ATTILA
Natural Stone & Porcelain FAQs
Like most of our clients, you'll have lots of questions about our natural stone and porcelain products. As the largest warehouse and supplier of natural stone and porcelain in Australia, we know a thing or two about each of our products. While we can't answer all your questions here, hopefully, these FAQs will help. Whether you're considering renovating your home, designing a new space, or simply exploring the world of stunning materials, we're here to provide the information you need. From the durability of our stones to the maintenance requirements of our porcelain tiles, we've got you covered. Dive into our comprehensive FAQs to discover the beauty, versatility, and timeless appeal of Attila's natural stone and porcelain collection. Reach out to our team for more information.
BOOK A STONE CONSULTATION
Natural Stone FAQ's
Natural stone comes in many styles and can suit both a traditional and contemporary setting. It is a very adaptable material that is at home in a country cottage as well as an urban townhouse or apartment. Ideal for hallways, kitchens, dining rooms, conservatories, pool area, patios, bathrooms and increasingly being used in living areas and bedrooms. Stone goes well with other natural materials such as wood and works particularly well with underfloor heating.
There are various types of stones that are used for interior, exterior and decorative purposes. The most well known ones are Marble, Granite, Travertine, Limestone and Basalt Stone (Bluestone). The very nature of natural stone is that no two pieces are exactly alike. Your project will be completely unique.
The characteristics of the stones can allow you to differentiate between each stone. Marble obtains its different colours from the minerals and chemical elements in the stone and therefore has more striking colours and veins. Hence, marble can be white, gray, black, red, green, pink, banded and mottled. The resultant stone is a smooth and very hard substance highly suited to polishing.
Travertine on the other hand is dominated by beige and neutral colours. It is available in various finishes such as honed and tumbled, and is suitable for both interior and exterior. Over the years, travertine has become a popular use in outdoor areas, especially wet areas as they have excellent grip characteristics.
Limestone tiles are an aesthetically pleasing option for use on walls and floors and offer a distinctly natural and luxurious look. The colour tones are usually creamy or white and can come in both polished and honed finish. This product is ideal for a clean and sophisticated look and for those who like less variation.
Granite is one of the most familiar uses with kitchen bench tops or commercial buildings. Few natural stones are able to offer this kind of quality and practicality. It can be recognized by the specs through the stone.
Bluestone is a volcanic rock and therefore very hard, which has a low porosity. It can come in various finishes such as honed, satin, sawn cut. This stone is very popular and versatile when it comes to its use.
Not exactly. Stones vary in price for number of reasons, such as the capacity of its quarry, it production volume and their colour variations. Some of the world’s best stones are less expensive due to their enormous reserves. As a wholesale company, at Attila’s Natural Stone and Tiles, we buy in bulk in order to gain economies of scale to provide competitive prices.
Generally, tile and stone for a “field” area is calculated by the square meters.
No. A fully qualified tiler can lay a natural stone product.
Although experience with natural stone can be an advantage. Ask our staff for more information and referrals.
All of our stones have been laser cut, meaning you will achieve finish that is suitable for tighter finish or butt jointed. Depending on each stone the grout size can vary.
The common surface finishes include :
- Polished. A reflective (sometimes mirror-like) surface achieved through grinding, sanding and buffing. Bringing out stronger colours within the stone.
- Honed. Semi polished although not as reflective, more of a low sheen. Doesn’t show scratches as much as polished surfaces and therefore more suitable for heavier traffic areas.
- Flamed. Rough and bumpy texture created by heat torching the surface.
- Sandblasted. Rough pitted texture created by submitting stone to a high blast of sand
- Brushed. Textured surface to give an antiquated appearance.
- Tumbled. Rough finish to give an aged look
- Hammer bashed. A bush-hammered finished is created using a purpose-built high impact device to create an evenly textured surface. The texture creates a non-slip surface ideal for high traffic outdoor areas.
Other finishes include : Sawncut, Patanato and Satin.
Picking the right one is mainly personal taste, however, any projects that are exterior we recommend you use a non-polished finished.
At Attila’s Natural Stone and Tiles various sizes are available which each product including slabs. The most common sizes include:
- 150 x 300
- 250 x 250
- 300mm x 300mm
- 305 mm x 305 mm
- 400mm x 400mm
- 406×406
- 457x 457 mm
- 400x 600
- 400 x800
- 457 mm x914 mm
- 450 x 900
- 500mm x 500mm
- 500 x 700
- 500×1000 500x 1080
- 600 x 200
- 600mm x 300mm
- 600mm x 400mm
- 600mm x 600mm
- 600x 900
Our stones are also available in slab sizes varying between 1.3 – 3m (with sizes in between)
The thickness of each stone varies between 10, 12, 15, 20, 25 and 30 mm.
