Is Carrara Marble Infinite?

/in , /by

The team from GBC just got back from a trip around Italy. We spent a day driving through the vast, undulating mountains and quarries of Carrara. The Carrara region is famous for it’s most beautiful white marbles – since it’s discovery there has always been a huge demand for it around the world.  These quarries have produced marble for 2000 years and will (we hope) for 2000 more.

As marble is a natural resource, it’s common to wonder when it will run out or if there is enough to go around. The amount of cut blocks, slabs and installations around the world really suggests an infinite supply. Although due to it’s natural foundations, marbles are precisely finite, there is plenty of evidence that the marble beds in this region are so plentiful we may as well consider them infinite. Beds of premium grade Carrara Marble are speculated to exist over 5000 feet above sea level, as well as far below. The amount of high-quality material yet to be cut from the quarry is so vast that despite lengthy efforts, experts are not able to determine it.pantheonfront

We also need to consider it’s history, the quarries in Carrara have produced the most marble in the entire world. Carrara marble has been quarried and used for art and architecture since the days of Ancient Rome. The famous Pantheon Temple was built with marble blocks, which dates between A.D 118 and 125.  It is known that at one time the marble quarries in Carrara were under the ownership of the Bishop of Luni, the chief Roman city as far back as 1183. From this time and throughout modern history, it remains to be one of the best materials available for sculpture and buildings alike.

 

So we’re lucky! Carrara and all it’s lovely marble is here to stay.

 

 

5 Things You Need To Know About Porcelain Slabs

/in , , , /by

Porcelain slabs are revolutionising the use of stone in commercial and home design. Overcoming the traditional pain points that natural stones can encounter, porcelain slabs are carefully engineered to be characterised by practicality, adaptability and beauty. Porcelain slabs perform excellently and could even be considered superior to natural stone.  Due to a special customised set of properties, porcelain slabs are an impeccable option for basic, traditional and advanced architectural applications – for a fraction of the price.

Here are 5 key points that you need to know about porcelain slabs.

Heat and stain resistant

The practicality of having ceramic surfaces in the home is unquestionable – they require almost no maintenance. By nature porcelain is non-porous, liquids do not seep into it. Rather, they sit on the surface and spills can be cleaned up a simple wipe. Unlike marbles, they do not scratch, etch or dull from spills, heat or high temperatures.

Thin and light

Porcelain slabs are perfectly flat, and much lighter than natural stones – while being amazingly structurally sound. Its lighter weight allows for easy installation and trickier applications. It is perfect for vertical installation such as splash backs, wall coverings or building exteriors.

Cost effective

 As porcelain is a ceramic, the cost of the material is considerably lower cost than marble, granite or quartzite. In general the labor costs are higher, as more specialisation is required and there is less margin for error. However in saying that – the large sizes of the slabs do minimise cutting and labor costs. Porcelain slabs can also be installed over existing surfaces – so when renovating you do not need to rip everything out of your kitchen – saving again on cost.

Eco-friendly

The production of porcelain is a carbon neutral process. Having porcelain surfaces in your home or business is ecologically sound and friendly. They do not require any harsh chemical treatment – they are cleaned simply with water and a cloth. Porcelain does not emit contaminants due to careful product design and structure. Porcelain does not allow the growth or build up of any harmful bacteria or mould.

Consistent patterning

The tiles are made to mimic the organic patterning of highly sought after natural granites and marbles. As it is man made, the veining looks organic but is wonderfully seamless. Due to the continuity from slab to slab, unsightly joins are minimised resulting in a consistent flowing surface.

Marble or Granite? A Comparison

/in , , , /by

Choosing the right stone for your project is a big deal! If you’re building or renovating your kitchen or bathroom, granite and marble are likely options you are considering. The choice can be daunting, but the good news is both types of stones boast their own qualities, and each is absolutely stunning.

Granite

  • A natural stone with a speckled appearance, available in a range of colours and  dynamic variations in colour and pattern
  • More cost effective
  • Lower-budget options
  • Less maintenence
  • Stronger and harder than marble
  • Less prone to scratches, stains, acid and heat
  • Available in a range of finishes

White-granite-Kitchen

Marble

  • A natural stone with an unique aesthetic, typically light creamy coloured with dark veins throughout.
  • Luminous and luxurious look
  • More expensive
  • More maintenance
  • More prone to scratches, stains, acid and heat.
  • Softer than granite and more absorbent
  • Sensitive to acidic foods such as vinegar, lemon, tomatoes, wine, some cleaners, mildew removers and other materials commonly found in the kitchen or bathroom.
  • Finished is dulled easier
  • Limited colour availability

Marble-Kitchen

Here at the Granite Benchtop Company, we recommend granite for any application in the kitchen area. This is because most spills occur in these areas, especially with acidic products. Marble is an excellent and beautiful choice for those who don’t mind a little extra care and maintenance! Marble can be a superb stone to use in home areas than are used less, such as the bathroom or laundry. Often the chemicals we use in these areas are less harsh than those in the kitchen.

If you have any inquiries about granite or marble, just get in touch.