Is Natural Stone for You?

Considerations for Natural Stone in Your Home

When you install natural stone in one or more areas, you are making an investment in upgrading your home. There are several things you should consider prior to making your choice.

Do You Want an Elegant and Classy Look?

The appeal of natural stone does not date. The use of natural stone in your bathroom, kitchen, living room, outdoor living space, or other areas around your home will instantly add class and elegance.

What Finish and Effect Are You Looking for?

Natural stone comes in many different finishes. Granite & Stone Gallery can advise you on what finish will best suit your application, depending on your choice of stone.

If you want an architectural look, and don’t mind that it can be hot under foot, Granite paving is for you, whereas Travertine & Limestone is much cooler under foot but has a warm appearance.

Do You Like Something Striking?

Natural stone has the Wow factor. It has many applications – inside your home as floor tiles and kitchen benchtops and outside as pool paving & pool coping, alfresco & patio areas, driveway paving and cladding a feature wall. Granite & Stone Gallery can supply custom ordered materials in larger formats or special shapes to be used in and around your home.

Do You Want Something That Can Last?

When cared for correctly, Natural stone has longevity and will outlast any other material in your home.

Do You Want to Work with A Reputable Company?

When you choose to work with Granite & Stone Gallery you are working with the owner directly. We specialise in Travertine, Limestone and Granite natural stone paving and have done so for over 17 years. Our experience isn’t just in supplying paving – we can offer you valuable advice on choice of materials and colours to suit your application, as previously we were involved in the construction of swimming pools.

Tips for Correct Installation of Natural Stone Pavers

Preparation

  • Ground Preparation: Ensure the ground is properly compacted using a plate compactor. This step is crucial for the longevity and stability of the installation.

Laying Natural Stone vs. Traditional Pavers

  • Butt Jointing: Unlike traditional pavers, natural stone is laid without gaps or tile spacers, known as butt jointing.
  • Avoid Plate Compactor on Finish: Do not use a plate compactor over the stone once installed, as it may chip or crack the natural stone.

Wet Laying Method

  • Preferred Method: Wet laying is recommended for natural stone.
  • Cement Bed: Use a bed of bricklayer’s cement (yellow sand and grey cement) 20 to 30mm thick. This bed provides a solid and even base for the stone.
  • Flat Laying: Ensure each stone is laid flat to create a smooth surface.
  • Preventing Weeds and Ants: This method helps prevent weeds and ants like traditional pavers that have sand swept into the joints.

Important Considerations for Natural Stone Installation

Avoid Using Certain Materials

  • Cracker Dust, Crusher Dust, or Blue Metal Dust: These materials are not recommended for the base or bedding layer in natural stone installations.

Potential Issues

  • Drainage Problems: These materials can hinder proper drainage, leading to water accumulation.
  • Stone Decay: Poor drainage can cause stones to decay, particularly around saltwater swimming pools. This decay is often referred to as salt attack.
  • Staining: These materials can cause iron staining on the stones, affecting their appearance.

Warranty Implications

  • No Warranty: We do not provide a warranty for installations where Cracker Dust, Crusher Dust, or Blue Metal Dust have been used, due to the high risk of failure associated with these issues.
  • No Warranty: We do not provide a warranty for installations when stones have been installed on a sand base and or plate compactors have been used to bed them onto the sand.

Following these recommendations will help ensure the longevity and beauty of your natural stone installation.

Sealing

We use and recommend the following Crommelin commercial grade sealer or can recommend reputable contractors to undertake this important and necessary part of the installation to protect the stone.

– Stain Guard (water based – minimal colour change)
– www.crommelin.com.au
– 1800 655 711 (Crommelins 7-day technical advice)

NATURAL STONE DISCLAIMER

Natural Stone products are a naturally occurring material and may vary in colour, veining and texture which is beyond our control. Whilst best endeavors are made in the supply of natural stone materials as close as possible to samples given, some variations may occur.

Please consult with Granite & Stone Gallery prior to your next purchase for advice, tips, sealing and installation techniques to ensure your purchase meets your expectations.