The building has been in need of upgrades and modernization, but it’s good to hear that the marble facade will remain. Marble imparts a serious demeanor to this important building, and is also classic and timeless. The current exterior will be preserved on three sides, which is also a positive for iconic government buildings. It’s also durable and doesn’t fade like many other building materials, so hopefully the Supreme Court’s marble will remain for many years to come.

Marble and other natural stones can be a great look for your home, too. Marble exteriors are unusual in private homes, but floors and counters are both great places for natural stone. Many people prefer granite for kitchen counters as it’s more scratch-resistant than marble. However, marble has its own advantages in that it can be sealed to prevent staining, and is easier to repair.

You can also have smaller stone features like fireplaces or benches. Marble is very versatile and comes in many different colours and patterns to suit the interior or exterior of your home. And adding marble to your home will give it the same timeless and classic look of traditional buildings such as the Supreme Court. Natural stone is also easy to clean. You’ll love the look and feel of marble in your home so stop by today and look at our showroom.

The post Historic Marble to Remain On ACT Supreme Court Building appeared first on MJG Stone.

1. Durable and Lasting

When you’re building something, you want it to last. Everyone knows marble is a great material to make statues out of, but did you also know that marble is waterproof and heat resistant?

This makes it a particularly good material to use to enhance your bathroom surroundings or use to create a luxurious mantle that your family can cherish for generations. In fact, marble is an ideal material to use in the foyer, bathroom, flooring, or hearth because it’s waterproof and heat resistant qualities allow you to create a warm, inviting, elegant feel that will hold up to the test of time.

2. Style

Natural stone can be polished, honed, or even flamed for a different texture and look that is unique to you. Polished stone will give you a high gloss reflection that brightens a room.

The polished look is suitable and well-loved for walls, furniture tops, and even floor tiles. Honing the stone will give you the same smooth finish, but without the gloss and it is perfect for high traffic zones such as stairs. Flaming the stone gives it a rough texture which can give your home a personality all its own.

Marble is one of those unique materials you can truly make your own. It comes in an array of colours, veining designs, and thickness. It can be cut to fit an array of surfaces to make the most of your personal style.

Marble’s durability is guaranteed to last in commercial buildings or homes for many, many generations to come.

The post Two Reasons Why Marble Is Right For You appeared first on MJG Stone.

There are some natural materials, though, that simply cannot be replaced by anything synthetic. That includes marble and stone – two beautiful materials that even after hundreds of years of use in building, continue to have a lot to offer.

First, there’s the look. Nothing can quite compare to real stone or marble fixtures, floors, accents or other features. To be blunt, most alternatives that are supposed to imitate the appearance of marble or stone look exactly like what they are – imitations.

Second, marble and stone are very durable. It’s true that using marble or stone can be a bit of an investment, but chances are, marble and stone will last longer than most other materials you might choose.

In other words, the initial investment of selecting marble or stone will pay off in the end because it won’t have to be made again for years and years.

Finally, using marble and stone is likely to increase the value of your property. That’s because people are attracted to the first two reasons we mentioned – appearance and durability. Prospective buyers see a marble counter top or real stone tile and know that it will be there for years to come, with very little maintenance needed to keep it looking as lovely as it does now. They are willing to pay for that.

If you are looking for a supplier of stone and marble, please feel free to contact us at MJG Stone, Queensland’s premier provider of these materials.

The post Why Selecting Marble or Stone for Your Home Improvement Project Makes Sense appeared first on MJG Stone.

First, many people consider them to be beautiful. Factory-produced counter tops and artificial flooring materials, for example, have a stifling sense of sameness. Since granite, marble and the like are natural, no two pieces look quite alike. This adds a sense of uniqueness and authenticity to a space. Granite and marble also add a sense of understated elegance and sophistication. Since these materials are so beautiful on their own, they do not really need much embellishment.

Also, granite, marble and other types of stone are an enduring investment. With proper care, they can last forever, and since they add a very timeless look to your space, they improve the resale value of your property.

Now, selecting the source for your stone is very important.

First, you need to make sure your supplier offers quality product. What we said earlier in this post only applies if the stone you are purchasing is of excellent caliber. Poor-quality or flawed material will not look nice and won’t add any value whatsoever.

Second, whichever company you select should offer more than just raw material. MJG Stone, for example, offers free measuring and quotes. If you are buying stone, then you are making an investment and a no-frills approach isn’t quite appropriate in that context.

As we mentioned earlier, stone can last forever, so you need to make sure that your supplier is going to be around in case you have questions or need service. If you get the idea that a stone supplier is just dallying in selling marble and granite, that operation may not be a good choice.

For more information on granite, marble and other stone, or about MJG Stone in general, please feel free to visit our website.

The post Why It Matters Which Marble and Stone Supplier You Choose appeared first on MJG Stone.

