How to Choose the Right Stone Surface for Your Home

A Practical Guide from the Gen Stone Experts

Introduction: The Art of Being Functional

Selecting the right stone surface is more than just picking a colour or following a trend — it’s about finding the surface that complements your lifestyle, enhances your space, and supports your long-term goals.

At Gen Stone, we help homeowners make confident, informed decisions — and avoid costly mistakes. This practical guide walks you through the key factors in choosing the perfect stone for your kitchen, bathroom, living area, or outdoor space.

1. Understand Your Environment and Lifestyle

Start by asking the right questions about how and where the surface will be used:

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

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

• Do you cook daily or only entertain occasionally?

Your lifestyle will determine the best material — whether it’s ultra-durable porcelain, high-performance sintered stone, or a zero-silica engineered surface designed for safety and compliance.

2. Know the Material Types

At Gen Stone, we specialise in high-quality, sustainable, and regulation-compliant materials:

• Porcelain Slabs: Strong, UV-resistant, zero silica, and suitable for both indoor and outdoor use.

• Sintered Stone: Premium aesthetics with natural marble veining and exceptional durability.

• Zero Silica Surfaces: Safe for installers, environmentally conscious, and fully compliant with the 2024 Australian silica regulations.

⚠️ Avoid high-silica engineered stone (now prohibited in Australia). All approved materials must contain less than 1% crystalline silica.

3. Consider Maintenance and Care

Each material comes with its own maintenance requirements:

• Porcelain: Non-porous, highly resistant to stains and scratches, and does not require sealing.

• Natural Marble: Visually stunning but prone to staining, etching, and scratching — requires regular sealing and care.

If you prefer a low-maintenance home, choose surfaces that are easy to clean and don’t require special sealants or cleaning products.

4. Align Colour with Your Design Goals

Your stone surface should complement and anchor your interior design:

• Light tones (e.g., Pearl White, Taj Mahal) make small spaces feel larger and pair beautifully with timber or brass.

• Bold veining (e.g., Arabescato Vagli, Amazon Emerald) adds drama to modern or luxury interiors.

• Neutral greys (e.g., Jura Grey, Rock Cement) suit industrial or minimalist spaces.

Always review full slabs under natural light to ensure you love the tone and pattern movement in real conditions.

5. Don’t Overlook Practical Details

Before fabrication, check these essential technical aspects:

• Thickness: Standard 20mm (custom options available).

• Edge profiles: Mitred edges, waterfall ends, or shadow-line finishes can elevate your design.

• Fabrication compatibility: Some materials perform better with curves, mitres, or large panels.

6. Ask the Right Questions

When speaking with your supplier or stonemason, make sure to ask:

• Is this product 100% zero silica?

• Can it be used outdoors?

• How heat-, stain-, and scratch-resistant is it?

• Can I view the full slab before fabrication?

At Gen Stone, we provide detailed technical datasheets, product comparisons, and expert guidance to ensure complete confidence in your selection.

Conclusion: Make a Confident Choice

The perfect stone surface balances design, durability, and safety.
With Gen Stone’s porcelain and zero-silica collections, you no longer have to compromise between aesthetics and responsibility.

Whether you’re renovating your kitchen, designing a new bathroom, or building your dream home, our experts are here to help you make the right choice — beautifully, safely, and sustainably.