Design Guide
Recommendations & Technical Information
Page 1
Caesarstone Design Manual
© 2014 Caesarstone Australia Pty Ltd. All rights reserved.
No parts of this work may be reproduced in any form or by any means - graphic, electronic, or
mechanical, including photocopying, recording, taping, or information storage and retrieval systems without written permission from Caesarstone Australia Pty Ltd or Laminex New Zealand.
This manual supersedes all previous manuals. Content is subject to change at any time without notice.
Caesarstone is a registered trademark of Caesarstone Sdot-Yam Ltd.
The information and data set forth herein is intended for use by persons having appropriate technical
skills and knowledge and for utilisation at their own discretion and risk. We accept no responsibility
for and disclaim all liability for any dangerous or harmful effects or outcomes that may be caused by
fabrication and installation of our products.
Products that are referred to in this document may be either trademarks and/or registered trademarks
of the respective owners. The publisher and the author make no claim to these trademarks.
Notice
This document is intended only as general guidance and while every precaution has been taken in
its preparation, the publisher and the author assume no responsibility for errors or omissions, or for
damages resulting from the use of information contained in this document. Under no circumstances
shall the publisher and/or the author be liable for any loss, damage, loss of profit or any other
commercial damage caused or alleged to have been caused directly or indirectly as a result of any
person relying upon any information contained in this document.
No guarantee or warranty of any kind, express or implied, is made of merchantability, fitness for a
particular purpose or otherwise.
Trademarks
Caesarstone®, the Caesarstone® logo, Caesarstone® graphics, icons and graphic symbols are
registered trademarks and/or service marks of Caesarstone Sdot-Yam Ltd. Photos or images are
copyright and may not be reproduced without written permission. Nothing contained in the Technical
Support Manual grants or should be construed as granting, by implication or otherwise, any licence or
right to use these marks or to reproduce copyright material, without the express written permission of
Caesarstone Sdot-Yam Ltd and/or Caesarstone Australia Pty Ltd.
Accessing and/or using this Technical Support Manual indicates that you accept these Terms.
©2014 All rights reserved.
Caesarstone Australia Pty Ltd
Unit 3, 1 Secombe Place
Moorebank NSW 2170
Telephone: 1300 119 119
Email: [email protected]
Laminex New Zealand
1 O’Rorke Road
Penrose, Auckland
Telephone: 0800 303 606
Email: [email protected]
Page 2
About This Manual
Caesarstone product collections are ideal for a wide range of interior commercial and residential
applications. Common applications include kitchen benchtops, bathroom wall panels, bar tops,
vanities, interior cladding, reception counters, wall cladding and furniture.
Caesarstone product collections are not suitable for exterior use, or on any areas that are exposed to
UV radiation or excessive heat.
Caesarstone quartz surfaces are manufactured and available in several product collections, each with
their own unique properties.
This manual is intended to provide industry professionals with the latest, most up to date information
relevant to designing with and the installation of Caesarstone slabs.
It contains recommendations and technical information about Caesarstone products and your
stonemason will make the best choice of fabrication and installation methods to suit the application to
which these slabs will be used.
This manual is for general guidance only and is not intended to be used for any other purpose, nor is it
legally binding in any way. It is not meant for dispute resolution between Caesarstone, a stonemason
or any other party
Warranty
Compliance or Non Compliance with the recommendations contained in this manual does not affect
the warranty as provided by Caesarstone.
Caesarstone’s 10 Year Limited Warranty is for the material only and is for any defects that relate to the
production of the Caesarstone slabs. Full details of our warranty are provided on our web site
at www.caesarstone.co.nz
The slab suitability, workmanship, fabrication, installation and the application are the responsibility of
the stonemason.
IMPORTANT. All applications and installations must be designed and constructred in strict compliance
with all relevant regulations and standards.
