How to Choose the Right Stone Surface for Your Home – A Practical Guide from Gen Stone Experts

Introduction: The Art of Being Functional
Choosing stone surfaces is not only about colour or trends — it’s about selecting the right material that matches your lifestyle, your space, and your long-term goals.
At Gen Stone, we guide homeowners to make informed decisions and avoid costly mistakes. This guide walks you through the key steps when choosing stone for kitchens, bathrooms, living spaces, and outdoor areas.

1. Understand Your Lifestyle & Space Requirements

Begin with how the surface will be used:

• Is it a high-traffic area like a kitchen benchtop?

• Will it be exposed to heat, UV, or constant water?

• Do you cook daily, or mainly entertain occasionally?

Understanding your habits helps narrow down the right material — from ultra-durable porcelain to natural-stone-look, to zero-silica engineered options.

2. Know the Stone Material Types

At Gen Stone, we specialise in premium, safe, and future-proof surfaces:

• Porcelain slabs

• Extremely strong

• UV-resistant

• Zero silica

• Suitable for indoor & outdoor

• Sintered stone

• High performance

• Beautiful marble-like veining

• Excellent durability

• Zero-silica engineered surfaces

• Safe for installers

• Fully compliant with Australian 2024 stone regulations (≤1% crystalline silica)

❌ Avoid high-silica engineered stone (now prohibited in Australia).

3. Consider Maintenance & Long-Term Care

Each surface has different care requirements:

• Porcelain → non-porous, stain-resistant, no sealing needed

• Natural marble → beautiful but can stain/scratch, requires sealing & regular care

• Low-maintenance preference?
  → Choose materials that are easy to clean and do not need sealing

4. Match Colour & Pattern to Your Design Vision

Use stone as a focal design element:

• Light tones (Pearl White, Taj Mahal)
  → Brighten small spaces, pair well with timber & brass

• Bold veining (Arabescato Vagli, Amazon Emerald)
  → Ideal for luxury or minimalist interior statements

• Neutral greys (Jura Grey, Rock Cement)
  → Perfect for modern or industrial styles

5. Don’t Forget the Technical Details

Important specifications to check:

• Thickness: 20mm standard (thinner/thicker options available)

• Edge details: mitred edges, waterfall ends, or shadow-line finishes

• Fabrication feasibility:
  Some materials handle curves, mitres, or detailed edges better than others

6. Ask the Right Questions Before You Buy

When speaking with your supplier or stonemason, ask:

• Is this surface 100% zero silica?

• Can it be used outdoors?

• How resistant is it to heat/stains/scratches?

• Can I view the full slabs before fabrication?

• Do you provide technical datasheets?

At Gen Stone, our team offers clear technical guidance to ensure you choose confidently.

Conclusion: Make a Confident Choice

The ideal stone surface should balance design, durability, and safety.
Gen Stone provides a wide range of premium porcelain and zero-silica options — meaning you never have to compromise.

Whether you’re renovating a kitchen, upgrading a bathroom, or building your future home, we’re here to guide you.