Rose Bay Residence by Stafford
TRAVERTINE GRIGIO CHIARO in Split Face Finish on interior and exterior feature walls
TRAVERTINE GRIGIO CHIARO in Honed Finish featured on staircase and hallway floor. View stone here →
Langlee Display Suite by Mirvac
Where does Marble come from?
The word “marble” derives from the Ancient Greek μάρμαρον (mármaron) that translates into “crystalline rock, shining stone”. Marble is a metamorphic rock composed of recrystallised carbonate minerals, most commonly calcite or dolomite. It forms from limestone being subjected to an immense amount of pressure and heat for long periods of time.
Marble’s popularity as a building material began in ancient Rome and Greece, often used for structures, massive pillars or sculptures. Right from the impressive columns of the Parthenon in Athens to the Pantheon in Rome, marble has been incorporated by architects for centuries. More examples of the countless historic architecture across the globe crafted by marble include the Taj Mahal, the leaning tower of Pisa as well as the Washington Monument & Lincoln Memorial. While Marble is quarried around the world, today’s biggest marble producers are Italy, Spain, China, Greece and Turkey.
Is Marble durable?
Marble is an extremely durable material, usually harvested in enormous slabs directly from mountain sides, making it ideal for large applications. Marble is also heat-resistant and remains cool naturally which makes it a popular choice particularly for countertop surfaces and interior or exterior flooring. If you are seeking for a higher level of density and durability choosing the right type of marble and stone finish is a vital factor to consider.
Like all natural stones, Marble is a living, breathing material which needs a little more diligence when it comes to upkeep. Finishing your marble countertop or marble floor tiles with an appropriate penetrating sealant is vital for long-term performance. As long as you are aware of the measures of sealing and caring for your marble properly, you can be a proud owner of a distinctive masterpiece that is exclusively yours and will last a lifetime.
Below are some guidelines to keep your marble looking its best.
Are Marble bench tops and tiles easy to maintain?
The maintenance requirements depend on the type and texture of marble that you select for your project, but as long as you follow these simple steps your marble stone will stay looking beautiful for years:
Like for all natural stone, regular sealing and cleaning are vital for the long-term performance of marble:
Sealing: All marble products must be finished correctly with an appropriate sealant during the installation process and re-sealed after a few years, depending on surface usage and traffic. We recommend and supply various ‘Lithofin Stain Stop’ sealants for different applications. Find more information about Lithofin at the bottom.
Cleaning & Maintenance: Marble surfaces must be cleaned with warm water and a mild pH neutral cleaner only, as harsh chemicals and acid cleansers can eventually break down the sealer and disturb the finish. Spilled liquids should not be left unattended and wiped up quickly to avoid staining and etching of the material. Always use protective mats to place hot items on the natural stone and put coasters under glasses to prevent unseen spills from remaining on the marble benchtop.
Is Marble suitable for both, indoor and outdoor use?
Unlike some other flooring types, marble tiles are timeless and will still look as beautiful many years down the track as it does today. It’s a natural material that offers a multitude of textures, colours, and patterns that can add significant value to a home.
Marble is suitable for use both inside and out seamlessly connecting your indoor and outdoor spaces. Thanks to its versatility marble tiles and slabs suit virtually every style of home. When it comes to using marble outdoors, choosing an appropriate stone finish is a vital factor to the function of the stone. Learn more about how different finishes alter the aesthetic appeal and functionality of the stone here.
The most common forms of marble tile and slab installations (residential or commercial) include:
Bottom Line – Why choose Marble?
Marble has carved its place in history, endorsed by the ancient structures that withstood forces of nature and stood the test of time. It is a natural stone in a class of its own, prized for its timeless beauty, durability, and versatility.
When it comes to sheer luxury Marble has no rivals and never goes out of style. A material renowned for its unique ability to adapt to contemporary lifestyles and tastes.
Marble stone is heat-resistant and is used to cool down living spaces. It’s also commonly used in fireplaces and can withstand high temperatures without losing any of its beauty.