Page 3
Table of Contents
1
Recommendations & Technical Information
2
Caesarstone Design Manual
3
About This Manual
5
Product Information
5
Understanding Caesarstone Slabs
5Inclusions
5
Colour Matching
6
Samples vs Full Slab
6
Caesarstone Branding
7
Placement of Joins
9
Underbench Appliances
10
Cooktop Locations
10
Induction Cooktops
11Overhangs
12
Carcass Rail Support
13
Cantilever Islands
14
Benchtop Cutouts
15
Cutout Surrounds
15
Large Cutouts
16
Sink Drainers
18
Kitchen Splashbacks
18
Where can Caesarstone be used?
19
Installation Guidelines
20
Edge Profiles
21
Cutout Supports
23
Preparing the Base Units & Cabinets
24
Cabinet Support
24
Finishing Touches
25Tabletops
25
Tabletop Frames
26Vanities
27
Laundry / Kitchen
27
Laundry Tubs
28
Washing Machine & Dryer
29
Heat Resistance
30
Care & Maintenance
32
Treating Stains
Page 4
Product Information
Slab data provided here is nominal only and is provided for storage and transportation purposes only.
The actual usable slab surface is slightly less per side due to the beveled perimeter.
Length
Width
Thickness
Weight
3060mm +/- 10mm
1440mm +/- 5mm
13mm; 20mm; 30mm +/- 1.5mm
13mm = 140kg; (32kg/m2)
20mm = 220kg; (50kg/m2)
30mm = 330kg; (75kg/m2)
Understanding Caesarstone Slabs
Caesarstone slabs are made with approximately 93% natural mineral quartz. The quartz gives
Caesarstone its strength, but being a natural material, it also means there are some important factors
that should be considered.
As the slabs are largely composed of natural minerals, each slab is unique, even though it will have the
same common quartz structure, colour and overall look for the series.
Inclusions
The raw quartz materials are screened to remove impurities, and graded by colour and size before
proceeding to manufacturing. However, it is impossible to remove 100% of the irregularities in
the colour of the quartz. This means that small black quartz chips may appear in a lighter coloured
Caesarstone slab, or small white chips may appear in a dark coloured Caesarstone slab. This is not a
flaw, but just a result of using natural materials.
Colour Matching
There may be slight colour variations between each production batch of Caesarstone slabs. This can be
evident when comparing a sample in a showroom, which may be several years old, and the actual slab
that will be used for manufacturing a benchtop, which is from a more recent batch.
Page 5
Samples vs Full Slab
A sample only tells part of the story, above you can see the size of our samples in relation to the size
of the slab. While a sample gives a good idea of the look and feel of the slab, it is not a complete
indicator of the overall effect of the full size slab. We always recommend that a customer views larger
images on our website, www.caesarstone.co.nz, or be shown the slab prior to fabrication to ensure
that it meets expectations.
Caesarstone Branding
A stamp appears on the back of the slab with identification information. This information remains on
the slab for its lifetime and can be used for identification after installation.
CAESARSTONE 201233387 01/01/14 2165603 3200 P
Slab ID Number
Slab Inspection
Date
Batch Number
Colour &
Finish Type
Batch Number: This allows you to track multiple slabs of the same batch, it is important that any job
requiring multiple slabs is done from the same batch. Slab ID Number: This number allows you to
identify individual slabs and helps in identifying offcuts that have come from the same slab. Note:
There is no correlation between the Batch number and the Slab ID. The Inspection date is not the date
of manufacture.
Page 6
Placement of Joins
When designing benchtops using Caesarstone slabs, it is recommended that there are joins at every
change of direction in a benchtop as L-shaped cutouts must be avoided.
ü
Infill Piece
Join
Sink Cutout
Join
Cooktop
Cutout
Join
Join
Join
Join
Raised Servery Top
Page 7
û
Heat from
Sun
Stress Point
Sink Cutout
Stress Point
Stress Point
Heat Expansion
No Heat Expansion
Cooktop
Cutout
û
Stress Point
û
û
Stress Point
û
Stress Point
Raised Servery Top
û
Although these benchtops can be cut as one piece from a slab, we do not recommend this as it is
important to consider the risks of cracking that can happen after installation.