*Note: each product comes with specific standard size. Please ask staff for more details.
Some stones like Travertine have natural holes as a result of sedimentary minerals. These voids or holes can be left unfilled to give an even more natural look to the floor. They are also available as filled Travertine or you can grout the holes when you grout your joints.
The beauty of a natural stone floor is that you can choose a stone with natural colour variation. This variation means that the colour will have depth and will not be flat. Stone with a colour variation is terrific for not showing dirt.
Not at all. Once your natural stone is installed, finish and sealer are applied. After that, sweeping and wet mopping are all the maintenance that is usually required. Removing spills using diluted bleach to remove marks and routine cleaning and scrubbing of the surface will keep surfaces looking good for longer. Our staff will be glad to recommend the proper sealants for your stone type
We recommend you seal your tiles for easy maintenance, which will not only protect your tiles but also the discoloration of the grout.
Sealing your stone can also help against efflorescence, salt attack, unsightly staining, reinforcement rusting and picture framing.
We recommend impregnating sealers as they allow the natural to breathe and maintain stone strength. Impregnating sealers have a natural finish and therefore will not change the colour or the variation of the stone.
Yes, just ask our friendly staff to help you achieve your masterpiece.
Yes, many estate agents agree that investing in a beautiful, long-lasting natural stone will reflect in the asking price of your property.
Porcelain FAQ's
There is a growing concern over the health risks associated with engineered stone benchtops due to the increased risk of developing silicosis among workers who cut and file the stone. Silicosis is a long-term lung disease caused by inhaling fine dust containing silica. The popularity of engineered stone benchtops with a high silica content is believed to contribute to the rise in silicosis cases. Modeling by Curtin University predicts a significant number of Australians developing silicosis and lung cancer due to silica dust exposure. DIY renovators who handle lightweight, silica-containing engineered stone products are also at risk. The government health and safety ministers are considering banning engineered stone, and the Federal Workplace Relations Minister has asked Safe Work Australia to assess the potential ban. The CFMEU, a national construction union, supports the ban, citing the unsafe working conditions associated with working on engineered stone. The alternatives to engineered stone include choosing natural stones with lower percentages of silica or porcelain.
Porcelain tiles are made from refined clay and fired at high temperatures, resulting in a dense and durable material. Terrazzo tiles and slabs, on the other hand, are made by embedding chips of marble, quartz, or other materials into a cement or epoxy binder, creating a unique patterned surface.
Yes, both porcelain and terrazzo tiles and slabs are versatile and can be used for indoor and outdoor applications. They are highly resistant to moisture, temperature changes, and fading, making them suitable for various environments.
Porcelain tiles and slabs offer several advantages. They are highly durable, resistant to stains, scratches, and wear. They are also low-maintenance, easy to clean, and available in a wide range of styles, colors, and finishes. Porcelain tiles are also known for their excellent water resistance, making them ideal for bathrooms and kitchens.
Both porcelain and terrazzo tiles and slabs are known for their exceptional durability. Porcelain tiles have a high breaking strength and are resistant to impact, making them suitable for high-traffic areas. Terrazzo tiles and slabs are also strong and long-lasting, capable of withstanding heavy foot traffic and use.
Yes, porcelain and terrazzo tiles and slabs are excellent choices for high-traffic areas. They are designed to withstand heavy use without showing signs of wear and tear. Their durability and resistance to scratches make them ideal for commercial spaces, hallways, and busy residential areas.
Porcelain tiles are highly resistant to stains due to their low porosity. They do not absorb liquids or contaminants easily, making them resistant to staining. Terrazzo tiles and slabs, when properly sealed, also offer good stain resistance. However, it's important to clean up spills promptly to maintain their stain resistance.
Porcelain tiles and slabs are relatively low-maintenance. Regular sweeping or vacuuming, followed by damp mopping with mild detergent, is usually sufficient. Terrazzo tiles and slabs may require occasional resealing to maintain their appearance and protect against stains. It's best to follow the manufacturer's recommendations for maintenance.
Yes, porcelain and terrazzo tiles and slabs can be installed over existing flooring in many cases. However, it is important to ensure that the existing surface is structurally sound, clean, and free from any loose or damaged materials. Proper surface preparation and leveling may be necessary for a successful installation.
What are the design options available for porcelain and terrazzo tiles and slabs? Both porcelain and terrazzo tiles and slabs offer a wide range of design options. Porcelain tiles can mimic various natural materials like marble, wood, or concrete, and they come in various sizes, shapes, and finishes. Terrazzo tiles and slabs allow for unique patterns and color combinations, providing a versatile and customisable design solution for floors, walls, and other surfaces.