There are countless varieties of Marble tiles and Marble slabs with a colour palette to suit all tastes. Indoors, marble tiles can be used in every part of the home, elevating interior spaces to new levels of refinement. Outdoors, it keeps cool, even in direct sunlight, ideal for the Australian lifestyle.
While it has been the epitome of historical buildings and architectural delights for years, the material has become a touch of elegance for every modern home. Marble is an excellent investment – with mindful use and a good design, it is a cost-effective way to enhance the value of your home.
OUR NATURAL STONE SEALANT TIP FOR YOU
Lithofin Stain Stop Sealers & Pre-Sealers
For invisible protection against staining and facilitating the maintenance of natural stone. Lithofin Stain Stop penetrates into the surface and coats the capillaries with an extremely thin, invisible film. Contact us and we will gladly advise the Lithofin product specifically suitable for your chosen type of stone and finish.
marble
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Mosman Residence
ANTARCTIC GREY (Dolomite) featured on kitchen islands, benchtop & splashback. View stone here →
GRIGIO VENATO (Limestone) used for powder room basin & bathroom vanity top. View stone here →
Turramurra Residence
ANTARCTIC WHITE (Dolomite) featured on bathroom floors and walls. View stone here →
CALACATTA VIOLA (Marble) used for vanity top. View stone here →
ORO LUCE (Limestone) in Honed finish for interior floors, extended in tumbled & sandblasted finish for exterior area incl. pool floor and coping. View stone here →
Architecture by Annabelle Chapman
Interior Design Decoration + Styling by SJS Interior Design
Builder Cockle Constructions
Mosman Residence
BIANCO ALPI (Quartzite) in Leathered finish featured on kitchen islands, benchtop & splashback and extension to exterior alfresco countertop. View stone here →
Finish: Honed & Unfilled
Size: 950x600x20mm
LIMITED STOCK
In superior quality, handpicked for you!
Available Finishes: Honed & Unfilled (Interior) & Antique (Exterior)
Size: 1000x1000x20mm tiles, 1000x1000x30mm Pool Coping
LIMITED STOCK
The smooth, uninterrupted look of large-format tiles provides a dramatic appearance and a sense of gravitas. It works perfectly in larger spaces as well as limited areas you want to appear more spacious and open. Large format tiles provide a seamless and continuous floor as visual interruption is reduced with fewer grout joints, creating a more cohesive look that allows to visually lengthen the size of a room or floor space without compromising on a design.
ODESSA
Odessa Marble – timeless and elegant – will add a touch of luxury to any decor by incorporating it into your design.
Durable and versatile, Odessa has perfect clarity, definition and veining and will create a seamless transition between indoor and outdoor spaces. The marble is available in a variety of finishes which help dictate the functional characteristics of this stone and its variety of uses.
Finish: HONED
Finish: SANDWASHED
Finish: SANDBLASTED
Finish: HEAVY SANDBLASTED
Stone Type: Marble
Finishes: Honed, Sandwashed, Sandblast, Heavy Sandblast, Bushhammered & Brushed
Sizes: 300×600, 400×800, 600×600, 1000×1000, 1200×600, slabs, custom size
Surface finishes not only alter the appearance but more importantly the performance of natural stone tiles. It is essential to choose finishes suitable for the intended use, particularly for any outdoor floor application. Using different techniques will affect the stone’s functionality providing different slip resistance, weather resistance and water resistance. Our natural stone tiles are available in a wide variety of finishes, colours and sizes. Let’s explore the most popular natural stone finishes of STS STONE:
SANDBLASTED
In sandblasting, a high-pressure jet of siliceous sand or steel shots is applied to the area to be treated. This treatment produces a smooth abrasion, leaving the material with a slightly scratched (but not rugged) surface. The colour tones and the veins are slightly dulled. Sandblasted stone has a degree of slip-resistance, making it an ideal finish for exterior applications.
Recommended use: Outdoor floors, alfresco & pool areas, pool coping, paving, pathways, driveways
ANTIQUE (SANDBLASTED & BRUSHED)
After the stone has undergone a sandblasting process, the surface is then brushed with mechanical wires to make the stone smooth and slightly restore the colour. Stone in Antique finish is perfect for outside areas when slip-resistance is important.