Cracking does not indicate a material fault or even a fault with the fabrication or installation. Often it
may be the result of externally induced, mechanical stress, on the benchtops. The two most common
sources are heat (thermal shock) causing expansion or contraction, or high point loads. These could be
the result of something that the consumer has done unknowingly or accidentally.
It is best to avoid this situation in the first place by using joins and avoiding “L” shape cutouts.
Page 8
Underbench Appliances
Underbench appliances such as ovens, dishwashers and microwaves can generate heat in a very
confined area. In order to protect the benchtops from this, we do recommend that a solid top is
installed above these appliances made from the same material as the cabinet carcasses.
This will provide both support and insulation for the benchtops.
Solid top carcass panel
Dishwasher
Underbench Oven
Caesarstone benchtop
Microwave
Solid tops are not a replacement for vertical rails.
A flat panel, although adds strength, does not
negate the need for solid vertical rails in cabinets
where there will be cutouts.
Ideally cabinets should have a vinyl wrapped solid
timber vertical rails to provide maximum strength.
Drawer cabinets should have a solid top as vertical
rails are not practical.
Vertical rails over under bench ovens provide
additional support, especially important when the
cooktop cutout is above the oven.
Page 9
Cooktop Locations
Avoid having cooktops located above drawer units. This may restrict the use of vertical rails and
potentially weaken the support structure under the benchtop.
û
Cooktop
ü
Cooktop
Horizontal rails under a sink or cooktop tend to have a
large portion cutout. This leaves the support inadequate
for the tops. Keep in mind that the benchtop also has a
cutout for the appliance, resulting in a weak section of
benchtop without adequate support below. (Right)
û
Therefore vertical vinyl wrapped solid timber
rails or similar strong, vertical support are always
recommended.
Induction Cooktops
Many induction cooktop manufacturers recommend ventilation near or around the perimeter of the
cooktop to provide airflow to fans within the cooktop unit which can also be achieved by installing
vents into the surrounding cupboards. If vents are incorporated into the rail under a cooktop, then
the weight support strength of that rail must not be compromised in any way. All cooktops must be
installed as per manufacturer instructions and Caesarstone’s front support rail recommendations must
always be adhered to.
Page 10
Overhangs
An overhang is a surface that is not directly supported by a construction underneath, eg. a surface
that extends past the edge of the supporting cabinet for use as a benchtop.
Extra overhang strength can be provided by laminating another
piece of Caesarstone of the same colour slab underneath the
benchtop surface. In this case, the bottom slab is attached back
to back underneath the surface so that the polished surface is
exposed underneath the slab.
The permitted overhang dimension must be determined by a
professional. It is dependent on a number of factors, such as:
• The complete length to width ratio of the surface
relative to the length and width ratio of the overhang.
• Whether the overhang is supported on one or more
sides by a wall or other supporting fixture.
• The table below provides approximate guidelines
for support required for overhangs. Supports are
dependent on the application, if the overhangs will be
subjected to high loads, then supports should be used
regardless of the recommendations below.
Types of
Overhang
13mm Thickness
Slabs
Unsupported
Overhangs
Supported
Overhangs
Equal or less than
100mm
20mm Thickness
Slabs
(or 40mm
laminations)
Less than 300mm
overhang
300mm to
500mm
30mm Thickness
Slabs
Comments
Less than 400mm
overhang
400mm to
600mm
Greater than
500mm
Greater than
600mm
No additional
support required
Support brackets
at 600mm
intervals
Legs, columns or
panels required
Page 11
Carcass Rail Support
It is important that any carcass structure which a Caesarstone benchtop or surface is applied to is
constructed to fully support the weight of the benchtop and any additional weight applied during
normal daily use.
