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Learn about stone

Get up to speed with the terminology

When planning your project, it's important to know what material best suits your application and what design choices are available to you. Knowing the basic principles of our work processes can also help you when discussing your requirements and expectations with us.
getting it right

state-of-the-art templating*

*Either Point Cloud or Laser Templating depending on the application.
Templating refers to the stage of accurately measuring a project for stone. Traditionally, physical patterns were made using pieces of board, laboriousy trimmed to fit the cabinetry and adjoining walls. These templates would then need to be transported to the workshop to be traced onto the stone for manual cutting; a slow, inaccurate and unsafe process. Although many stonemasons still use this outdated method, ArteStone employs the latest technology of laser scanners to computer generate templates for input directly into CNC machinery, saving time, inaccuracy, wastage and exposure to risks.
point cloud templating*
★★★★★
CAD drafting
★★★★★
CNC cutting
★★★★★
installation
★★★★★
Watch this on video
result
★★★★★
INDUSTRY FAVOURITES

STANDARD EDGE FINISHES

affordable. universal.
20mm square- polished
Perhaps the most common edge type, this style can be used in almost any application. It is simple, cost effective yet still extremely attractive, particularly with natural stone where the intrinsic beauty of the material is enhanced by polishing.
attractive. popular.
40mm mitred-apron
Modern fabrication technology now makes it possible to seamlessly mitre and glue built-up edges, giving the appearance of thicker stone whilst costing only marginally more than 20mm Polished. 40mm is by far the most common Mitred-Apron size and is highly popular in contemporary kitchens.
versatile. traditional.
40mm laminated
This edge type has been largely superceded by 40mm Mitred-Apron, however it still has its application where curved edges are involved. It is not as seamless and cost effective as Mitred-Apron, however it is the solution for curved styles and can be used in combination with Mitred-Apron if applicable.
MODERN. MINIMALISTIC.
MITRED DROP-FRONT
Most commonly used for wall-hung vanities, this style is fabricated in exactly the same way as 40mm Mitred-Apron, except in custom sizes. Here, edge depth is entirely a matter of choice, so it is great for those who want a unique design of their own. It can be used in almost any application.
A bit of luxury

special edge finishes

Smooth. bespoke.
20mm Full-Bullnose
An option deserving of more credit, 20mm Bullnose encapsulates the simplicity of 20mm Polished whilst delivering a softer, more bespoke look. Perfect for a cottage style decor and window sills.
ComplimentING.
20mm Half-Bullnose
Very similar to 20mm Full-Bullnose except that the profile is a single radius rather than a half circle. This design can be used in its own right or as accompaniment to 20mm Full-Bullnose, for example along the top of a splashback where the edge follows the wall.
classic. timeless.
20mm lamb's-tongue
Lamb's-Tongue is unparalleled in its beauty and usefullness. It can be used as a standalone element, for added luxury, or combined with other profiles to create stunning, custom colonial edges.
Prestigous. Stylish.
40mm double half-bullnose
A great way of creating antique charm without going overboard. 40mm Double Half-Bullnose certainly adds an element of prestige to a high quality, traditional kitchen or bathroom.
Suggested Combination 1
Luxurious. VErsatile
40mm colonial
There is no doubt about the decadence of this style. The only limit is one's imagination! These examples are just some of many options that can be had by combining Lamb's-Tongue, Square-Polished or Half-Bullnose to create custom designs. You could even combine three profiles to create a 60mm edge!
Suggested Combination 2

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQS)