Recommended use: Outdoor floors, alfresco & pool areas, pool coping, paving, pathways, driveways
FLAMED & BRUSHED
This process entails passing a blowpipe that emits a high-temperature flame over the surface to be treated. The heat acts by blowing the crystals out as they suffer thermal shock, with an effect that is particularly evident in materials composed of minerals with various degrees of expansion, (such as the vast majority of granites). The resulting surface is rough, non-slip and generally faded in colour, thereby hiding defects and tone variations. Ideal for all exterior applications.
Recommended use: Outdoor floors, alfresco & pool areas, pool coping, paving, pathways, driveways
BUSH HAMMERED & BRUSHED
A bush-hammered and brushed effect is obtained by pounding the material surface mechanically or by hand with a specific multi-pointed tool. End result is a rugged surface full of little grazes at the impact points and a lighter colour. This process gives the stone more texture and enhances slip resistance. Mostly used in exterior areas.
Recommended use: Outdoor floors, alfresco & pool areas, pool coping, paving, pathways, driveways
TUMBLED
The tumbled finish is essentially an ageing effect. This finish creates softer surfaces and rumbled edges suited for Travertines & Limestones. Tumbled look is aesthetically pleasing and exudes character and warmth and suits an French provincial design style. Suitable for use indoors and outdoors.
Recommended use: Travertine tiles in tumbled finish for outdoors. Limestone tiles in tumbled finish for indoors
POLISHED
A polished finish is created when a stone surface reaches its most refined stage. It is buffed to the highest level possible, and the results are either a high shine or the actual highest level of shine that can be achieved naturally. This finish gives the stone a very elegant and rich look, providing it with a pinnacle depth of colour.
Recommended use: Indoor only. Floors, walls, benchtops, kitchen islands, splashbacks, bathrooms, cut to size features
HONED
A honed finish is achieved when rubber heads smooth out the stone’s surface to create an overall consistency and uniformity in the stone’s texture. When suppliers are finalising a honed finish, they typically sand the stone just before it reaches the polishing phase. This accounts for its lack of glossiness and gives the stone a more matte appearance. Natural stones in Honed finish have a smooth, non-reflective, satiny sheen and are mainly used for interior floors and walls.
Recommended use: Indoor only. Floors, walls, benchtops, kitchen islands, splashbacks, bathrooms, cut to size features
BRUSHED
The brushed finish gives the stone surface a slightly textured feel and aged nature. Using hard nylon or steel mechanical brushes the natural stone tile results in a rough to the touch but rather smooth finish.
Recommended use: Indoor countertops, vanities, feature walls.
LEATHERED
A leathered finish stone has a surface that is textured and pebbly, like leather. This type of finish is achieved by further processing the stone through sanding and buffing, sometimes using brushes and water jets. While the surface appears well-worn and weathered, it is pleasantly smooth to the touch. Stone in a Leathered finish feature a soft sheen and a textured appearance. Only certain hard-wearing types of stone slabs like quartzite, dolomite and granite can get leathered.
Recommended use: Indoor bench tops, kitchen islands, feature walls.
Created by nature, brought to you by STS
Our beautiful collection of premium-quality slabs, handpicked from the finest quarries around the world to complement latest Australian design trends. Effortlessly elegant, each exhibiting a unique character, natural stone slabs have the power to transform every design project into a work of art.
JUST IN: Our ultimate strength collection, the perfect balance between functionality & aesthetics.
Extremely hard-wearing and durable quartzite, dolomite and granite slabs.
Find your perfect match & secure your natural stone slab!
– Limited stock available –
Stone type: Quartzite
Finish: Leathered
Indicative size: 3400x1900x20
Stone type: Granite
Finish: Honed
Indicative size: 2560x1360x20
To achieve a perfect end result here are the top natural stone guidelines to understand your product better and to be informed.
