FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

We use a star rating to give you a guide on the price brackets of stone.

One star being the most affordable and Five stars beging the most expensive.

Please note that this is guide only. For example bench top in a three star stone may not be exactly the same price as another three star stone. This is due to slab sizes, waste, fabrication difficulties and small variations in stone prices.

Engineered Stone is a man made stone comprising of approx. 95% quartz and 5% resin.
It is more resilient than natural granite as it does not have natural faults in the slabs and its very low absorbency makes it more stain resistant and less prone to chipping and scratching.
Engineered stone (Quartz) does not require sealing. Engineered stone in the Marble range does.

Engineered stone as a quartz composite is comparable to Granite.
In the lighter colours engineered stone is a stronger and more consistent product than lighter coloured granites which are generally softer and more porous.

Due to the incredible durability and hard surface it requires considerable effort to manufacture correctly, so it is comparable to most quality granites. S&T Quartz in designed to be extremely competitively priced compared to other Quartz based engineered stones available in New Zealand.

Unlike some inferior stone look products available, Engineered stone is not laminated to a substrate, it is a solid self supporting material manufactured in either 20mm or 30mm.
20mm material is mostly used on mitred edges when a finished look of more than 30mm is required for bench tops or on vanity tops.
30mm material is most often used for kitchen bench tops and fire hearths.
20mm material is most often used for vanity tops, up-stands, splash backs and modern sleak minimalist kitchens.

Granite varies in price.
Generally entry level granites are cheaper than engineered stones but some of the more exotic stones are more expensive.

In order to provide a competitive and accurate quote we need as much information as possible. I.E. polished edges, cut-outs (sink/hob), up-stands, checkouts, window rebates, tap holes, water filter holes, air switches etc.

To submit a quotation to us, click here

Lead-time from measure/template to installation varies due to work load, complexity of work to be undertaken and time of the year. Please contact us for an approximate lead-time for your benchtop.

Yes, in fact we recommend it.
We have a fully covered warehouse where you can view and choose from our entire stock range.

On a 20 or 30mm bench top the underside is honed to achieve a smooth finish. On a mitred bench top a piece of 20mm material is placed on the underside to achieve a smooth finish (solid stone packing)

Engineered Stone & Granite is pot hot heat resistant only (see care and maintenance sheet). We do recommend that pot stands be used rather than placing hot pots directly onto the bench top. While rare, hot pots can cause thermal shock and crack your bench. Heat damage is not covered by your warranty.

Porcelain Surfaces are heat resistant and fine for hot pot placement directly onto the bench top.

The end product we provide is a bench top or vanity – there are too many variables to give a “rough idea” of price.
Edge finish, cut-outs, thickness, waterfall panels, up-stands and site location – are all details we need to know in order to provide a competitive and accurate quotation.

Under normal use and conditions the stone (not marble) is resistant to staining or scratching but do not use as a cutting board, avoid prolonged exposure to oils, acids etc (see care and maintenance sheet).

Marble or limestone based products have a high calcic content that makes it susceptible to heat, staining, scratching & acid degradation. Marble is not recommended or warranted for kitchens.

Not advisable (see care and maintenance sheet).

• Caesarstone is 3000×1400
  (Some colours are available in larger slabs 3340×1640)
• S&T Quartz is 3200×1600
• Xtone is 3280×1540
• Granite slabs vary in size with an average nominal size of 3000x1800mm.

Yes

• S&T Quartz – 10 years
• Caesarstone – 10 years
• Xtone – 10 years
• Granite – 5 Years
• Marble – 5 Years

The lighter coloured engineered stones can be but this is not recommended for the darker colours direct and continuous exposure to UV light may result in oxidation of colour. Engineered stone is not warranted for outside use.

Granite can be used outside but may fade under UV exposure

Xtone is warranted for external use and will not change appearance over time.

We can import any stone to your requirements. An import time of up to 16 weeks is required for special orders.

It is possible to join. Joints are placed in the least visible place while maintaining the integrity of the bench top.
They are visible and the material is epoxy filled (approx. 2mm thick)
Joint position and number is determined by our templater at time of final site measure.
You can nominate preferred join locations. Please note that this may alter the quoted price.

As stonemasons we usually carry out site templating, manufacture and installation only (other work such as carpentry, cabinet making, plumbing and electrical need to be arrange by the customer).
If there is an existing top – everything must be disconnected and removed down to the carcass (organised by the customer).
Any sinks or joints need to cure for 24hrs. Your sink and hob will have to be reconnected by the plumber and electrician or gas fitter (the next day).
We can arrange sub trades for you, should you wish.

to comply with our Health and Safety requirments clear and unrestricted access is required to install your granite top.
This includes clear entrance away from scaffolding and safe driveway access.
You may incur extra charges if a Hi-ab is needed.

Granite, marble, engineered stones and Porcelain have different care and maintenance regimes.
Granite is pre sealed before it leaves the factory and we recommend that it be re sealed annually.
Engineered stone tops do not require sealing.
Porcelain tops do not require sealing.
General daily cleaning for any stone bench top should be done with stone specific cleaners.
These cleaners will not strip the sealer from granite and are pH neutral and therefore will not affect the surface of the bench. pH neutral cleaners are particularly important for marble, limestone and marble based engineered stones. We can supply a comprehensive care and maintenance pack including daily cleaner, heavy duty cleaner, a sealer all cleaning clothes and care and maintenance instructions specific for the stone supplied to the contract.

Care & Maintenance instructions can be found here