your granite clean, sparkly and as impressive as ever.

• Daily – use hot water and a soft sponge to wipe away spills and crumbs.
• Weekly – Remove any objects on the counter and use a specialised granite cleaner over the whole surface, including corners and edges.
• Monthly – Use special granite polishes to keep your white granite as stunning as the day you fell in love with it in our showroom.
• Yearly – Test your white granite to check whether it needs to be resealed. You do NOT need to seal your granite every year, but it’s worth throwing yourself a little annual reminder so, when it is time for resealing, you’ll be on the ball.

Find Out More About Granite

If you want to know more about granite check out our blog! You’ll find a ton of information on what granite is used for, how it compares to quartz, and how to clean stone benchtops. Or give us a call and have a chat to our friendly, expert team about all things natural stone and how to best keep your white granite clean.

Have you ever wondered where a natural stone wholesaler sources their products from? If natural stone is so natural, where does it come from? How does it get to us in Sydney, Australia?

Before we dive in. Let’s cover some stone basics.

What is natural stone?

There are a number of types of natural stone that have been used in construction for thousands of years and are still commonly used today. The term “natural stone” simply refers to the product that is quarried directly from the earth.

From granite and marble to limestone and onyx, there’s a whole variety of natural stones and each offers a unique combination of beauty, elegance and practicality. Even engineered stone which is manufactured in a factory contains quartz, one of the strongest minerals in the world, as a key component. This quartz, like other natural stones, also needs to be physically cut out from the ground in a quarry.

Why use natural stone?

Natural stone is used for a variety of purposes in both interior home design and exterior house construction, including flooring, benchtops, stairs, splashbacks and vanity tops. While other materials, such as porcelain, wood or concrete, can be used for these applications, there are many reasons why natural stone is so popular and has been for generations. It’s why there’s an entire global industry of stone quarrying, production, exportation and wholesale. Some of the benefits to using natural stone include:

• Durability – natural stone is one hardy material making it perfect for application in the home.
• Beauty – not only does stone provide an elegant aesthetic that is unmatched but there’s so much variety in colour, pattern and shading that there’s something for everyone!
• Maintenance – in addition to its hardiness, the ease with which natural stone can be maintained and cared for is a wonderful benefit.
• Investment – natural stone may not be the cheapest of building materials but its longevity makes it a smart long term investment.

What are stone wholesalers?

Much like wholesalers in other industries, stone wholesalers buy stone slabs in large quantities and in a range of styles to then provide other distributors, construction companies, designers and manufacturers with the natural stone they need.

Where do stone wholesalers source their stone?

There’s simply no single answer to this question. Natural stone can be sourced from pretty much anywhere in the world. Of course, there are countries that are famous for providing certain kinds of stone. For instance Italy is famous for its travertine quarries, while onyx is often sourced from various countries in the Middle-East. Granites and quartzites, in comparison, are often sourced from South America. Marble, probably the most instantly recognisable of natural stones, can come from Italy as well, or Portugal, France, Greece and Spain among many others.

Sometimes the very name of a certain type of stone will indicate where it’s been sourced from, like the Irish Green Marble found off the coast of Ireland. Not all stones are named this way though, like the Calacatta Marble: there’s no place called Calacatta, but rather it refers to the pattern of the actual stone.

It’s probably no secret that we have a deep and special love for stone, especially marble, sourced from Europe’s famous quarries. After all, it’s in our name! If you’re looking for stone from a particular place or would like to know the original source of a particular slab, feel free to ask our team.

A quarry in England, on the Isle of Portland. Source: Wikipedia.

Why do Australian wholesalers import stone?

Due to the fact that specific types and styles of stone are found in specific locations across the globe, personal preference often means that stone needs to be imported, as opposed to sourced locally. There are other reasons too: certain stones from special quarries offer greater hardiness and higher quality than other places. Put simply: wholesalers source the best stone from the best sources, no matter where that is.

It’s important to note that many quarries also reflect a local building/quarrying system that has evolved over many years into the efficient, cost-effective enterprise of today. Due to the costs, financial and otherwise, of setting up new quarries, wholesalers prefer to go with trusted, reputable sources who also offer lower prices than some newer quarries.

How is the stone quarried?

Stone is shipped to wholesalers in the form of slabs from which your benchtop or vanity is then cut. A stone block is cut from the very crust of the Earth and then processed–which basically just means cut from a block into usable and transportable slabs–to be exported around the world. This is really the only ‘processing’ that takes place when it comes to natural stone. 

The stone sourced in a quarry is hand chosen and reviewed to ensure high quality both in appearance, hardiness and consistency.

The famous Carrara quarry in Italy. Source: Wikipedia

Do stone slabs from the same quarry all look the same?

Like the Earth itself, the natural stone it contains comes in a wide range of colours, textures, patterns and shades, even when sourced from the very same quarry. This is another attractive benefit of natural stone: every slab and every construction application using natural stone boasts a unique, distinctive design that is not replicated in any other slab.

How do stone wholesalers get the stone?

Once quarried and processed, the stone slabs are then trucked from the quarry and shipped overseas to a number of wholesalers. Stone wholesalers often work with partner companies to ensure industry-leading delivery times. The stones not being displayed in showrooms, such as ours located at 11 Rich Street, Marrickville, are stored in large warehouses allowing as many slabs as possible to be available to customers as quickly as possible.