What you need to know and do BEFORE, DURING and AFTER the natural stone tiling process:
To ensure your pool area is ready for our hot Australian summer – now is the ideal time to consider its facelift and plan renovation or remodelling. Pools are currently not in use which gives you enough time to complete your work. And with long awaited holidays to exotic destinations currently unattainable, planning a staycation resort in your own backyard is a brilliant idea in these challenging times.
Creating your personal oasis vibe will let you relax and unwind, relieve stress, spend more time with the family and maximise your outdoor living space for many years to come. Whereas trends and ideas come and go glass mosaics and natural stone pavers remain popular and aesthetic choices. STS STONE professionals will guide you through the process of choosing the right stone tile, paver, pool coping or mosaics and most importantly the appropriate stone finish ensuring safety for all.
1. RESTORE YOUR OUTDOOR PAVERSIrrespective of the pool design, choose natural stone outdoor pavers for its surrounds that will compliment your home and garden. Factors to consider should be appearance, durability, surface finish and the sealant. Appropriate stone finish is vital to maintaining safety around the pool. STS STONE has readily available stock and various options of durable, dense and hard-wearing pavers in a non-slip finish suitable for pool surrounds.
2. UPDATE YOUR POOL COPINGPool coping is the edging used around the exterior rim of the pool that protects the pool’s structure and provides a finished look. Choose an edge profile that is safe and that will suit your pool design and surroundings. More rounded edges are less susceptible to chipping compared to square edges. Commonly used edge profiles include Pencil Round (radius of a standard pencil), Bullnose (a rounded edge finish), Mitred Joint (two edges joint around a corner) and Drop Down edge.
3. ADD DECORATIVE MOSAICSGlass mosaics have revolutionised the look and feel of modern pools. Elaborate designs, shimmering colours, and an extensive array of possibilities will transform any pool into a beautiful retreat. Glass compliments the characteristics of water, reflecting and refracting sunlight to create an enchanting effect. Mosaic tiles are durable, easy to clean, and resistant to chemical corrosion and other types of damage. Whatever your personal choice – Glass Mosaic tiles will create a truly unique look and add a touch of fun and sophistication to your pool.
Luxury apartments put new shine on Bondi Post Office
designed by William Smart of Smart Design
developed & built by Taylor
supplied by STS STONE
Thanks to its versatile look and practical benefits Italian Terrazzo is an ever-popular material. Find out the 5 key benefits and everything else you need to know about Terrazzo:
While summer officially ended, the days are still long and nights warm and cosy. A perfect time to still enjoy entertaining outdoors, the garden or the pool. Natural stone is the ideal material that adds a sense of style, luxury and sophistication to any alfresco area and landscape design.
Natural stone is a blend of elegance, durability and style where no two pieces are exactly alike, adding a touch of class and timeless beauty to any space. Take a closer look at three stunning residential projects using a range of our stones for Interior and Exterior:
Mosman Home
The level of quality and uniqueness achieved in this project are most impressive. Materials and textures in this Mosman home are in perfect harmony with each other while standing out at the same time. The earthy Havana and Atlas marble complement the indoor warm colour palette, contrasted by our Grigio Scuro limestone around the pool reflecting cooler and refreshing exterior.
The sophisticated tones of the Havana marble with its striking golden veins turn this vanity top into a focal point of the bathroom. Brown creamy beige Atlas marble displays notable sun-baked warmth throughout floors and walls, creating a captivating aura.
Stone: Atlas, Havana, Salvador, Grigio Scuro
Architects: Corben Architects
Builder: Real Constructions
Photo: Grant Dale
The Art House
From a neglected Bellevue Hill mansion to a stunning contemporary family residence, The Art House is a true example of refined elegance. Beginning the vast entrance to a striking curved staircase our Montenegro flooring softens the strong monochromatic scheme, adding to the home’s clean, classic and contemporary aesthetic.
Application of the uber glamorous New York marble in the main en-suite reaches new levels of modernity with each and every striking vein, creating an ultimate showpiece of design intensity.
Montenegro seamlessly continues throughout the indoor space creating a harmonious flow and visible movement in hallway, lounge and dining area.
