STONE TABLE TOPS

HOW PRACTICAL IS A STONE TABLE TOP?

​At Abacus Tables, practicality is paramount. While the innate durability and resistance characteristics vary between marble, granite, and quartzite, we ensure that all our stone tabletops meet the highest standards of practicality.

While marble is naturally more prone to staining, etching and heat damage than granite and quartzite (granite being the most naturally resistant), we offer an ultra-protective finish that makes each slab stain-proof, heat-proof, and etch-proof. As such, all of the stones we offer make incredibly practical and durable tabletop surfaces that will retain their natural beauty and durability indefinitely.

It’s important to note that the scratch resistance of marble, granite, and quartzite differs due to their innate hardness. Marble, the softest, scores a 3-4 on the Mohs Hardness Scale (numbered 1 to 10), whereas granite and quartzite score 6-7 and 7, respectively (for reference, diamond scores a perfect 10, being the hardest natural material on earth). While our protective finish can shield against stains and heat, nothing can alter the innate hardness of the stone. As such, we always recommend treating your stone dining table with care to avoid scratches. However, if scratch resistance is a big consideration for you, granite and quartzite are both great options.

Read more about the durability and characteristics of each stone here.

Rest assured, the practicality of our stone tabletops is as enduring as their beauty, making them the perfect addition to any interior.

STONE TYPES AND FINISHES

We offer a range of marble, granite and quartzite stone slabs, all specifically selected for their distinctive, vibrant and eye-catching colours and patterns.

Common types of marble typically feature soft veins and subtle patterns which can vary in colour. Quartzites generally have a similar appearance to marble. Granite typically presents a uniform and speckled look and an even more extensive colour range. However, it’s important to note that the difference between the three isn’t always obvious, especially as we offer rare examples of each stone. This means that the common description of each isn’t sufficient to cover the speciality stones that we offer, so we recommend you view the full range available (regardless of stone type) to find the perfect slab for you.

There are three finishes available. These are:

Polished – A glossy, reflective surface.

Honed – A smooth surface, less reflective surface that feels like an eggshell.

Satin – A slightly rippled surface that has a texture similar to orange peel.

However, the finishes available are determined by what is most suitable for each stone slab. This suitability is established on a slab-by-slab basis and not on the type of stone. For this reason, we recommend focusing on colours and patterns, and then we can advise on the finish options available.

HOW DO THEY COMPARE IN PRICE?

You can think about natural stones in the same way as diamonds – what makes a particular stone special is its rarity and appearance. While the price range of natural stones varies widely depending on these factors, there is a general belief that quartzite is the most expensive and that granite is the most affordable. However, our selection goes beyond the more common types of these stones, as we primarily focus on rare slabs. Therefore, it’s important to note that certain granites and marbles can actually be more valuable than some of the more common quartzites.

Overall, the value and beauty of natural stones are not solely determined by their type but also by their unique qualities and rarity. With our carefully curated collection of natural stone slabs (and access to many more), we can help you find the perfect stone for your space.

We’ve categorized our natural stones into three price bands to help you navigate your options: Band A, Band B, and Band C. Our selection in Price Band A includes more commonly found stones like Carrara Marble, while our Price Band C features rarer examples.

Click here to see all stones and price bands.

Click here to see all stone prices with all leg designs.

STONE SLAB SIZES

Stone slabs are normally quite wide, typically ranging from 1.5m-1.9m in width. In terms of length, the majority of slabs range between 2.5m-2.9m, but there are also some around the 3.5m mark. If you’re looking for an extra large stone dining table, we can offer book-matched tabletops: two mirror-image stone slabs set end to end. You can also expect a thickness of approximately 20-30mm, depending on the slab.