For this reason, Caesarstone always recommends use of vertical rails - ideally vinyl wrapped solid
timber that will provide full perimeter support front and back of all carcasses. Any rail support must
not flex or sag regardless of span.
Cutout Supports
Cutouts within Caesarstone benchtops for sinks or cooktops should always be supported to ensure
the Caesarstone surface is not bearing the direct weight of any applied heavy loading placed on the
benchtop surface.
For this reason, Caesarstone always recommends the use of vertical rails that will fully
support the weight of the benchtop and any additional heavy loads further placed on the
benchtop. Any rail support must not flex or sag regardless of span, which could place stress
on the Caesarstone material.
Cutout
The use of a vinyl wrapped,
solid timber vertical rail has the
advantage of greater strength
and better support.
Vinyl wrapped solid
timber vertical rail
ü
The use of a MDF vertical
rail is still better than
having a flat rail.
Cabinet door
MDF Melamine Board
Vertical rail
ü
Cabinet door
Page 12
Horizontal rails are not recommended where an appliance or sink is to be installed above. Most
appliances will require that a large portion of the front rail be cut out. The remaining material does not
provide sufficient strength to properly support the benchtops.
The installation is dependant on the quality of the structure that the benchtops are being placed onto.
If the structure is not adequate this should be discussed with the other parties involved.
MDF Melamine Board
Horizontal rail.
Rail weakened by the
cutout for the appliance
û
For carcasses with large spans, it is essential that the rear and especially the front rail are constructed
from strong materials that are rigid and will not flex under load. In these circumstances a double
laminated, vinyl wrapped, solid timber rail or one made from aluminium or steel may be necessary.
Double Lamination
Page 13
Cantilever Islands
Caesarstone slabs must be installed flat on a rigid frame or base that cannot bend or flex. Cantilever
islands should be constructed from a steel frame and must be capable of supporting the full weight of
Caesarstone slabs, negating any movement or sagging.
Mitred Caesarstone
Edge Construction
Steel Frame
Page 14
Benchtop Cutouts
The following information must be considered when designing the incorporation of sinks, cooktops,
etc into benchtops.
• Cutouts are usually created in benchtops for the installation of sinks, cooktops and other
accessories.
• Cutouts must be prepared according to the instructions of the manufacturer of the item to
be installed.
• A minimum radius of 15mm is recommended for all internal corners in cutouts (Figure 1). The
larger the radius the stronger the corner.
Figure 1
ü
Figure 2
û
Figure 3
û
Figure 4
û
• Do not square cut (Figure 2) or cross-cut (Figure 3) corners.
• Do not cut large radius in sections (Figure 4), these need to be one continuous smooth
radius.
• Do not reduce the thickness of the surface when preparing the cutout.
• The distance between a cutout and an edge or join must be no less than 60mm. The greater
the distance, the stronger the area.
• If the distance between a cutout and an edge or join is less than 150mm, the area must be
supported. Ensure that the area between the cutout and the edge or join is located over the
junction between the base cabinets or fit a solid support strip under the area.
Page 15
Cutout Surrounds
Consider the minimum recommended dimensions when designing cutouts for appliances and sinks.
Less than 150mm from
edge requires support
60mm Minimum
Large Cutouts
If a cutout will leave front and back benchtop rail widths of less than 60mm, consideration should be
given to making these rails from separate pieces to avoid problems with cracking.
If less than 60mm from edge, then it is recommended that separate rails be abutted to the end of the
benchtop.
Page 16
Sink Drainers
Sink draining grooves are often cut into the surface of the material when under mount sinks are used.
There are several fabrication considerations that need to be addressed.
Undermount Sink Installation
1. The drainage grooves/wash plane surface should be polished up to the same finish as the
factory polish finish of a Caesarstone slab. The quality and performance of any machined sink
drainer is the responsibility of the Stonemason.
2. Any groove should not be too deep as it may seriously affect the strength of the benchtop
around that area. Grooves should be no deeper than 15% of the thickness of the slab,
ie. 3mm for a 20mm slab. The area on the underside of the draining grooves may require
additional support.
