Rock Solid Recreations specialises in restoring, repairing, and protecting stone surfaces – often when homeowners think they need to be replaced.
They work across a wide range of materials, from marble and granite to engineered and ultra-compact surfaces, as well as limestone, travertine, tiles, and acrylic.
“These materials appear throughout a home or space, from kitchen benchtops and bathrooms to staircases, flooring, furniture, and even marine applications,” says co-founder Nicci Van Rensburg. “Our focus is on restoring and elevating the surfaces that often define how a space looks and feels.”
What are the most common issues you see with stone surfaces like marble?
Small edge chips – they’re minor, but they can really take away from the overall feel.
More broadly, many surfaces gradually lose their clarity and finish over time. This often comes down to a build-up on the surface rather than damage within the stone itself when we are looking at harder materials like granite or engineered stone. A common misconception is that stone is maintenance-free. While it’s incredibly durable, it does benefit from the right care and occasional restoration to keep it looking its best.
How often can stone be repaired or restored?
Far more often than people expect. We’re often called in when people think their benchtop is beyond saving – and seeing it become a feature again is always a turning point.
What’s involved in restoring a worn or damaged benchtop?
It starts with understanding the surface – identifying what’s happened over time and what the material needs. Our approach is built on over 25 years of hands-on experience across the full lifecycle of stone – from wholesale and installation through to restoration and repair.
We carry out any repairs such as filling chips, then refine the surface to bring back its finish and clarity. Where appropriate, we apply protection and guide the client on how to care for it going forward.
You’re the New Zealand supplier of TuffSkin – what exactly is it, and how does it differ from traditional sealers?
TuffSkin is a protective film designed specifically for stone surfaces – like a screen protector for your phone! Unlike traditional sealers, TuffSkin provides a barrier that protects against etching and staining from everyday use, while still allowing the stone to breathe. It can also be removed and replaced without damaging the surface underneath.
How durable is TuffSkin in real-world use?
TuffSkin is designed to address the main concerns people have with marble – particularly etching and staining – and offers a good level of resistance to everyday heat and use, but it’s not designed to make a surface completely heatproof. In a residential setting, clients typically find they get around 8-10 years of performance before looking to refresh the protection, with the surface underneath remaining in excellent condition.
It’s particularly valuable for homeowners who want peace of mind, as well as in hospitality settings where surfaces are exposed to frequent use.
For someone considering repairing or protecting their stone surfaces, what’s your advice before making a decision?
Take the time to understand what’s possible before deciding to replace anything. In many cases, surfaces can be restored or protected in a way that brings them back to life and extend their longevity. Working with a specialist who understands the material makes a significant difference to the outcome.
OFFER FOR VERVE READERS
Head to the link below for 10% off repair, restoration or maintenance work, or 10% off TuffSkin, on orders of 10sqm or more.
