Login
There’s no hiding that we love natural stone. When it comes to creating stunning, long-lasting spaces, few rival the beauty and durability of this material. In a recent podcast episode of Building with BuildHer, Shaun Palkhiwala from RMS Traders shared his knowledge on how to select, care for, and make the most of natural stone in your projects. Whether you’re a savvy builder or a developer, natural stone offers a timeless appeal along with practical benefits.
Let’s explore Shaun’s tips and advice on how to choose the best stone, the key features to look for, and how to make your stone investment go the extra mile.
Why Natural Stone?
Shaun’s love for natural stone is clear. “Natural stone has a movement to it—it’s got character,” he explains. This natural variation gives stone its charm, adding depth and warmth to spaces that can’t be replicated by synthetic materials. Whether it’s for benchtops, pavers, or walls, each slab has its own unique aesthetic.
For those concerned with both aesthetics and function, Shaun’s take is simple: “Quartzite is bulletproof.” He stresses that for high-use areas like kitchens, quartzite or granite are some of the most durable options, whereas softer materials like marble or limestone might be better suited for spaces with less wear and tear.
Choose the Right Stone for Each Space
Always match the durability of the stone to how it will be used. For kitchens, go with something tough like quartzite or granite. For decorative areas or bathrooms, marble and limestone offer a soft, elegant finish but require a little more care. Travertine is also a great option for outdoor spaces, as it ages beautifully while still offering durability.
Sealing: A Must-Do for Longevity
One common concern with natural stone is its susceptibility to staining, but as Shaun explains, sealing is key to ensuring longevity. “Sealers are water-based and penetrating, so you shouldn’t even be able to tell they’re there,” he says. The right sealer provides a protective barrier, safeguarding the stone from spills and everyday use. Shaun also advises that sealing can be done DIY or professionally, depending on the size of the project. Professional sealing services typically range between $20 and $30 per square meter, which includes cleaning and sealing.
Ensure you seal especially in areas like kitchens, bathrooms, and high-traffic outdoor spaces and consider resealing every few years to keep the stone in top condition.
Don’t Be Afraid of Variations
One of the biggest advantages of natural stone is the unique variation in colour, pattern, and texture. But that same uniqueness can make the selection process more challenging. As Shaun points out, “Check what you’re getting… come to the warehouse and run your eyes over it.” Seeing a full slab in person or looking at detailed photos ensures that what you get is exactly what you envision.
Variations can be especially pronounced with stones like Tundra, which can range from beige to dark grey. Shaun also suggests, “We can match tiles to slabs, but we need to know ahead of time so we can source from the same block.” This is crucial if you want a cohesive look across different surfaces in your project.
If you’re working on a project where you want consistency, like matching floor tiles with benchtops, communicate this early to ensure everything is sourced from the same block. Always inspect your stone in person or through detailed photos to avoid surprises when it arrives on site.
The Power of Finishes: Transforming Stone with Texture
Natural stone offers incredible versatility when it comes to finishes, and as Shaun points out, this is where you can get creative. From honed (matte finish) to polished (high gloss) and sandblasted (rough, slip-resistant), finishes can completely change the look and feel of the stone. Shaun loves tumbled finishes, which soften the edges and give the stone an aged, vintage look that’s perfect for outdoor areas or rustic interiors.
“By playing with textures, you can make one stone look like ten different stones,” Shaun explains. Sandblasted finishes, for instance, mute bright colours and create a soft, subtle effect—ideal for outdoor spaces where grip is important. Adding a slate brush finish over sandblasting enhances the texture while making it easier to clean.
If you’re designing outdoor areas, opt for rougher finishes like sandblasting for slip resistance. For sleek, modern interiors, polished or honed finishes are ideal. Tumbled finishes are great for adding warmth and texture, especially in heritage or rustic projects.
The Importance of Careful Planning
Working with natural stone requires planning and careful communication with your supplier. Whether you’re looking to match different areas or achieve a seamless bookmatch design, Shaun emphasises the importance of specifying your needs early in the process. “You can have a stunning, seamless design, but we need to know ahead of time,” he advises.
Plan for Wastage
Shaun also stresses the importance of understanding wastage. With larger tiles, especially in small spaces like bathrooms, you may end up wasting more material due to cuts. “For smaller spaces with large tiles, I’d recommend 20% wastage,” he advises, compared to the standard 10% for larger spaces with smaller tiles.
For smaller spaces with large tiles, consider ordering more to ensure you have enough material. Also, be sure to check all deliveries carefully to confirm you’ve received the correct quantity and quality before installation.
Natural Stone in Outdoor Spaces
Travertine, limestone, and slate are all excellent choices for outdoor spaces due to their natural durability and resistance to weather. Shaun points out that travertine, in particular, has been used for centuries, making it a proven material for patios, pool areas, and pathways. “Travertine is timeless,” Shaun says, “and it wears beautifully over time.” Its natural pitting gives it a distinctive character, while its slip-resistant surface makes it ideal for outdoor use.
Slate is another favourite for outdoor spaces. “It’s bulletproof,” Shaun says, explaining that while slate requires proper installation, it offers incredible durability and aesthetic appeal. With the right finish, it can add depth and texture to patios, driveways, and even interior spaces like fireplaces.
Natural stone is a timeless, durable material that can transform any space, indoors or outdoors. From the variety of finishes to the natural beauty of each slab, Shaun from RMS Traders highlights how stone can add character, durability, and even value to your projects.
As Shaun says, “It’s all about knowing what you can and can’t do, and working with the stone to make something truly beautiful.” Whether you’re looking to create a stunning kitchen, a warm outdoor area, or a sophisticated bathroom, natural stone is a worthy investment.
You can listen to the full podcast episode here where Shaun shares so many more nuggets of insider tip gold!
Ready to bring the timeless beauty of natural stone into your next project? Visit one of RMS Traders’ three showrooms or explore their online portal to find the perfect slab for your home:
