The short version
- Marble: beautiful veining and a wide colour range. Softer, so it needs care with acids and scratches.
- Granite: very hard and durable, good outdoors and for heavy daily use.
- Quartzite: hard like granite, often with the look of marble.
- Onyx: translucent and dramatic, best for pieces that will be looked at and lit.
- Travertine: warm, banded and slightly textured, popular for relaxed, natural interiors.
Marble
Marble is the classic choice for furniture, bathrooms and sculpture. It carries soft or bold veining, and our range includes whites, blacks, browns and greens. Because it is softer than granite or quartzite, it can show scratches and can be marked by acidic spills. Many clients like that gradual patina. Sealing and prompt wiping keep it at its best.
Granite
Granite is a hard, dense stone that resists heat, scratches and weather. That makes it a very good choice for outdoor sculpture, planters, bases and anything that will be handled every day. It comes in deep blacks, whites, reds and speckled patterns.
Quartzite
Quartzite is a natural stone, not to be confused with engineered quartz. It is very hard and can resemble marble, so it is a favourite for dining tables, countertops and bathtubs where you want the look of marble with extra toughness. Some varieties carry strong colour and fine mineral flecks.
Onyx
Onyx is translucent, so it glows when light passes through it. It is used for feature walls, tabletops and bathtubs that are lit from behind. It is a more delicate stone and suits spaces where it will be admired and used with care.
Travertine
Travertine has natural horizontal banding and small voids, which we fill and finish. It gives a warm, earthy look and is often used for coffee tables, consoles and wall panels in relaxed interiors.
How to choose
Ask three questions. Where will it stand, indoors or out? How often will it be used or touched? What look do you want, calm and even or dramatic and veined? Tell us your answers and we will suggest stones and finishes. See what we make on our custom furniture page, or request a quote.