Frequently Asked Questions

A subfloor should be rated to support at least 1,200kg (2,650 lbs) to safely account for the bathtub, water, and occupant weight. This structural precaution ensures that the floor joists remain stable over decades of use without the risk of settling or tile cracking.

We strongly recommend a professional consultation for any upper-level installations to ensure joist reinforcement is sufficient for the load. A structural engineer can provide a specific load-bearing plan that gives you and your contractor total peace of mind during the renovation.

Our floating sinks include a custom steel frame that must be anchored into wall studs or a reinforced masonry wall. This internal frame is specifically engineered to distribute the weight of the stone evenly, preventing any stress on your bathroom tiles or plumbing connections.

Yes, however, the cabinet must be high-quality furniture grade and rated for the weight of solid stone, which typically ranges from 50kg to 90kg (110–200 lbs). We recommend reinforcing the internal cabinet frame to ensure the weight is transferred directly to the floor.

While our tubs are hand-carved, we can precision-drill the drain holes to standard international specifications (UK/US/EU) for easy connection. This ensures your installer can use high-end standard waste kits from luxury brassware brands without needing custom adapters. Any customizations to drain and plumbing are welcome

Yes, for bespoke orders, we can align the drainage hole to match your existing plumbing layout exactly. This is particularly useful for renovation projects where moving the main waste line in the floor is not an option.

It is a heavy-duty steel support that is hidden inside the wall to hold the weight of a floating sink without visible legs. Our systems are designed to provide a minimalist aesthetic while offering the highest safety rating for stone furniture.

Standard luxury tiles are sufficient, but the bedding must be 100% solid with no air pockets to prevent cracking under the tub's pressure. Using a larger format tile or a reinforced substrate can help distribute the monumental weight more effectively.

Yes. We can provide sinks without tap holes specifically for use with wall-mounted brassware. This creates a cleaner, more contemporary look and allows for more flexible placement of the basin on your vanity.

Professional teams use heavy-duty floor jacks, stone dollies, and sometimes specialized cranes for high-rise or upper-floor installations. We provide detailed weight and dimension data early in the process so your logistics team can plan the path of entry.

Absolutely; this is highly recommended as natural stone has excellent thermal mass and will absorb the floor's heat. This ensures the bathtub remains warm to the touch and helps maintain water temperature for even longer soak times.

We recommend using a premium, neutral-cure silicone that matches the color of your stone's base or veining. Using a high-quality sealant prevents moisture from seeping behind the stone while allowing for the natural expansion and contraction of the building.

Yes, we provide detailed technical specifications and dimensional CAD drawings for every model and bespoke order in our collection. These documents are essential for your architect and contractor to ensure plumbing and structural prep are handled correctly.

Heritage quarries in the Apuan Alps produce marble with superior density and mineral purity, ensuring structural integrity for monumental pieces. This geological density also allows for a higher level of hand-polishing, resulting in a luster that synthetic alternatives simply cannot replicate.

Calacatta Viola features bold, purple-toned "brecciated" veining, while Arabescato is known for its grey "ovular" patterns on a white background. Choosing between them usually depends on whether you want the dramatic impact of Viola or the more traditional, architectural rhythm of Arabescato.

Yes. While Travertine is naturally more porous, when properly filled and sealed, it offers comparable durability with a warmer, Mediterranean aesthetic. Its unique cellular structure also provides excellent slip resistance and a soft tactile feel, making it a favorite for spa-like environments.

We source blocks and slabs directly from world's leading quarries, selecting each raw block based on vein consistency and the absence of structural fissures. By managing the sourcing ourselves, we can guarantee that your piece is carved from a genuine, premium-grade mineral block.

Thermal mass refers to the stone's ability to absorb and store heat, allowing marble tubs to retain water temperature significantly longer than acrylic. This means you can enjoy a long, spa-like soak without having to constantly top up the tub with hot water.

Yes. Every block is a unique natural original; veining and tonal shifts are the "fingerprint" of genuine earth-mined stone. This natural variation ensures that your bathtub or sink is a one-of-a-kind work of art that cannot be duplicated.

Solid stone is an architectural material designed to last for centuries, often outlasting the building in which it is installed. Unlike ceramic or resin, it does not crack from age and can be refinished to look brand new even after decades of use.

These are natural micro-voids; they are part of the stone's organic character and do not affect the structural integrity of the piece. For basins and tubs, we expertly fill these areas with color-matched resin to ensure a smooth, hygienic surface.

This is where we carve two pieces from the same block so the veining continues seamlessly from one surface to another, such as a sink flowing into a backsplash. This technique requires extreme precision and results in a high-end, custom-tailored look for luxury interiors.

Yes, for bespoke orders, we provide high-resolution images and videos of the selected block before fabrication begins. This transparent process allows you to approve the veining and color balance of the stone that will become your center-piece.

Classic Calacatta features grey and blue veining, while Calacatta Gold includes honey and gold-toned mineral streaks. Both are equally durable, but Calacatta Gold is often sought after for warmer, more opulent bathroom designs.

