Frequently Asked Questions

Does natural stone require sealing?

All unsealed stone, even granite, is porous to some degree and absorbs stains over time. Some stones are more porous than others, so it is a good idea to use a sealer to prevent stains from soaking into the surface, particularly around BBQs and other oily areas.

Can I seal the stone myself?

Yes you can seal the stone yourself. For detail on how and which products to use, please see the Sealers page in the products section of our website.

Why use natural stone over reconstituted stone or concrete?

Natural stone is aesthetically pleasing, cleans without difficulty, offers several finishes and hundreds of colour choices and patterns, and resists scratching, burning or charring from hot items. It can also be easily fabricated, using curves, arches and 90-degree angles, and at Granite Works we specialise in made-to-order pieces.

In addition to this, concrete and reconstituted pavers are often made with a releasing agent in order to stop them from sticking to the mould, which can result in these pavers “popping” or unbinding from the glues and grouts used to hold them. Natural stone, when installed correctly using the appropriate glues and grouts such as the Mapei products found on this website, should not react in this way.

Will the colour fade over time?

No. Unlike concrete, natural stone is colour fast and will remain the same colour for as long as you have it.

What can I use natural stone for?

Natural stone is incredibly versatile, and can be used for a range of uses, including but not limited to driveways, paving, internal tiling, walling and water features. If you are not sure whether natural stone is suitable for your project, contact our sales team via the Contact Us page on our website.

 Will my natural stone chip or crack?

Natural stone is an incrdeibly resilient material and as such should not under normal circumstances chip or crack. However should you drop a very heavy or sharp object on it it can damage the surface. This can usually be repaired.

Can I install my stone paving  on a sand or crushed rock base?

It is possible to install natural stone on a sand or crushed rock base however we do not recommend this. For best results, stone should be laid on a concrete slab.

Is natural stone more expensive than concrete?

In most cases, natural stone in very price competitive with concrete, with the added benefit of being able to custom manufacture to your unique specifications, along with a wider range of colours and finishes. Ask one of our sales team for your quote and compare it for yourself.

How do I maintain my stone?

The use of your stone and the type of stone can effect what you need to do to maintain it. Please see our Cleaning and Maintenance page for more information.

I know Granite Works only supplies A-Grade Quality stone, but how can I tell if my stone is not A-Grade Quality?

There can be a number of signs that can indicate your stone quality. Please see this page.

What happens when I place my order?

Granite Works focuses on quality and communication when receiving your order. For more detail please see this page.