Care of Stone & Porcelain surfaces

Is it possible to scratch Stone or Porcelain?
Yes. However it is scratch resistant in varying degrees, depending on the type. Common materials can be ranked from hardest (1) to softest (12). Generally a material cannot be scratched by one with a ranking lower than it. 1. Sintered Stone* 2. Porcelain* 3. Quartzite** 4. Manufactured Stone* (formerly engineered stone) 5. Granite** 6. Glass* 7. Stainless Steel/Kitchen Knife* 8. Concrete/Terrazzo* 9. Travertine and Dolomite** 10. Marble** 11. Limestone* 12. Laminate*, Timber** & Solid Surface* **Natural Product. *Manufactured Product
Is it possible to chip Stone or Porcelain?
Yes. Generally, the harder and more scratch resistant a surface is, the more susceptible it is to chipping, with the exception of metals which are more prone to denting. This is not to say that Stone or Porcelain is likely to chip in general use. However, forcefully striking Stone or Porcelain with a hard object can cause it to chip.
What can I use to clean my stone?
The best cleaning agent for stone is regular, domestic cream cleanser. Methylated Spirits can also be mixed with the cream cleanser to increase its cleaning effectiveness if desired. Never rub the surface vigorously with cream cleanser or anything else abrasive. Regular, mild surface sprays can also be used so long as they are wiped off promptly and the manufacturer's instructions are followed.
Are there cleaning agents I should avoid using on stone?
Yes. Never use acidic or oily cleaners, such as vinegar or essential oils to clean stone, particularly when it comes to softer natural stones like Marble. Also avoid strongly caustic agents such as dishwasher liquid, laundry detergent and rinse-aid.
Do some types of stone stain easier than others?
Yes. Generally, the harder the stone, the less porous it will be and the less likely it will be to stain. Porosity refers to microscopic holes (or pores) in the surface of the material. The more holes, the greater the porosity and the ability to absorb and retain foreign substances (stains). Scratching is the effect of causing a hard, foreign object to damage these pores at a microscopic level.
Can some substances damage stone by etching?
Yes. Particularly acidic and alkaline substances such as vinegar and lemon juice or dishwasher/laundry detergent and rinse-aid can dull the surface of stone, but again this depends upon the porosity and the duration of exposure. Sintered stone, Porcelain, Mineral Surface and Granite have low porosity so that corrosive substances cannot easily penetrate and react with the material. On the other hand, softer, more porous materials such as Marble and Limestone are very susceptible to surface corrosion.
Can the gloss finish of my stone effect its stain and etching resistance?
Yes. The shinier the suface, the more its pores have been mechanically leveled, blended and filled with microscopic particles of itself. Therefore the pores are essentially "closed" to foreign and corrosive substances.
Does my stone need to be sealed prior to use and during it's lifetime?
It depends. Most stones upward of granite in hardness, do not benefit from the application of a chemical sealer. In fact due to the low porosity of these materials, sealer can be detrimental because it tends to remain on the surface and not be absorbed. On the other hand, stone types softer than granite usually need periodic applications of a fit-for-purpose sealer to fill the surface pores and prevent foreign substances from entering.
Is stone heat resistant?
Yes. All stone surfaces are heat resistant but not totally heat proof. The temperature levels encountered in usual domestic circumstances are not high enough to melt or discolour natural stone. However, man-made products such as Manufactured Stone and Engineered Stone contain resins and inks which can scorch or burn at some of the temperatures produced domestically. This means that they can discolour under intense heat or when exposed to actual flames, disintegrate or catch fire.
Are there other ways heat can affect stone?
Yes. To avoid cracking, never place an item hotter than 100 degrees celsius directly onto stone. As it is a comparatively brittle material, all stone can be affected by thermal shock. Thermal shock occurs when the material encounters sudden or irregular temperature changes within, causing particles to expand and contract at differing rates. This translates to internal stress, in other words, the particles expand in some parts more than in others. If enough particles in a concentrated area, happen to expand at once and push each other apart, the result will be a crack.
Can sunlight damage stone?
Rarely. Man-made products such as Mineral Surface/Engineered Stone are susceptible to fading in sunlight due to the presense of synthetic pigments and dyes. Natural products which do not contain these substances, are not prone to discolouration in sunlight. However, fluctuating warmth from sunlight or artificial sources can cause any type of material to expand and contract. In very rare cases this could result in delayed thermal shock and cracking of stone.
Can I stand or sit on my stone benchtop?
No. Exerting heavy loads on stone benchtops of any kind is strongly discouraged. Although stone can withstand extremely high compressive pressures, it cannot flex at all so unsupported parts can easily crack under strain.
Engineered Stone & Silicosis

What is Engineered Stone?
According to Safe Work Australia's Model WHS Regulations, Engineered Stone is legally defined as an artificial product that: - Contains crystalline silica; and - is created by combining natural stone materials withother chemical constituents such as water, resins orpigments; and - undergoes a process to become hardened
What is Silica?
Silica, also called silicon dioxide, is a naturally occurring and widely abundant mineral that forms the major component of most rocks and soils.
What is silicosis?
Silicosis is a lung disease caused by significant amounts of Respirable Crystalline Silica (RCS) being breathed deep into the lungs over a prolonged period of time (usually years). It causes inflammation and scarring of the lung tissue that reduces the lungs’ ability to take in oxygen.
Is all silica, Respirable Crystalline Silica (RCS)
No. Silica is divided into two main groups, crystalline silica and amorphous silica (non-crystalline silica).
Can all forms of silica cause silicosis?
No. Only crystalline silica causes silicosis and the particles must be small enough to enter the lungs (respirable). Amorphous silica cannot cause silicosis.
Does amorphous silica cause serious health problems.
No. Any breathing difficulties caused by exposure to concentrated amounts of amorphous silica dust are temporary and totally reversible. There is no scientific evidence to show that amorphous silica can damage the lungs.
Can amorphous silica be used to create an equivalent product to Engineered Stone?
Yes. Engineered stone products are transitioning to contain amorphous rather than crystalline silica as a raw material. This will mean that it can no longer be legally defined as engineered stone. Many brands are using the term "Mineral Surfaces" to describe the new amorphous silica (0% RCS) products however we use "Manufactured Stone" as a general term.
Can I contract silicosis from engineered stone already installed in my home and under normal use?
No. Engineered stone can only produce RCS while it is being cut, ground, polished or drilled. It is impossible to contract silicosis from engineered stone in its undisturbed state.
Are there government publications verifying these FAQs available online?
Yes. The following links provide factual information relating to Engineered Stone, silicosis and the rules and regulations relevant to it: Safe Work Australia - https://www.safeworkaustralia.gov.au/safety-topic/hazards/crystalline-silica-and-silicosis/questions-and-answers-about-prohibition-use-engineered-stone CDC - https://wwwn.cdc.gov/Tsp/ToxFAQs/ToxFAQsDetails.aspx?faqid=1492&toxid=290#bookmark09
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