A: Marble and Granite are both quarried from the earth. Although marble’s relatives – Onyx, Travertine and limestone are also quarried from the earth they are very different from each other. The greatest difference lies in the softness, porosity and durability of marble when compared to the harder less porous granite. Reconstituted stone is a manmade engineered stone which somewhat resembles and/or matches durability similar to granite. There are a number of suppliers we work with to bring you the largest range of choices.
A: All of the above companies sell manmade engineered stones with similar qualities, they are only different brands.
A: Unfortunately there is more that goes into the final cost of a project apart from the square metre cost of stone. We quote based on the full project with material, cutting, edge profiling and cut outs whether it be ex-factory or inclusive of installation.
A: We will require a plan/drawing of your project with included measurements to be able to give you a competitive quotation. This can be sent via email, fax or delivered to our showroom. (Please see contact us section). Unfortunately it is very difficult to assume the design of bench tops over the telephone, we therefore require a drawing to ensure we will be including everything the client has requested correctly. We will also require any stone colours you have selected, edge profile requested and what type of basin/sink or hot plate cut outs will be used. If the project is not within the metropolitan area there will be an extra charge for travel.
A: We are not wholesalers. European Marble Centre is a manufacturer of stone. We supply from local importers, manufacture/fabricate and install stone only.
A: You can visit European Marble Centre’s showroom located at 6a Levanswell Road, Moorabbin, Vic. 3189
We are open weekdays from 8am – 5pm and Saturdays 8am – 2pm, We are closed on Sundays.
We are open weekdays from 8am – 5pm and Saturdays 8am – 2pm, We are closed on Sundays.
Covering existing tops with new stone tops is fast becoming a renovators number one choice. In most cases we can quote based on your measurements as usual but for more intricate projects we recommend a site visit to discuss your options. Any projects further than 20km from our Moorabbin office will incur a call out fee.
A: For reconstituted stone products most manufacturers will provide you a 10 year limited warranty. The reconstituted stone warranties will not cover cracking of stone due to misuse or incorrect support. Natural stone does not hold a warranty as it is a natural product. European Marble Centre provides a 14 month warranty on our workmanship. If repairs need to be made due to misuse there will be a call out fee applied and an hourly rate charged per tradesmen required.
A: A: Reconstituted stone is resistant to all kinds of cracks, chips, scratches and stains. However, like most materials, excessive force, high point loads, pressure or heat may cause damage to the surface. Like all surface materials reconstituted stone should be treated with care. It is advised to not place heavy items, stand or sit on bench tops. Reconstituted tops are not sealed due to their nature and it is advised against applying a sealer as this may void the warranty. The surface of reconstituted stone is not touched during processing and will not be sealed. Chips can be repaired but this will need to be based on each individual project.
A: Natural Granite slabs are sealed before installation to your home/commercial project. We allow for 1 – 2 coats based on the colour of the granite as all natural stone will absorb sealers differently. This will help against staining however sealer is only designed as a protective barrier to allow time to clean the surface. Granite does not react with acidic foods, oils, wines as the marble does. It is highly resistant to staining if sealing of the tops is maintained. An annual check is recommended. Like all stones Granite can be chipped or cracked due to misuse, excessive force or high pressure load, care is advised to not place heavy items, stand or sit on bench tops. Chips can be repaired but this will need to be based on each individual project.
A: Limestone is a sedimentary rock which consists mostly of organic material such as shells of marine creatures and natural sediments. It is formed by material that settles to the bottom of bodies of water such as riverbeds. Over millions of year this has solidified to solid rock. This has almost the same qualities as the marble but is slightly softer.
A: Natural marble slabs will require extra care and maintenance. The porosity of the marble is higher than granite. We allow 1 – 2 coats of sealer to marble tops before installation however much more care should be taken on a daily basis. Acidic foods, oils or any citrus scented cleaner should not be left directly on any marble surface. This will cause a chemical reaction resulting in an etched surface of marble. Once the surface is etched it will appear dull compared to the rest of the stones finish. Marbles/Limestone are calcium carbonate, and their polished surface is more vulnerable to household acids. Sealing will need to be repetitive and checked every 3 -4 months depending on the level of use your kitchen will receive. This will help against staining but the sealer is only designed as a protective barrier to allow time to clean the surface. Spills should be cleaned immediately. Like all stones Marble can be chipped or cracked due to misuse, excessive force or high pressure load, care is advised to not place heavy items, stand or sit on bench tops. Chips can be repaired but this will need to be based on each individual project.
A: Marble can be used in a kitchen application but will require more daily care. Marble is softer and has a higher porosity level than the reconstituted stone or Granite which makes it more vulnerable and susceptible to staining and etching. We suggest purchasing additional sealer from our showroom and applying further coats to protect the stone. For more information on this please contact us. As stated above – Acidic foods, oils or any citrus scented/acid based cleaner should not be left directly on any marble surface. This will cause a chemical reaction resulting in an etched surface of marble. Once the surface is etched it will appear dull compared to the rest of the stones finish and its difficult to repair.
A: Do not place any hot pots or electric cooking appliances directly on to any stone including granite, marble and reconstituted stone. This may cause thermal shock resulting in an immediate crack occurring of a hairline fracture which can travel over time.
A: You can clean your stone tops using warm water with only neutral detergents which no acidic properties. We suggest always testing a small inconspicuous area first. In regards to composite stone, follow the suppliers downloadable care and maintenance guide which can be found on our main page. For more information on natural stone please refer to our downloadable natural stone care and maintenance form which can be found on our main page. Specific reconstituted stone cleaners recommended by our suppliers can be purchased directly from the source.
A: Granite, Marble, or limestone that is honed has a matte or satin finish, rather than a high reflective polish. One feature of honed marble is that etching or scratching is less noticeable. It is preferred by some because “honed” stone has a less formal, softer appearance than polished stone. It is recommended in a kitchen application due to high traffic areas and daily use. Most granites you will find will have a polished surface. As the granite does not have the same chemical reaction as a marble there is minimal chance of etching or scratching.
A: Granite always has tiny pits as it is crystalline in structure, They are basically spaces between the various mineral crystals. Granite can sometimes have natural fissures which may look like cracks, They are not structural defects and are a naturally occurring result of the tremendous heat and pressure that formed the granite. A product of nature cannot be expected to look manmade and these characteristics are part of the natural beauty of stone. It will not impair the function or durability of the material.
A: Joins are usually at EMC discretion. They are based on support of stone from cabinets, sink positioning, maximum slab length and maximising use of slab size. This will be determined at time of template measure.
A: We do not have licenced plumbers or electricians these tasks will need to be organised by the client. Templates and substrates to be supplied by a cabinet maker or builder and a site measure by European Marble will confirm all details have been allowed for and are correct. PLEASE NOTE – Substrates can be organized and purchased through EMC at an additional cost.