Stonemats Frequently Asked Questions

A: Stonemats are bespoke, hand crafted and made to order by myself in New Zealand from local New Zealand stones. Your stone mat will be a unique New Zealand made item. Each stone mat is unique and custom made to order. We use only natural New Zealand stones. You pay for and receive a high quality item and support made in New Zealand products.

A: Your Stonemat should last for years if you care for it well. It is crafted from materials that are chosen for their long lasting, hardwearing properties. Using a secret technique, pebbles are bonded to a marine grade backing that has a 25 year UV rating. Made to last for years outdoors in our harsh New Zealand climate of scorching sun, rain, hail, frost and snow.

A: It is hand crafted using top quality commercial materials. The materials used are chosen for their long lasting, hardwearing properties. Using a secret technique, pebbles are bonded to a marine grade backing that has a 25 year UV rating The stones are hand chosen from locally sourced New Zealand stones. Each stone is hand chosen for its flatness and detail. Each mat is individually made by hand in New Zealand and no two are exactly the same. Because of the skill combined with the secret processes which we have evolved over the years, we can produce a stone mat that is remarkably flat These Mats are not imported or made in China, they are created by me from New Zealand stones.

A. On fiberglass mesh backing the same as standard tiles are. They are ready to set and grout in place..

A: Very flat. The smallest flat pebbles are used to produce our range of tableware, whilst the larger stones go into making our floor mats. The Placemats and Table Runners are flat enough for a glass of wine - so have to be perfectly flat, within millimetres. Door Mats are almost as flat and feel nice under foot. It is quite challenging to find flat stones and then lay them to result in a lovely flat stonemat or placemat. As an artistic stone weaver we use the skills that we have learnt over the years to produce stunning table mats and floor mats – each stone mat is in its own right a work of art.

A. The size of the stone varies depending on the size of your mat. The smallest flat pebbles are used to produce our range of tableware, whilst the larger stones go into making our floor mats. Door Mats – the size of stone vary on the size of the mat and also how complex the design is. The more complex the design the more smaller stones that are required to create the pattern. This also means there are more stones used and they take longer to create. The stones used generally range between 2cm long to 7cm long. The size of stones chosen on each mat is for pattern and also to ensure gaps between stones are as little as possible, thus making the stones what is visible not the backing. Placemats and Table Runners - have very small stones. Some as small as 1cm wide and many are only 2.5cm to 3cm long. Flat stones this small are harder to come by and slower to make each item due to the number of stones and fiddly nature. The effect is a very tightly woven mat that is extremely flat with very minimal gaps. They are wonderful to run your hand across.

A: Generally they take very little looking after. If it is outside then you should not need to clean it, the rain and weather do a good job of keeping it clean. They are durable and weatherproof so they can be used inside or outside the home. They’re easily cleaned in the kitchen sink or bath with mild detergent and water.

A: Almost anything as long it is not too complex or the mat size too small for a detailed design. Stones are never cut; the perfect stone to fit the gap has to be found. The more complex the pattern, the smaller the stone required. Very small flat stones are harder to come by and mats take longer to make. I have done a number of designs on request, numbers, Nautilus design, Wave, words etc. To enquire send me an email on info@stoneage.co.nz

A; Yes, almost any size can be custom made to your requirements. For an idea on weight, a 1 metre x 1 metre stone mat will weigh around 21 kg. Mats can easily be made as wide as 2 metres and possibly longer upon request Cost is dependent on size and pattern. Depending on size, turn around time can be as little as one week to 15 working days. To enquire send me an email on info@stoneage.co.nz

A. Your placemats/Table Runners/ Coasters etc will dry out by themselves but a tip if you want to speed up the drying time just turn them upside down in the sun so the stones are on the bottom and the base is upwards, this will allow the base to dry more quickly especially if it is a sunny day.

A. Yes so does mine. The stones warm up quickly from the sun and are warmer than the surrounding area.

A. When moving your mat you should keep it flat. Do not roll the mat or put any pressure on the stones. Stones do not bend. At home when moving your mat around pick it up by the short end and let the rest of the mat drop below, thus hanging straight. It is easier to carry your mat by the short end.

A. Yes. Pick up by appointment only Address: Milton Street Sydenham Christchurch 8023 New Zealand Phone: 021 344 569 email: info@stoneage.co.nz