1. Is all natural stone suitable for bench top applications?
All natural stone can be used for kitchen bench top applications. Some natural stone performs better in the kitchen. The use that your kitchen gets should be a factor in the type of stone that you choose.
2. What are the recommended stones for bench tops?
Granite and marble (in that order) are the most popular and durable natural stone used in kitchen bench top applications.
3. What is the difference between Marble, Limestone & Granite?
These stones vary in density, colour range, and generally look. It is best to discuss your individual application and tastes with a WK Stone consultant. Granite is the densest in our natural stone selection followed by marble which make them good options for kitchen bench tops.
4. I've heard that marble is porous and not good for a bench top
Marble is more porous than Granite or natural stone. If the stone is sealed and well maintained it will last your lifetime. Italians and Greeks (to name just a few) have been using marble bench tops for 1000's of years. When these families move house they regularly take their prized bench tops with them.
5. How much does it cost?
Cost varies depending on product, availability, and where the stone is sourced from. The wk.com.au has a price indicator ranging from Standard (least expensive) to Boutique (most expensive). Actual pricing will come from your stone fabricator.
6. How does price compare to Quantum Quartz / engineered stone?
Generally natural stone is slightly more expensive than engineered stone although with some product comparisons the opposite is true.
7. Can my current stone mason fabricate natural stone?
Yes, most fabricators handle both natural and engineered stone although a few specialize in one or the other.
8. Is there a warranty against cracks?
There is no warranty against cracks from any distributor of natural or engineered stone. Cracks are a rare instance and can be a result of moving house foundations or cabinetry as well as dropping a heavy object or standing on the bench top. These slabs are very resilient surviving overseas shipping, truck movements and fabrication.
9. I am a homeowner. Can I have a natural stone sample sent to me?
Natural stone samples are expensive and in short supply. A small sample of the stone does not do it justice, this is a natural product with varying colors that need to be viewed in a large slab format.
It is recommended that you visit your local WK Stone showroom so that they can view a complete slab.
10. How does natural stone perform compared to engineered stone?
Generally engineered stone is more dense, resilient, and durable. Having said that, natural stone performs very well when cared for properly. Natural stone can also be used outdoors, engineered stone cannot.
11. Is there much color variation in a block of natural stone?
There can be significant color variation with a slab. It is strongly suggested that the slab is viewed at the WK warehouse to ensure that it meets the tastes of the user.
12. Does Natural stone need to be sealed? How often?
Yes, natural stone needs to be sealed. It is generally during fabrication or during installation, then 6 months later and annually or as required after that. This can vary depending on the sealer selected and the use that your kitchen gets.
13. What sealer is best?
There are a number of sealers on the market including ones produced by Tenax, Chimica General, and DuPont. Your stone mason can recommend the one that best suits your individual needs or you can research sealers on the internet.
14. Can natural stone be used outside?
Natural stone can be used outside and is a great option for the popular outdoor kitchen. Depending on exposure to sunlight and other elements as well as the care that it receives it may “weatherâ€. The performance of the stone should not be affected as evidenced by the marble the Greeks used in buildings thousands of years ago that are still standing. Engineered stone cannot be used in outdoor applications.
15. What countries do the stone originate from?
Some of the most popular countries that we import from are Italy, Brazil, Spain, Iran, India, and China.
16. What thickness does it come in?
Generally, the slab thickness is 20mm, some stone comes on 30mm.
17. Is natural stone transported in blocks or slabs?
Natural stone is transported in slabs.
18. How long does it take to receive stock on a special order?
WK has over 30,000 slabs of natural and engineered stone in our Sydney, Melbourne, and Gold Coast warehouses. We have numerous options for you to choose from and continually have new material working its way to Australia. Getting stock for a special order involves sourcing, ordering, and transportation from overseas. This process will generally take approximately 10 – 12 weeks.
19. I've heard the term book leafed / book matched. What does that mean?
Book leafed / book matched involves matching the veins of two adjoining slabs (generally marble) to give the effect that the two (or more) slabs become one. Book leafing looks great!
20. What other applications are there for natural stone?
Natural stone can be also used for splash backs, wall cladding, flooring, vanities, bathrooms, and a variety of outdoor uses.
21. Can I get natural stone tiles that match my bench top?
Yes, many of our popular stone slabs come in tile format as well.
22. If I find something I like, can I put it on hold? How does it work?
Yes, items can be put on hold for up to 3 weeks, depending upon availability. Simply choose your product with the help of one of our showroom consultants, and they will take care of the rest. WK provides you with a “Stone Selection†card to make the process easy.