3. Drainage grooves may need to be cleaned with a soft bristle brush.
4. We recommend that square corner undermount sinks are not installed as we recommend a
minimum 15mm radius in all internal corners.
This fabrication process is not covered under Caesarstone’s 10 Year Limited Warranty.
Page 17
Note - The recommended edge profile for the under mount sink cutout should be a minimum 6mm
radius edge on the benchtop surface edge, to minimise the risk of chipping or damage. The greater
the profile the more durable the edge will be.
Cutouts for top mount sinks must always be core drilled in each corner to eliminate stress points and
smoothly integrates to all straight cuts. Cutout and corner details must never be roughly cut with an
angle grinder.
Caesarstone’s minimum
recommended edge
radius is 6mm
Caesarstone
benchtop
Core Drill all corners.
Minimum radius 15mm.
Cross Rail Supports
60mm minimum
Sink Cutout
Machined Drainage
Grooves
60mm minimum
Page 18
Kitchen Splashbacks
Caesarstone splashbacks offer low maintenance, easy to clean, grout free surface with a seamless look
and continuity of benchtop colour and are ideal behind sinks. In addition they offer reduced lead times
with same day installation as the benchtop.
Where can Caesarstone be used?
50mm
Electric cooktops (freestanding or bench
mounted) and Induction cooktops
• For both electric and induction
cooktops we recommend a minimum
50mm clearance from the back edge
of the cooktop to the Caesarstone
splashback.
Gas cooktops (freestanding or bench mounted)
• For gas cooktops a minimum 200mm
clearance from the periphery of the gas
burner to the Caesarstone splashback.
• For splashbacks behind gas cooktops,
the installation must conform to the
minimum Australia and New Zealand
standards relevant to this application.
When designing or installing splashbacks,
compliance to all Australian and New
Zealand standards and guidelines needs to be
considered by all parties involved in the design,
manufacture and installation of a kitchen.
50mm minimum clearance from splashback for electric
cooktops
200mm
200mm minimum clearance from the splashback to the gas
burner element
Page 19
Installation Guidelines
• Timber framed wall construction
should use fibre cement sheeting
installed as per relevant guidelines
behind Caesarstone splashback
applications. Brick wall construction
should use cement based render
behind Caesarstone splashback
applications. “L” shapes should not
be fabricated in one solid piece as this
does not allow for movement due to
thermal expansion.
• Cutouts for items such as powerpoints
should be core drilled to produce
radius internal corners. ie. two 50mm
core drilled holes. Cross cutting should
be avoided at all times.
• We recommend the use of
Caesarstone neutral cure flexible
silicone for bonding the splashback
to the wall cladding and Caesarstone
neutral cure coloured silicone for
sealing the joins.
• Items such as utensil racks can be fixed
to a Caesarstone splashback. Fixing
holes should be drilled using either
a diamond tipped drill, tungsten or
sapphire tipped drill bits on a slow
variable speed with no hammer action.
Start with a small hole and gradually
increase the diameter to the required
size. Use plastic wall plugs and
stainless steel screws. The wall plug
must not penetrate the wall behind
the Caesarstone surface. If the holes
are located close to a corner, leave at
least 5cm distance between the hole
and the edges.
Page 20
Edge Profiles
There are many edge profiles that can be achieved using Caesarstone, and it is important to take the
following factors into consideration.
• All exposed edges should be fabricated and finished to the same finish as the surface.
• The top and bottom of edges must be rounded. Do not create square edges. The larger the
surface area of the edge (ie., radius), the more resistant it is to chipping.
• All edges should have a minimum radius on any edge profile of 3mm - 4mm. For
added durability, the best option is a 6mm radius.
• Undermount sinks should have a minimum radius of 6mm on the upper edge of the
Caesarstone.
