Please Pick Your Stone First (Before Choosing Any Other Colours)

If you’re renovating or building in Australia and dreaming of a show-stopping kitchen, start with the stone. Everything else should follow it.

Short answer: Natural stone varies a lot—between blocks, batches and even slabs. If you choose cabinetry, paint and tiles first, you’ll likely rework them later. Start with the actual slabs you’ll buy, then build your palette around them.

Why stone comes first

• Complexity: Natural stone = complex undertones and movement. Man-made = uniform. Natural stone slabs require in-person looking at the actual material you're purchasing

• Batch differences: “Same name” ≠ same look. Different blocks can run warmer, cooler, greener, creamier.

• Hero surface: The benchtop/splashback anchors the kitchen. Everything else should harmonise with it.

• Avoid rework: Lock the slabs, then lock the colours—once.

Samples can mislead

• Tiny + out of context: A 100 mm chip can’t show vein rhythm or crystal fields.

• Different batch: Your sample may not match what’s in stock.

• Rule: Use samples to shortlist. Make final decisions in front of full slabs.

The low-stress order of decisions

1. Shortlist stones (vibe and colour family).

2. Visit warehouse; view full slabs under real light.

3. Reserve the exact slabs (block + slab numbers).

4. Bring cabinetry/tap samples to the slabs; tune colours to the stone.

5. Finalise benchtop details (edges, finish, joins) → then confirm paints, tiles, hardware.

If you must pick stone last

Minimise risk by selecting more consistent, commonly stocked materials:Tundra Grey, Turko Argento, Super White, Ovest Grey, Portsea Grey, Calacatta, Bianco Carrara, Colonial White, Champagne (often sold as “Taj Mahal”), Esmeralda (often sold as “Emerald Haze”). Still view current batches before you confirm colours.

Common mistakes (skip these)

• Matching to Pinterest/old phone photos (lighting and filters lie).

• Designing a whole scheme from a small chip.

• Assuming name = identical look across quarries/blocks.

• Picking man-made “just to be safe” when your heart wants natural.

Pro tips

• Photograph with notes: Shoot slab number + whole-slab + close-ups.

• Check undertones in daylight: Step outside if possible.

• Design for yield: Keep island within common slab lengths; it can save a slab.

• Hold policy: Ask how long slabs can be held while you finalise joinery.

Visit & select your slabs (Clayton South)

See full slabs in person, compare colours in real light, and check lengths for your island.

Address: 9 Eileen Road, Clayton South (Melbourne)

What to bring (optional): 

• Cabinetry/tap samples

• Slab count estimate

• Plans

Walk-ins: Welcome

FAQs

Why pick stone first?

Natural stone (quartzite, marble, granite, dolomite, limestone, travertine) varies by block and batch. Picking colours before you’ve chosen the actual slabs often forces a rework later.

Do samples match the slabs I’ll buy?

Not reliably. Chips are tiny and often from different batches. Use them to shortlist only—make final decisions in front of full slabs.

How different can batches be?

Very. Undertones can swing warm/cool; veining can tighten or open up. Names don’t guarantee identical looks across blocks.

Can I reserve specific slabs?

Yes. Ask to hold by block number. Holds are time-limited—confirm the window and next steps before you lock other finishes.

What if my cabinetry colours are already chosen?

Bring those samples to view current slabs. If the match isn’t right, adjust the paint/stain (easier and cheaper than compromising on stone).

Which stones are more consistent if I must pick stone last?

Look for commonly stocked, tighter-range materials (e.g., Tundra Grey, Turko Argento, Super White, Ovest Grey, Portsea Grey, Colonial White, Champagne/Taj-Mahal style, Esmeralda). Still verify in person.

What should I bring to slab viewings?

Cabinetry, flooring, tile, and tap samples; rough slab count; island length. Check colours in natural light if possible.

Will finish change how the colour reads?Y

es. Polished looks crisper/brighter; honed softens and can mute contrast; leathered/antiqued adds texture and can darken tone. Re-check your palette against the finish you’ll order.

Can you vein-match or book-match?

Often, yes—if the block yields matched slabs and your design/layout allows it. Tell us early; it affects slab selection and yield.

Maintenance basics (all stones):

Seal as recommended, wipe spills, use pH-neutral cleaners, avoid acids on calcareous stones (marble, dolomite, limestone, travertine).

Can I cut directly on the benchtop?

Use a board. Hard stones can dull knives; softer stones can mark.

What if the slabs I liked sell before I decide?

That’s common if material doesn't have a securing deposit placed on them. Either hold them formally with a deposit or be ready with a Plan B palette. Availability changes—another reason to pick stone first.