Countertops using Corian are man-made material that don’t look man-made, is more durable and often more affordable than natural stone. Its history dates back to the early sixties and was part of an industry that promised much excitement and promise. The following exchange reflects the enthusiasm at the time. Mr McGuire: I want to say [...]

“Wow!” is what people want to hear after installing onyx. According to Richard McKenzie of Ocean+ Merchant, the stone is thought of as being a fairytale stone – it becomes what you want it to be.  It can be used to add a sense of mystery, set the mood or make a statement.  It is [...]

Sandstone, the signature stone of Sydney, could be considered Australia’s premier building material. It was a source of shelter and protection well before European settlement, and early settlers quickly identified its workability. The survival of some of Sydney’s earliest buildings is a testament to the durability of this versatile stone. Modern manufacturing processes have freed [...]

Tiling pool surrounds and interiors is probably the largest domestic tiling project. According to the SPASA one in four Australian backyards features a pool. Although glass mosaic is the prime interior pool lining, a number of popular natural stone products are highly favoured as poolside paving materials: including bluestone, granite, sandstone and travertine. However, as [...]

The Australian Stone Advisory Association (ASAA) was launched in 2004. In the ensuing 10 years we have received more questions about stone that has stained during or after the laying process than any other single phenomenon. In some instances, it appears that the chosen product is simply too thin. Ironically, it appears that many specifiers, [...]

The areas that encircle many pools are aggressive environments with ingress of water, salts, organic stains, body fats, beverages and foods all having contributory impact. And the natural stone, masonry or concrete products installed are often chosen for their aesthetic appeal without due consideration for their resilience in this environment. Sealing natural stone is done [...]

Stonework and stonemasonry have helped Baron Forge to be a market leader in stone supply in Australia. Baron Forge has made the craft of stonemasonry a key feature in building construction, by creating significant structures, products and spaces using stone. With over 35 years’ experience supplying stone to the construction and building industries, The Baron [...]

Kanmantoo Bluestone quarry is located a short distance from Adelaide (SA). The extracted stone featured in this eye-catching project is approximately six to eight million years old. It should come as no surprise to discover that its warm, autumnal colouring corresponds almost perfectly with the surrounding Adelaide Hills. In spite of its nomenclature the Kanmantoo [...]

An eight-storey building in Melbourne’s CBD that is over a century old had a marble floor, estimated to be half that lifespan, that began to show its age. Stone Doctor Australia received a call from the landlord inquiring if it could restore the floor at the entrance, steps and foyer. The team arrived at the [...]

Gosford Quarries have been quarrying and processing sandstone in Australia for close to 100 years. The company’s products have been widely specified for use in iconic restoration projects, including St. Mary’s Cathedral, Sydney Town Hall and the Parliament Buildings in Melbourne. Its sandstone has also been used in contemporary projects such as the Westfield Tower, [...]