Residential

Projects of the month

Mosman Residence

Grigio Venato Limestone bathroom vanity — Grigio Venato Limestone

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 →

Architecture by Hampton Architecture

Interiors by Periwinkle Interiors

Builder Revolution Building

Turramurra Residence

Limestone indoor and outdoor floor — Oro Luce Limestone

wall and floor bathroom tiles — Antarctic White Dolomite + Calacatta Viola Marble

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

residential project kitchen design — Bianco Alpi Quartzite

BIANCO ALPI (Quartzite) in Leathered finish featured on kitchen islands, benchtop & splashback and extension to exterior alfresco countertop. View stone here →

Interior Design by Colour Cube
Builder: Lorimer Building Service

January 19, 2022 0 comment

GO BIG: Large Format Natural Stone

Finish: Honed & Unfilled
Size: 950x600x20mm
LIMITED STOCK

VIEW SILVER TRAVERTINE

Natural Stone Slabs

Large Format Natural Stone Tiles

In superior quality, handpicked for you!

Available Finishes: Honed & Unfilled (Interior) & Antique (Exterior)
Size: 1000x1000x20mm tiles, 1000x1000x30mm Pool Coping
LIMITED STOCK

VIEW TRAVERTINE GRIGIO CHIARO

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.

November 10, 2021 0 comment

Our newest marble addition – Explore ODESSA

Natural Stone Slabs

Introducing elegance into your home with

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.

Natural Stone Slabs

Available Finishes

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

VIEW ODESSA

October 28, 2021 0 comment

Natural Stone Finishes for Indoor & Outdoor

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:

Natural Stone Exterior Finishes

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

Interior Finishes

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.

October 12, 2021 0 comment

JUST ARRIVED: Ultimate Strength Slab Collection

Natural Stone Slabs

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 –

Bianco Alpi (subtle movement)

Bianco Alpi (more movement)

Stone type: Quartzite

Finish: Leathered

Indicative size: 3400x1900x20

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Antarctic White

Stone type: Dolomite

Finish: Honed

Indicative size: 2750×1700

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Pacific

Stone type: Granite

Finish: Honed

Indicative size: 2560x1360x20

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September 10, 2021 0 comment

What you need to know before, during and after tiling natural stone

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:

August 26, 2021 0 comment

3 EASY STEPS to bring your pool & backyard to the next level

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.

3 EASY STEPS to bring your pool & backyard to the next level

1. RESTORE YOUR OUTDOOR PAVERS

Irrespective 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 COPING

Pool 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 MOSAICS

Glass 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.

OUR POOL TOPSELLERS

& more

View Pool Gallery

July 20, 2021 0 comment

Crema Valencia as the perfect addition to Bondi Luxury Living

Luxury apartments put new shine on Bondi Post Office

We are proud to be a part of this incredible project of new luxury boutique apartments located at the original Bondi Post Office site, footsteps away from the iconic Bondi Beach. Twenty Hall designed by William Smart of Smart Design and delivered by the developer/builder Taylor will retain historically significant parts of the existing building while embarking on a contemporary extension marrying the old and the new. STS Crema Valencia Limestone was selected for interior floors throughout the living areas complementing Bondi’s beachy feel and exquisite natural environment.

May 27, 2021 0 comment

NEW IN: Discover our porcelain series

Discover Porcelain: An excellent complement to natural stone

To be able to offer you the ideal solution for each application, we complement our natural stone range with a handpicked premium selection of porcelain tiles and slabs. A safe alternative that balances aesthetics, functionality and costs.

May 19, 2021 0 comment

Five Major Benefits of Italian Capri Terrazzo

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:

April 1, 2021 0 comment

For All Your Outdoor Natural Stone Needs

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.

Drawing on over two decades in the industry, we can source premium stone from around the world and offer fit-for-purpose products for any build. We carry a comprehensive selection of outdoor stone tiles for walls, floors, driveways, pavers, stepping stones, cut to size pool coping and surrounds as well as stairs with various edge profiles as well as Mosaics from the top producers in the world.