With so much information out there about the different types of stone sealer and how to apply it, it is easy to become overwhelmed. Here is a brief guide to sealing your stone surfaces, so that they keep looking beautiful for longer.

Why do I need sealer?

Sealing your stone surfaces is important to reduce damage from liquids and oils. However careful you are, spills do happen. Even if they are cleaned up quickly, some liquid can still seep through and damage your stone. Sealing gives your stone surfaces an added layer of protection by repelling moisture and keeping it out of the stone.

If you have a stone bench top or floor and you aren’t sure whether or not it has been sealed, you can tell by dropping a small amount of water on it. If the water forms into little beads, the stone has been sealed. If it doesn’t bead, then it probably hasn’t been sealed and you should take steps to protect it.

What type of sealer should I use?

It is a good idea to get professional advice regarding what kind of sealer to use for your particular surface. Different types of stone require different kinds of sealers, and there are a number of commercially available preparations. The right sealer will depend on the porosity of your stone, its acidity levels and a number of other factors. You can either buy a stone sealer and apply it yourself, or find a technician to seal your stone surfaces for you.

How do I seal my stone?

To effectively seal your stone surfaces you need to make sure the stone is clean and dry, and apply the appropriate sealer evenly across the surface. Let it dry for at least 24 hours after applying. If you are unsure what to do or want to make sure the job is done to the highest standard, you can engage the services of a professional to seal your stone surfaces for you.

Your stone is an investment and it makes sense to protect it and keep it looking great for as long as possible. Sealing is a straightforward way to help reduce the risk of damage, and preserve your stone’s appearance well into the future.

The post A Brief Guide to Stone Sealing appeared first on MJG Stone.

Cosentino is a leading manufacturer of engineered stone for use in kitchens and bathrooms. Its Silestone brand products are made of 94% quartz, and they have a unique bacteriostatic protection, which isdesigned to reduce the spread of bacteria.

The bacteriostatic protection is provided by silver ions, which help keep surfaces cleaner and more hygienic. This protection is particularly useful for kitchen bench tops, but benefits can be seen in bathrooms and other areas as well.

How does bacterial resistant stone work?

The Silestone bacteriostatic protection is made using silver ions that are integrated with the stone during the production process. When bacteria come into contact with the surface, the silver compounds are activated. The silver ions interact with the bacteria, and affect their reproduction mechanisms. This can help reduce the spread of bacteria across the surface, and potentially lead to a more hygienic environment.

What are the other benefits of engineered stone?

Engineered stone surfaces can have a number of benefits, including that they are easy to clean, stain resistant and can be engineered to be more hardwearing and scratch-proof than natural stone. The impact resistance of surfaces such as Silestone also means that it is safe to put heavy items such as pots and pans on it. It is also less likely to break or become damaged.

Engineered stone can also come in a number of different colours and textures to match the colour scheme of your home. Silestone has over 60 different colour options, so you can be sure to find a match no matter what colour you are looking for. As Silestone is made from quartz, it is extremely hardwearing and resistant to damage, which means that it is a perfect material for kitchen and bathroom bench tops, floors and wall cladding.

If you want to find a surface for your kitchen or bathroom that is hygienic, long lasting, durable and looks great, Silestone engineered stone with bacteriostatic protection could give you everything you need.

The post Silestone Bacterial Resistant Engineered Stone appeared first on MJG Stone.

Natural granite

Natural granite bench tops can last a lifetime if you follow a few simple care instructions:

• Always wipe up spills as quickly as possible, as granite is porous and can get easily damaged from absorbing too much liquid. Applying a sealer to the stone can help reduce its porosity, but doesn’t eliminate it altogether.
• Take care not to use harsh cleaning products on granite, particularly if they are acid-based like vinegar. Find neutral detergents, and wipe over stains and spills quickly before drying.
• Don’t sit on your granite bench tops, or put anything heavy on them, as this could crack the stone and weaken it.
• For extra protection, consider waxing your granite bench tops every 6-12 months with a liquid wax solution.

Engineered stone

Engineered stone can be easier to care for and maintain than natural stone, but there are still a few things you should know if you want to keep your engineered stone bench tops looking their best for as long as possible.

• Avoid harsh detergents or solvents. To clean your engineered stone bench top, wipe it over with warm soapy water.
• Avoid long period of exposure to heat, as this can damage and weaken the stone. If you are taking hot pots and pans off the stove, it is best to place them on a heat pad or trivet rather than directly on the stone.
• For the removal of dried-on food, scrape with a sharp knife or spatula and then wipe clean with a mild detergent, or cream cleaner and a soft cloth.

Whatever type of stone you have on your bench tops, it is important that you protect it and carry out repairs if some damage does occur. Taking care of your engineered stone and natural granite bench tops is fairly straightforward, and means that you can enjoy the look and feel of the stone for a lifetime.

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