Stone Buying Guide
Choosing natural stone can feel complicated – there are more varieties, finishes and care requirements than any other material we sell. This guide breaks it all down in simple, friendly language so you can feel confident choosing the right stone for your home, your lifestyle, and your budget.
Key Information
Every natural stone falls into one of two broad groups. Dense, low-porosity stones – bluestone, granite and slate – are naturally hard-wearing and suit high-traffic areas, paving and pool surrounds with minimal fuss. Softer, more porous stones – travertine, limestone, sandstone and marble – are prized for their natural warmth and character, but need regular sealing and gentler care to look their best. No two stones are exactly alike, so understanding which group you're working with is the fastest way to know what to expect.
Select a stone type below for a brief run-down:
How to Choose the Right Stone (Start Here)
1. Where is the stone going?
- Poolside, paving or garden paths?
- A feature wall, facade or fireplace?
- Indoors only, or indoor-outdoor flow?
2. How do you use the space?
- Heavy foot traffic, bare feet by the pool?
- Happy to reseal every so often?
- Want a low-maintenance, set-and-forget surface?
3. What's your budget?
Best value: Sandstone, Limestone
Great all-rounder: Bluestone, Slate
Premium natural feature: Marble, Granite
Not sure? Bluestone and travertine are the most popular choices for Australian outdoor and alfresco areas.
Bluestone
Bluestone is a fine-grained volcanic stone with a naturally dark, blue-grey tone and a subtle, consistent texture. It's one of the toughest natural stones we stock, which is why it's such a popular choice for pool surrounds, driveways, paths and other high-traffic areas across Australia. People choose bluestone when they want a hard-wearing, timeless surface that can handle constant use without losing its good looks.
- Naturally dense and low-porosity, but sealing is still recommended to guard against staining
- Available in honed, textured or split finishes depending on the application
- Can get hot underfoot in direct summer sun around pools
Travertine
Travertine is a warm, honey-toned stone formed near mineral springs, giving it a distinctive pitted texture that can be left open, honed and filled, for a smoother finish. It's a favourite for alfresco areas and indoor-outdoor flow because the same warm tone works beautifully on both sides of the sliding door. People choose travertine when they want that classic, holiday-villa look at home.
- More porous than bluestone or granite, so sealing is essential
- Filled travertine gives a smoother, easier-to-clean surface than unfilled
- Best avoided in areas with constant standing water unless well sealed
Limestone
Limestone is a soft, sedimentary stone in gentle, even tones, giving it a calm, understated look that suits feature walls and cladding especially well. It's generally softer than bluestone or granite, so it's best suited to feature applications and lower-traffic floors rather than busy walkways. People choose limestone when they want natural texture and colour without a heavy, dramatic feature stone.
- Softer surface, so best kept off high-traffic floors
- Porous – sealing is required to protect against staining and etching
- Well suited to feature walls, cladding and lower-traffic interior floors
Marble
Marble is the most premium stone in our range, prized for its striking natural veining and smooth, luxurious finish. It's an indoor-only stone, chosen for feature walls and premium interiors where its beauty can really shine. People choose marble when they want a genuine statement piece, and are happy to give it the extra care it needs to stay looking its best.
- Softer and more prone to scratching or etching than other stones on this list
- Sensitive to acidic spills (wine, citrus, vinegar) – wipe up quickly
- Indoor use only; not suited to outdoor exposure
Slate
Slate is a naturally layered stone with a distinctive split-face texture, giving walls and cladding a rugged, architectural feel. It's a genuinely hard-wearing stone, so it holds up well outdoors and in cladding applications where texture and shadow matter as much as colour. People choose slate when they want a raw, tactile finish that feels grounded and permanent.
- Naturally textured surface – great for grip, but can trap dust in crevices
- Sealing recommended to reduce staining, especially outdoors
- Split-face pieces can vary more in thickness than honed stones
Granite
Granite is one of the hardest natural stones available, formed under intense heat and pressure, which gives it exceptional strength and a fine, speckled texture. It resists scratching, heat and general wear better than almost any other stone, making it a reliable choice for cladding and feature applications that need to perform as well as they look. People choose granite when longevity matters as much as looks.
- Among the most scratch and heat-resistant natural stones
- Naturally dense, but sealing is still recommended to guard against staining
- Heavier and denser than most stones, so check installation requirements
Sandstone
Sandstone is a soft, sedimentary stone with warm, earthy tones and a naturally grainy texture. It's one of the more affordable natural stones we stock, making it an accessible way to bring genuine natural stone character into cladding and feature applications. People choose sandstone when they want that organic, sun-baked look without a premium price tag.
- Softer and more porous than bluestone or granite
- Sealing is required to protect against staining and moisture
- Best suited to cladding and feature applications rather than heavy-traffic floors
Quick Comparison
| Feature | Bluestone | Travertine | Limestone | Marble | Slate | Granite | Sandstone |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Best use | Cladding, paving, pool surrounds, high-traffic areas | Cladding, alfresco floors, indoor-outdoor flow | Cladding, feature walls, lower-traffic floors | Feature walls, premium interiors | Cladding | Cladding | Cladding |
| Durability | ★★★★★ | ★★★★ | ★★★ | ★★★ | ★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★ |
| Sealing required | Recommended | Yes | Yes | Yes | Recommended | Recommended | Yes |
| Indoor/Outdoor | Indoor & outdoor | Indoor & outdoor | Indoor & outdoor | Indoor only | Indoor & outdoor | Indoor & outdoor | Indoor & outdoor |
| Cost | $$–$$$ | $$ | $–$$ | $$$ | $$ | $$–$$$ | $ |
Sealing and maintenance needs can vary by finish and application – always check the specific product page or ask our team.
You're Ready to Choose
Every home and application is different – but with this guide, you now understand what each stone is, why people choose them, what to consider, and how to compare them at a glance.
If you still need help, our team can walk you through options and recommend the best fit for your space. Want expert help? Book a free Measure & Quote, or visit a showroom – we'll make choosing stone easy.