March 3, 2021 0 comment

Beautiful Inside and Out

Most beautiful residential projects using natural stone

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

February 24, 2021 0 comment

Travertine Grigio Chiaro Selected by Vogue Magazine and Master Builders Association

Highlights of the month – Travertine Grigio Chiaro was featured in Vogue Living Magazine as one of Sydney’s most stunning residential projects. We are excited to announce as well that Horizon has been awarded an Excellence in Housing Award 2020 from Master Builders Association for the extraordinary Darling Point Duplex project featuring our travertine tiles.

November 3, 2020 0 comment

Darling Point Duplex

We are excited to be part of this one-of-a-kind project. Take a closer look at our Travertine Grigio Chiaro on the staircase, living room and balcony floors creating a uniform look and flow between the different outdoor and indoor spaces. The walls and floors in the bathroom featuring Terrazzo Capri add a touch of uniqueness. Outdoor the white glass mosaic tiles give the pool a classic fresh white summer look.

July 29, 2020 0 comment

How to handle natural stone once delivered to site

A quick guide:

Ensure that stone is always covered to protect from dirt and elements. If stone was exposed to rain, please allow at least one week to air dry.
Stone removed from crates should be stacked on a small angle against the wall ensuring that there is a corflute or similar underlay beneath the tiles. This will prevent it from unnecessary chipping and damage.
Tiles stacked on top of each other need to be placed either back to back or face to face.
Tiles stacked in columns must have spacers between the columns to avoid chipping. Overhang is also not recommended.
Placing building materials on top of exposed stone should be avoided as this might also cause damage. Same goes for using stone as table- top for drinks or food as it may result in spillage & staining.
Stone might be damaged by the building activity on and around it and should be covered as much as possible until all building works ceases.
If the stone is designated for use on polypads/pedestals, please conduct own assessment using appropriate spacers to sides and the center of tiles to ensure adequate support.
Natural stone is porous and sealing is a vital part of the installation process.
After the stone has been laid & grouted it must be thoroughly cleaned & dried before applying the sealer.

FOR A COMPREHENSIVE GUIDE ON BLENDING, SEALING AND GENERAL UPKEEP OF THE STONE, PLEASE REFER TO OUR GUIDELINES:

Top Installation Guidelines For The Perfect End Result

To achieve a perfect end result here are the top natural stone installation guidelines to understand your product better and to be informed. What you need to know and...

June 22, 2020 0 comment

Natural stone in the bathroom: What you need to know

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

To Bathroom Gallery

June 18, 2020 0 comment

Tips to care for your natural stone bench top

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

Don’t ever sit or stand on your benchtop. Whilst the stone is very strong, the under cabinet or substrate may not be.
Don’t place extremely hot things on your benchtop. Most of the stones are heat resistant but not heat-proof. Always use a hot plate rest or trivet.
Most Natural Stone react on contact with acid, including acids found in food like tomato, fruit juice, vinegar etc. It’s best to use a cutting board or any other form of surface protection when working on it. This will prevent reactions between stone and the acids from different foods as well as avoiding scratches.
Avoid everyday use of abrasive cleaners when cleaning, household cleaners will only remove top polish. It is also important to avoid spilling alcohol drinks or fruit juices as it can etch into the polish. Never leave wet perfumed soaps or aerosol cans on the marble bench tops as they can create stains. Refrain from using sharp objects as they can scratch the surface.
To clean stone bench tops use a pure soap that is diluted in water. For best results when cleaning use a clean soft cloth. Don’t use scouring powders or creams, these products may scratch the surface of the stone.
Majority of natural stones are factory sealed post production, however you may want to ensure it with a second sealing.
Sealing your new benchtop is essential to prevent liquids from soaking in and being absorbed by the material, causing unwanted marks and stains that can be a pain to get rid of.
Resealing is generally recommended every 2-5 years but completely depends on the type of stone you have and how the benchtop is used.
A quick way to check if your natural stone benchtop needs a new coat of sealer is to pour some water on it and see what happens. If the water puddles up on top of the stone – then your sealer is still working. If the water penetrates into the stone – you know it’s time for a new coat of sealer.
Benchtops in Natural Stone provide a beautiful, elegant and classy ambience for many years if they are properly cared for.

View Our Benchtop Gallery

June 4, 2020 0 comment

Indoor, Outdoor Harmony

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.

March 17, 2020 0 comment

Similar but different – Twin houses

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.

September 12, 2019 0 comment

Slip Resistance Guide

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.

May 9, 2018 0 comment