ü
ü
Pencil Round
3mm - 4mm
Recommended
Apron Edge 5x5
Shadow Line
Recommended for
islands and drop
down panels
ü
ü
û
Splayed Edge
Recommended for
furniture
ü
Mitred Apron
Recommended for
Supernatural Designs
ü
Shark Nose Edge
40mm Laminated
Edge 3-4mm Edge
Recommended
Square Edge
Never finish edges
square like this, as
impact to edge may
result in chipping.
Page 21
Preparing the Base Units & Cabinets
• Caesarstone surfaces are installed on top of cabinets and are not fixed to the wall. Before
installing the surface, ensure that cabinets are complete, stable, level and suitable for bearing
the weight of the surface and any other heavy applied loading including sinks filled to
capacity.
• Caesarstone surfaces must be supported on a strong, weight supporting perimeter
frame or on a full deck (solid carcass) support.
• Verify that the benchtop is sufficiently supported in areas of joins, cutouts and over spaces for
appliances such as dishwashers, ovens, washing machines, etc.
• For cutouts longer than 600mm, provide side-to-side support beams under the surface.
• Provide support under all benchtop joins.
• Attach a board between the cabinet tops on both sides of under bench appliances that
generate heat.
• For surfaces of 13mm and 20mm, if extra reinforcement of the cabinets or the surface is
considered necessary, incorporate a full carcass panel in the top of the cabinets.
Corner cabinet
Page 22
Cabinet Support
Plinths provide a strong and stable base for the cabinets and are considered best practice. It is
important that they are properly levelled and secured to the floor and wall.
Cabinets should be placed and fixed securely to ensure that there is no movement under load. Also
ensure that you have a level surface to place the tops on.
Finishing Touches
Once installation is complete, ensure that the slab surface is clean and the work area tidy. If further
construction work is to be performed at the job site after the installation of the benchtop or
Caesarstone surface is complete, ensure that the Caesarstone surface is properly protected by covering
the entire top with corrugated cardboard or another protective material.
Make the customer aware that any following tradesmen must NOT use the new benchtop as a work
bench, step or standing platform, and that any tradesmen using strong solvents or adhesive must show
due care.
Caesarstone strongly recommends that the customer confirm in writing their satisfaction with the
material and workmanship at the end of the job to cover the stonemason and kitchen company
against damage caused by others. These photos were taken after the installation of the tops was
completed. It is a good example of what can happen once the benchtops have been installed.
û
û
û
Page 23
Tabletops
Plywood support 100mm
from edge
When installing a Caesarstone surface as a freestanding tabletop, the
base must fully support the weight of the Caesarstone table top. All edges
should be radiused to at least 6mm to reduce the risk of damage from
chairs, etc.
Screw fixings
Caesarstone should be bonded to the substrate with epoxy or neutral cure
silicone and then screw fixed to to substrate.
Tabletop Frames
Caesarstone is an ideal surface for furniture, large benches, etc. When using Caesarstone in these
applications, it is important that the perimeter and internal supports do not sag or move from the
weight of the Caesarstone or any additional applied surface loading.
Caesarstone tabletop with
mitred edge
Allow 2-3mm space for
expansion
Supports at 600mm centres
Full peremiter frame supports
Page 24
Vanities
Caesarstone can be used in several ways to create a vanity unit.
• Where the material itself forms the receptacle that will hold water or where water is running
directly onto the surface of the Caesarstone. Boiling water must be avoided due to the risk of
thermal shock.
• In a more traditional basin design where the top as well as the basin are formed from
Caesarstone.
• Where Caesarstone is used in conjunction with a wash basin/vessel to form a vanity top.
• This can be using an under bench basin or an over bench vessel.
Undermount Sink
Photo: Winnie & Fred Designs
Topmount Sink
Photo: Kitchens Victoria
Page 25
Laundry / Kitchen
Front to back rail between
bowls to support weight
Vertical Rail
Support Panels
600mm
Maximum
Vertical Support at
the junction of the
cabinet doors
Laundry Tubs
Installing large bowls into laundries and increasingly kitchens requires additional consideration, as for
example, above is a dual 45L tub that requires a wide cabinet to accommodate it.
