From Vietri to Sydney: Delivering our largest rectangular table lava stone table

From a freehand sketch in Vietri sul Mare to the Casa Vietri showroom in Sydney: the journey of a 220 × 110 cm Giardino Notturno lava stone table, and everything we handled along the way.

Every Casa Vietri table is made to order, so no two journeys are quite the same. This one is special: a Giardino Notturno in our largest rectangular size, 220 × 110 cm. Made from a single slab of Mount Etna lava stone, painted by hand on the Amalfi Coast and shipped halfway around the world to our showroom in Sydney, it showcases the craftsmanship and care behind every table we offer.

Here is how it made the journey.

Made to order in Vietri sul Mare

Vietri sul Mare has been a centre of Italian ceramics since the 15th century. Its family-run workshops pass their techniques down through generations, and that is where every Casa Vietri tabletop begins.

The base is a solid, 3 cm slab of volcanic lava stone from Mount Etna, cut to the exact size of the order. The artisan then draws the design by hand directly onto the stone. There are no digital transfers, stencils or vinyl masks. Lemons, hydrangeas, geraniums, pomegranates and sunflowers are sketched out in pencil first, then brought to life one brushstroke at a time with mineral-based ceramic glazes.

In the workshop: the design is drawn freehand, then painted in colour one motif at a time.

Once the painting is complete, the tabletop is kiln-fired at high temperature. The glazes vitrify and bond with the volcanic stone, creating a permanent, UV-stable surface designed to withstand the elements.

At 220 × 110 cm, this is the largest rectangular table we offer, with a substantial surface to paint by hand. From the first sketch to the final firing, production took about 1.5 months.

Fired and finished: the completed Giardino Notturno in the Vietri workshop, ready for packing.

Packed for the long voyage

A 235 kg tabletop needs serious protection. Our tables travel in sturdy timber crates built just a few centimetres larger than the table, with the wrought iron base packed alongside. Every material in the crate meets Australian customs requirements, and every tabletop is fully insured in transit, from the moment it leaves the workshop until it reaches its destination.

Timber shipping crate holding a Casa Vietri lava stone table after delivery in Sydney
The timber crate, safely delivered.

Two months at sea, with Casa Vietri handling the details

From Italy, the crate travelled by sea for about two months before arriving at the Port of Sydney. We coordinated the journey from Italy to our showroom, including international freight, customs clearance and local delivery. Managing these logistics is part of what we do to bring handcrafted Italian lava stone tables to the Australian market.

Delivery driver lowering the crated Giardino Notturno table on a truck tail-lift with a pallet jack
Delivery day: the crate comes down on the tail-lift.

Unboxing a piece of the Amalfi Coast

Opening the crate is easier than you might expect. The timber panels can be removed by undoing a few screws. Inside, the wrought iron base sits on top, carefully wrapped, with the tabletop secured beneath it.

Opened timber crate showing the wrapped wrought iron table base packed above the lava stone tabletop
First layer: the wrought iron base, wrapped and packed above the tabletop.

With the base lifted out, the tabletop is revealed, seeing daylight for the first time since it left Italy.

Hand-painted Giardino Notturno lava stone tabletop revealed inside its shipping crate
The reveal.

Because the slab is solid lava stone, lifting it out takes a few people working together.

Lava stone tabletop being lifted out of its timber shipping crate
Giardino Notturno 220 x 110 cm hand-painted lava stone tabletop with lemons, hydrangeas and sunflowers on a cobalt blue border, laid on a lawn in Sydney

Assembled in about 20 minutes

Once unpacked, the hand-forged wrought iron frame took about 20 minutes for one person to assemble. With a few extra hands to lift the heavy tabletop into place, the Giardino Notturno was ready to be displayed in our showroom.

Assembled hand-forged wrought iron frame for a 220 x 110 cm rectangular lava stone table
The hand-forged wrought iron frame, ready for its tabletop.

The finished table on its wrought iron base

Finished Giardino Notturno 220 x 110 cm hand-painted lava stone table on its wrought iron base
Assembled and ready: the finished Giardino Notturno on its wrought iron base.

Made for outdoor living

The table is designed for outdoor living. Its kiln-fired lava stone surface is dense, heat-resistant and UV-stable, with a durable glaze designed to withstand outdoor conditions. Our tables are made to be enjoyed outdoors throughout the year, standing up to the Australian sun and changing weather while retaining their colour and character.

Your table, your way

Giardino Notturno is one of our signature designs, but it is only a starting point. Every Casa Vietri table is made to order, so you can:

  • Choose your shape and size: round, square, oval or rectangular, up to 220 × 110 cm.
  • Start from any design in our collection.
  • Customise the colours and motifs to make it entirely your own.

In most cases, made-to-order tables include free standard delivery anywhere in Australia. And as with this table, we take care of freight, customs and delivery to your door.

Ready to start your own story?

Italian lava stone tables, handcrafted in Italy and delivered across Australia.

Order your own custom table Visit our showroom

Our St Ives, NSW showroom is open for viewings by request.

Want to know more about how our tables are made? Read Discover the Craft, or browse the Giardino Notturno design.