Rock on: A guide to using different types of stone
Sarah Comerford is mad about marble. “I can’t get enough of it,” says Home by belle’s design director who knows her Calacatta from her Carrara. “It’s tactile, versatile and it can take the heat in a kitchen,” she adds. But it’s not the only rock on her mood boards. Depending on the project, as well as the demands of an individual space, Comerford draws from a vast cache of natural stones, sweeping slabs and super-luxe tiles to ornament her forever homes. Here, she shares her take on selecting the perfect stone for your renovation.
Material: Marble
Wow factor: “I like to use marble everywhere, from kitchen benches and splashbacks to vanity tops to a fireplace – any type of surface really,” she says. “It’s a natural product, it ages with the home and it has a completely different feeling when you touch it.” Another major draw is its chameleonic power: there is a world of difference between delicate tiles and dramatic slabs. “Just changing the size of the marble can really alter the effect,” she adds. At the new HBB showroom in Sydney’s Willoughby, Comerford topped two benches with an expanse of opulent green and white marble from Italy.
Upkeep: Whether it’s honed or polished, marble is a porous material prone to etching and staining. It definitely requires a little TLC. “Yes there is a chance that it will stain quicker than engineered stone, but it can be brought back to life by polishing it,” she says.
Material: Granite
Wow factor: Sparkling, sustainable and available in a variety of finishes, fabrications and shades, granite remains the most popular choice for countertops. “As one of the toughest stones on the planet, it’s extremely durable and heat-resistant,” Comerford says. When choosing a profile for your granite benchtop, look beyond cascading “ogee” edges of the past, which can appear fusty and dusty. “It depends on how the stone mason fabricates the stone. Choose from modern-looking 20mm, 40mm, pencil, chamfered or waterfall edges.”
Upkeep: Resilient to scratches, stains and sizzling hotpots, granite can be conveniently wiped down with a damp cloth. Dry the surface with a dry, soft cloth and buff to restore it.
Material: Quartzite
Wow factor: Made entirely of mineral quartz, this impressive stone is even harder than granite, resists staining and scratching, and is available in a wide array of colours. It’s also resistant to mould and bacteria, making it ideal for wet rooms. “It tends to have more a pebbly, decorative look which can be stunning,” says Comerford. And if you happen to squirt it with a little lemon juice or vinegar, you don’t need to be concerned – unlike marble.
Upkeep: Use a sponge and mild detergent to remove even the most stubborn stains and dried spills. This stone is remarkably resilient and fuss-free.
Material: Terrazzo
Wow factor: Terrazzo is trending. A composite surface made up of chips of marble, glass and stone set into cement, it has a distinctive speckled and sparkled appearance. Lately, terrazzo has graduated from floors to furnishings. “It has an amazing aggregate look and it comes in a lot of different forms,” says Comerford. “You can use it for surfaces, feature walls and floors, but I would be more inclined to use it as tiles.” We recently completed a laundry in Sydney’s Northbridge decked out in whimsical pink terrazzo tiles. This novel take on a wash room, pictured below, gives its owner endless joy.
Upkeep: While the surface is durable, it does need protection from stains and absorption. Once sealed, terrazzo should be cleaned with a neutral pH cleanser.
Material: Limestone
Wow factor: As a sedimentary material, limestone is formed by layers of small pieces of rock, stones and marine organisms pressed together. “I tend to use it in tiles and pavers as a hard surface on floors,” says Comerford. “It creates a natural rustic look, as opposed to sharp, defined edges. It’s nice underfoot, especially around a pool or outside entertaining areas.”
Upkeep: Limestone needs to be sealed against the elements if you want to get the longest life possible. Wipe up stains immediately since they can become permanent if not taken care of.