The total capacity is 90L with each litre of water weighing 1kg, so it could potentially have a weight
of approximately 90kg if both tubs were filled with water. If there are two bowls then we recommend
adding a rail between the bowls.
This is equivalent to a person standing on the top in an area with a large cutout. Unless the cabinets
are reinforced and can adequately support this weight, then there is a high risk of a benchtop failure.
Page 26
Washing Machine & Dryer
Where these appliances are installed below the benchtop, care needs to be taken with providing
additional support.
It is advisable that a vertical support panel is placed between the appliances and either a support panel
or cabinet be placed either side. This will ensure that the tops have adequate support.
The other consideration is with the heat generated by these appliances, especially the dryer. Some of
these exhaust through the front while others through the back, some may also need to be ducted.
If required, a panel may need to be installed below the tops to protect them from the heat.
Page 27
Heat Resistance
Caesarstone surfaces can tolerate moderately hot temperatures for brief periods of time. Prolonged
exposure may result in discolouring or other types of damage.
• Do not expose Caesarstone to excessive heat. The rule of thumb is that if cookware
is too hot to hold, then don’t place it directly on the Caesarstone surface.
• If the surface is exposed to temperatures higher than 70°C, support the surface from
underneath to prevent warping.
Always use an insulator trivet,
chopping board or heat pad.
Never place hot cookware
directly onto the surface of any
Caesarstone slab
Do not allow direct contact
between Caesarstone surfaces
and very hot pots or other hot
cookware.
Example of concentration of heat
on one area of the bench top due
to pot with a high thermal load.
The use of a heat pad eliminates
this problem. There is no heat
transfer to the tops.
Heat can cause a benchtop to expand rapidly but in a very localised area while the rest of the
benchtop remains cold. This thermal expansion is opposed by the cold, non-expanding adjacent
material as well as any adhesive used to affix the benchtops.
A pot placed on the benchtop directly from the cooktops creates two issues; firstly there is the sudden
change in temperature of the top (thermal shock) and secondly the thermal load, that is the amount
of heat present.
Cracking in this situation may not happen the first time, although they may develop over time if
the proper precautions are not taken. Also, proximity to weaker areas such as cutouts can be a
contributing factor.
Page 28
Care & Maintenance
Everyday Cleaning
Caesarstone requires very little maintenance to keep the surface looking like new. For everyday,
routine cleaning we recommend wiping the surface with warm soapy water (a mild detergent) and a
damp cloth, or use a spray and wipe cleaner that is stone safe. Wipe the surface with a clean damp
cloth then dry off with a microfibre cloth.
As Caesarstone is virtually non-porous, it will keep its lustrous gloss and ultra smooth surface without
polishing and it never needs sealing. Never attempt to polish the surface, and avoid prolonged rubbing
in one spot when cleaning.
Caesarstone Cream Cleanser
Caesarstone Cream Cleanser has been specially formulated to remove the most stubborn stains such
as red wine or beetroot while taking care of the Caesarstone surfaces. It is also suitable for cleaning
sinks and taps, baths and basins, shower recesses, tile surfaces and cook tops.
Food Preparation
We always recommend cutting on an appropriate cutting board and never directly on the Caesarstone
surface to avoid blunting kitchen knives or damaging the surface of your bench top.
Warranty Registration
This is done by the stonemason and once processed the end customer will receive a free Caesarstone
Cleaning Kit, Care & Maintenance Brochure.
Heat Resistance
Caesarstone will tolerate brief exposures to moderately hot temperatures, however prolonged direct
contact with, or radiated heat from very hot pots can cause thermal shock, discolouration or damage.
Therefore we do not recommend placing hot pots, pans, electric frying pans, oven trays, etc. directly
from the hotplate or out of the oven onto the surface of Caesarstone. We always recommend the use
of a hot pad or trivet to place hot items on.