Euro Marble – Your #1 Stone Wholesaler

We’re passionate about all things stone here at Euro Marble. Thanks to our strong ability to source quality stone we’re able to bring you the best natural stone materials at industry competitive prices. If you’d like to know more about our 150 different variations of available stone or just want to have a chat with us, visit our website today.

Many consumers now want natural stone countertops. What some people don’t know is that every stone countertop design has a stone edge profile. The stone profile is beneficial for you to know as you consider your countertop design.

That’s because natural stone edge profiles have detailed profiles that help bring your countertop design to life. Not only does the stone edge profile detail help bring your countertop to life, but it’s also a key component of your countertops functionality. The countertop function is set in part by the for its thickness, design, and budget.

Read on and discover how the edge profile of your countertop is one of the most overlooked details. Yet, it’s a detail that adds to the unique overall design for your kitchen.

Stone Edge Profiles

There are various natural stone edge options that consumers can consider when choosing one that works for their countertop design. Most stone edge profiles are broken down into three overall categories. The three categories are:

• Engineered or natural stone edges
• Premium or solid surface edges
• Laminated edges

One of the most challenging decisions consumers have, when remodeling their countertops or creating a kitchen or bathroom design they want for a home or business, is narrowing the extensive stone edge profile options. When you think about the kitchens or bathrooms you’ve been in that have the most beautiful countertop designs, it’s the ones that have unique edge profiles that completed the one-of-a-kind look. Whether it’s the style or the functionality you seek for your countertop’s edge profile, you have a wide range of designs when choosing one.

Pencil Edge

One of the natural stone edges is known as the pencil edge profile. The pencil edge profile actually looks a bit like a pencil because of the way it’s cut. The stone has a slightly angular edge that rounds into the vertical surface of the stone.

Most of the time, this stone edge profile is used in kitchens because it is easy to maintain and clean. It also offers a very modern and contemporary look that is comfortable to cook and work on due to the stone’s softer design. If you want to rest your arms as you lean in to do anything in your kitchen, this is a popular stone edge design to use.

Beveled Edge

Another natural stone standard edge is known as the beveled edge profile that is often used for kitchens and bathroom countertops. That’s because it has a classic look with a shortened thickness of the stone, which makes it look luxurious. It’s a great accent edge, but sometimes it looks a bit shorter than it really is, so if you want a longer and more robust look, you might want a different type of stone edge profile.

Round Edge

A family-friendly standard stone surface edge is known as the round edge. The round edge design is often used in homes that have children because it’s design is less hazardous because it has no sharp edges. It’s also a very easy natural stone profile countertop that’s easy to maintain and clean. 

The primary importance, if there are children in the home, is the stone edge profile function and safety components. If there’s an edge profile that’s used the most often in kitchens and bathrooms, this is the stone edge profile, a lot of consumers want.

Arised Edge

Anyone looking for a classic look is attracted to the arised stone edge profile. It works in a traditional kitchen and bathroom as well as rooms with a more modern design. It also comes with various stone edge profile thickness that helps make your design uniquely your own. 

Most of the time, an arised stone edge will finish 20mm with a 2mm profile. The arised stone edge is also usually a bit rounded, so it’s more resistant to chipping. The minimum radius on an arised stone edge profile is about 3mm-6mm. 

Shark Nose Profile

A natural stone edge profile that’s laminated with a shark nose uses the countertop edge profile with a protruding cutback. The cutback is usually from the cabinet line. Sometimes the shark nose stone edge profile can be detailed and cutback based on the cabinet fronts.

Most of the time, it’s also a 20-millimeter substrate stone edge design. There’s no doubt it’s a unique design due to the varying radius on the front edge of the shark nose profile that most other profiles don’t have.

Edge Profiles

It’s the stone edge profiles that make a countertop design. Every edge profile offers something a little bit different. You are the designer, so ensure that you combine the edge profile with whatever style or function, you want the countertop to provide.

You may now understand the stone edge profiles in detail, but you still need more information on the costs involved so you can make an educated decision based on your budget. If possible, you want to use a superior range of natural stone products that are capable of blending traditional methods of stone cutting with innovative and modern technology. By utilizing quality products and services, your countertop installation comes in on time and in your budget parameters.

Plus, using classic stone products for your countertop needs provides you with edge profiles built to last. There may be nothing more important than having a stone edge profile built with quality that brings life to your home or business. 

The Way Forward

When you need a competitive price for your natural stone countertop combined with skilled artisans, you need to look no further than Euro Marble. Euro Marble has thirty years of experience providing stone products and services that are custom-made at an innovative stone processing and manufacturing facility. If you have a budget, Euro Marble will work with you on finding a way to meet it.

EuroMarble offers 150 variations of stone in its comprehensive stone library. That translates into the most unique stone edge profiles and designs for your countertops. When you’re ready to make the beautiful changes to your home or office, reach out to EuroMarble. 

Every question you ask or design you want has an answer. The end result of letting someone who loves what they do provide those answers will be a unique, functional, and stylish countertop that fits your life.