Stone: Montenegro, New York
Architecture & Interiors by Bevan Boss Design
Furnishing & Decoration by Nina Maya
Builder: TC Build
Photography: TC Build & Bevan Boss Design
A dream in beige
A harmonious selection of varying, yet matching creme-toned marble adds a sense of warmth and light to this gorgeous home in Vaucluse.
Our elegant Crema Messina marble in honed finish was used for the lounge and kitchen area, continued throughout the balcony and poolside area in a slippery resistant sandblast finish. Visible movement and texture is added by the romantic Florence marble wall cladding to complement the dream in beige.
Builder: Mag Construction
Photography: Grant Dale
A quick guide:
FOR A COMPREHENSIVE GUIDE ON BLENDING, SEALING AND GENERAL UPKEEP OF THE STONE, PLEASE REFER TO OUR GUIDELINES:
Today’s bathrooms have become a part and parcel of our domestic architecture, reflecting our living style.
Use of natural stone tiles and slabs on walls, floors, showers and vanity tops are now increasingly popular not only for the sense of comfort and relaxation but also as an instant visual impact of luxury and timeless splendor.
MARBLE, GRANITE, DOLOMITE & QUARTZITE are the most popular natural stone bathroom tiles options that will bring beauty, durability and a bold statement of elegance and style to any bathroom design.
Natural stone is one of the easiest to maintain and is the most permanent of all surface materials. Stone tiles destined for bathrooms, showers, vanities and bath surrounds will add a significant value to your home, however their appearance and longevity will greatly depend on being adequately maintained. Here are a few tips how to clean a natural stone bathroom tile, sink, bathtub, shower or vanity top:
MOULD, MILDEW & VENTILATION
Irrespective of what stone you choose, ensuring your natural stone bathroom and shower is properly ventilated will help prevent mildew and mould growth. The issue with mould and mildew is not the shower surface, but the water that does not drain fully. If your surfaces are water repellent, drained properly and dried quickly, mould and mildew will not form.
After wiping your shower down to remove excess water, open the shower door or window, or keep your fan on to help the stone dry faster.
KEEP THE GROUT CLEAN
Grout is susceptible to mould and mildew growth if not cared for. Use a stone-safe grout cleaner that’s non-abrasive and gently lift the grime with a soft nylon brush.
REGULAR CLEANING
Clean the stone with a mild detergent or stone soap. Soaps that are formulated for the natural stone used in your shower can be found at most hardware stores. Using more soap isn’t always better. Too much soap could result in streaks or a film remaining on the tiles after cleaning. Avoid harsh cleaners including vinegar that can damage the surface of the stone. Only use cleaners that are pH neutral.
For more natural stone bathroom ideas visit our image gallery
A stone bench top will always be a feature in your home and in order to keep it looking its best certain precautions should be exercised.
THE DO’s AND THE DON’Ts OF NATURAL STONE BENCHTOP CARE
Walking through Sydney’s suburbs, it is evident outdoor living is a major part of our culture. While many of us still spend most of our time indoors, integrating the outdoors into our day to day, remains of high importance. Architects and designers are constantly seeking out design solutions that will sustain the malleability between indoor living and outdoor lifestyles. Using the same stone in a different finish creates a fluid indoor and outdoor space, connecting our surroundings in an easy and effortless way. The STS STONE range of natural stone is available in a variety of finishes: Honed and Polished are ideal for interior spaces; Sandblasted, Brushed or Bush Hammered work well outdoors, with their high slip resistance.
The unique shape of this twin house was defined by irregular site boundary and desire to relate to the urban streetscape around it, as well as engage with panoramic views of the Opera House perfectly framed by the Harbour Bridge. The contemporary and modern interiors celebrate materials and form with steel plate, painted recycled brick and natural stone.
Everyone who specifies flooring products has to ensure that flooring surfaces do not pose a safety risk. In our case, we talk about slippery resistance that shows how slippery the floor is. Natural stone have to be tested due to the fact that the product is natural and has the significant variation of hardness and surface finishes which give different slip results.
