Is marble good for Melbourne kitchens?
Yes. Marble remains a top choice for luxury Melbourne kitchens thanks to its timeless veining and elegance. It does require sealing and care, but for homeowners who prioritise beauty, marble is unmatched in prestige.
Which stone is more durable: marble or granite?
Granite is generally more durable than marble. It is harder, scratch-resistant, and less porous, making it ideal for high-use kitchens. Marble is softer and needs more care, but offers unmatched luxury appeal.
Is quartzite a good alternative to marble in kitchens?
Yes. Quartzite combines the look of marble with the durability of granite. It resists scratches and etching better than marble while maintaining elegant veining. In Melbourne luxury kitchens, quartzite is increasingly popular for homeowners who want marble-like beauty with less upkeep.
Is limestone suitable for kitchens?
Limestone is softer and more porous than marble or granite, which makes it less ideal for heavy-use kitchens. However, it is excellent for fireplaces, feature walls, and flooring where a soft, natural look is desired. At Pazzi, limestone is often used in living areas and statement architectural elements.
Is quartz better than marble for benchtops?
Engineered quartz (e.g., Caesarstone, Silestone) is more consistent, stain-resistant, and low-maintenance than natural marble. However, quartz doesn’t replicate the unique veining and prestige of natural marble. Many Melbourne homeowners choose marble for feature pieces and quartz for utility surfaces.
Is granite or quartzite better for outdoor kitchens?
Granite and quartzite are both excellent for outdoor kitchens. Granite is more widely available, but quartzite offers superior resistance to UV and weathering. Both stones withstand Melbourne’s climate better than marble or limestone outdoors.
Which stone is best for flooring in luxury homes?
- Marble: Elegant, but requires sealing and care.
- Granite: Hardwearing and durable, suitable for high-traffic floors.
- Limestone: Softer, natural look, popular for feature floors.
- Porcelain / Dekton: Engineered, highly durable, slip-resistant options.
At Pazzi, the choice depends on the aesthetic vs. functional balance of the home.
Is natural stone good for staircases?
Yes. Natural stone adds grandeur to staircases. Marble creates dramatic entrances, granite ensures durability, and quartzite offers a balance of beauty and strength. Engineered options like Dekton can also be used for minimalist, modern designs.
What is the best stone for a fireplace surround?
- Marble: Timeless and elegant, perfect for statement fireplaces.
- Granite: Strong and heat-resistant, excellent for functional fireplaces.
- Limestone: Soft and textured, ideal for rustic or Mediterranean-style homes.
Pazzi often designs custom fireplace surrounds in marble or limestone for Melbourne residences.
Is limestone durable enough for bathroom walls and floors?
Limestone can be used in bathrooms but must be sealed properly to resist moisture. It offers a soft, natural look ideal for feature walls and vanities. For high-moisture areas, porcelain or Dekton may be more practical.
What’s the difference between Dekton, Neolith, and porcelain?
All three are engineered stones:
- Dekton: Ultra-compact, heat and scratch-resistant, ideal for kitchens, floors, and outdoors.
- Neolith: Lightweight, durable, and available in large slabs, perfect for walls and façades.
- Porcelain: Affordable, versatile, widely used for splashbacks and floors.
Pazzi is one of the few Melbourne fabricators specialising in all three advanced materials.
Which stone adds the most value to a Melbourne home?
Marble remains the top value-adding stone for prestige buyers. Granite and quartzite are valued for durability, while limestone is prized for architectural features. For modern builds, Dekton and Neolith also add value due to their resilience and sustainability.
Can I mix different stones in one home?
Yes — in fact, it’s common. Many Melbourne homes feature:
- Marble on kitchen islands.
- Granite or quartzite on workbenches.
- Limestone on fireplaces or feature walls.
- Porcelain/Dekton on floors and outdoor spaces.
Pazzi specialises in designing harmonious multi-stone applications across entire homes.