Tough? Yes. Indestructible? No.
As with any surface, Caesarstone can be permanently damaged by exposure to strong chemicals and
solvents that undermine its physical properties. Do not use products that contain trichlorethane or
methylene chloride, such as paint removers or stripper. Avoid any highly aggressive cleaning agents
like oven cleaner that have high alkaline/pH levels. Should the surface be accidentally exposed to any
of these damaging products, rinse immediately with water to neutralize the effect.
Page 29
Caesarstone Cleaning Products
Caesarstone has developed a range of cleaning products specially designed and formulated to keep
Caesarstone quartz surfaces looking their best. Our Cream Cleanser is available to purchase through
approved Caesarstone fabricators.
Extra Stubborn Stains
For extra stubborn stains that can’t be removed with Caesarstone Cream Cleanser, contact our
Caesarstone customer support team at 0800 303 606 who will be able to provide you with further
cleaning advice for your specific type of stain.
Substance
Red Wine
Beetroot
Coffee / Tea
Cordial
Spices
Caesarstone Cream
Cleanser
Methylated Spirits
Stone Safe Spray
Cleaner
ü
ü
ü
ü
ü
Food Oils
Glue / Silicone / Paint
ü
ü
For more information please refer to the Caesarstone Care & Maintenance Guide.
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Treating Stains
Type of Stain
Cause / Source of Stain
Treatment Remarks
Chemical
Materials containing caustic soda pH 10-14
Fat/grease removers, eg, oven cleaners
Cannot be removed.
Heat source
Direct / Indirect
Hot pressure cooker
Hot frying pan
Hot saucepan
Polishing burn
Toaster oven
Grill
Hot plate
Oven shelves and trays
Hot food spillage
The severity of the burn is indicated by its
colour. Yellow stains can sometimes be
removed with Caesarstone Cream Cleanser.
Brown stains generally cannot be removed.
Oil – natural
Olive oil
Canola oil, etc.
Caesarstone Cream Cleanser.
10% bleach
Oil – synthetic
Machine oils
Caesarstone Cream Cleanser,
Cosmetics
Hair shampoo
Medical creams
Make-up
Iso Propyl Alcohol
Caesarstone Cream Cleanser
Hydrogen peroxide, max. 30%
Metal
Metal kitchen tools (e.g., knives)
Metal pots
Metal belt buckles
Caesarstone Cream Cleanser
Metal stains may resemble scratches but
they are actually metal residue and easily
removed.
Rust
Oxalic acid
Repeat use for stubborn stains.
Food and beverages
Food colouring
Herbs and spices
Red wine
Pomegranates
Caesarstone Cream Cleanser
10% bleach
Colours
Ink
Markers – water based
Markers – oil-based (permanent)
Paint
Print from supermarket bags
Alcohol
Caesarstone Cream Cleanser
10% bleach
Other
Blood
Caesarstone Cream Cleanser
Candle wax
Alcohol
Caesarstone Cream Cleanser
Glue from adhesive tape
Alcohol
Hard water deposits
Scale remover
Vinegar
Soap stains
Caesarstone Cream Cleanser
Silicone
Alcohol
*Results represent a partial series range.
**Some models require scrubbing to remove certain stains.
For further Caesarstone Technical Information register for the Professional Zone of the Caesarstone website at
www.caesarstone.co.nz/professional-zone
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For more design ideas, information and for your nearest showroom, visit our web site: www.
caesarstone.co.nz or call us on 0800 303 606.
©Copyright Caesarstone 2014. Caesarstone® and other Caesarstone® marks are registered trademarks of Caesarstone®
Sdot-Yam Limited and they are used under license by Caesarstone® Australia Pty Ltd.
Printed June 2014 and supersedes all previous versions and subject to change without notice.
Caesarstone Australia Pty Ltd ACN 121 819 976
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