Yes, natural stone is completely inert and does not emit VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds) or harmful chemicals. This makes it an ideal material for health-conscious homeowners looking for a spa-like, hypoallergenic environment.

It refers to stone with zero structural cracks and high mineral consistency, suitable for load-bearing furniture and heavy fixtures. At GustavDesign, we only use the highest grade of block to ensure your furniture can withstand the stresses of daily life.

If left to sit, red wine can eventually penetrate the stone and leave a mark. We recommend wiping spills immediately to buy yourself time and keep the surface pristine.

Etching is a chemical reaction that occurs when acidic substances (like lemon or vinegar) dull the surface finish of the stone. It is not a deep stain, but rather a microscopic change to the texture that is most visible on high-gloss polished surfaces.

We recommend a simple "wipe-on" re-sealing every 6–12 months depending on the frequency of use. You can easily test if a new coat is needed by placing a few drops of water on the surface; if they stop "beading," it’s time to re-seal.

No. Bleach and abrasive cleaners will strip the sealant and can permanently dull the stone's natural luster. Instead, use a soft cloth and a pH-neutral cleaner to maintain the integrity of both the stone and the seal.

Mild dish soap and warm water are best, or a specialized stone cleaner designed for high-end marble. Avoid any "all-purpose" sprays that contain citric acid, ammonia, or vinegar, as these will cause etching over time.

Yes, Honed (matte) finishes are highly effective at concealing minor scratches and the dull spots caused by etching. This makes them the preferred choice for high-traffic dining tables and family bathrooms where a "living" finish is desired.

Many oral care products contain slightly acidic ingredients or dyes that can affect the stone if left to sit. We recommend a quick rinse of the basin after each use to ensure no chemical residue remains on the marble surface.

Yes, once sealed, the smooth surface of marble is very hygienic and does not harbor bacteria or mold like grout lines can. Simple regular cleaning ensures that your stone fixtures remain a clean, safe environment for your family.

Marble is naturally heat-resistant, but we recommend using trivets or coasters to avoid "thermal shock" to the stone. Sudden extreme temperature changes can occasionally cause stress fractures in natural minerals over long periods.

The chemical care is identical; however, you should ensure any unfilled "pitted" areas in travertine are kept clear of soap or mineral buildup. For a lower-maintenance experience, we recommend our "filled and honed" travertine options for wet areas.

Yes, because our products are solid stone throughout, they can be professionally re-honed or re-polished at any time. This allows you to completely "reset" the surface of your table or sink after years of heavy use, restoring it to its original beauty.

The stone will become more porous over time, which increases the risk of deep-set stains from water, oils, or colored liquids. Regular sealing is a fast, 5-minute process that acts as an insurance policy for your architectural investment.

Our standard lead time is 8 to 12 weeks, which includes the meticulous selection of the block, carving, polishing, quality check, and international to-door delivery. This timeline ensures that our master carvers have the time required to achieve a flawless finish on every monumental piece.

Absolutely. We work closely with architects and interior designers to bring custom 3D concepts and sketches to life in solid stone. Our engineering team will review your drawings to ensure the design is structurally sound before fabrication begins. We can complete any project of any complexity!

Every piece is secured in a custom-built, steel-banded wooden crate with shock-absorbing internal foam. These crates are engineered specifically for maritime and air freight, ensuring that even an 800kg tub remains immobile and protected from vibrations.

Yes, we provide fully insured, door-to-door global shipping to most international destinations. We handle all the complex logistics of moving heavy stone, allowing you to focus on the design and installation of your project.

Yes, we offer several bespoke profiles including Bullnose, Sharknose beveled, and minimalist square edges. Customizing the edge profile is a subtle way to align the table's aesthetic with the existing architectural lines of your home.

All our shipments are 100% insured for their full value. In the rare event of damage during transit, we handle the insurance claim on your behalf and immediately prioritize a replacement fabrication free of charge to keep your project on track.

We can pre-carve hidden channels for LED strips to create stunning "glow" effects for modern powder rooms. This architectural detail is particularly effective with lighter marbles or translucent stones like specific types of Onyx or Travertine.

Pricing depends on the rarity of the stone, the dimensions, and the complexity of the base; bespoke tables typically start from €6,000. We provide a comprehensive quote and a breakdown of logistics costs before any fabrication begins.

Our grand total prices do not contain any hidden fees. All prices are inclusive of landed costs - all taxes, tariffs, customs, duties, freight charges, and to-door delivery are included in the price. As simple as that!

Yes, we offer stone samples so you can verify the color, veining, and texture against your interior color palette and lighting. Seeing the stone in your actual space is the best way to ensure the material meets your design expectations.

Yes, we send regular workshop updates so you can watch your piece transform from a raw mineral block into a finished work of art. Our clients often find this "behind-the-scenes" access to the craftsmanship to be a highlight of the bespoke experience.

We provide a comprehensive structural warranty that covers the integrity of the carving and the craftsmanship of the piece. Our goal is to provide a monumental heirloom that remains a centerpiece of your home for a lifetime.