Stone types
Types of stone
Limestone
Perfect for floors in wet areas, such as the bathroom and shower, as it provides such a sure footing. Harder limestones can be used as beautiful, durable worktops in the same way that granite can. Sealing will help with preventing staining.
Marble
Marble to this day still remains a testament to fine living everywhere. Coming in a vast array of colours, with good strength, marble is ideal for use as a floor or wall covering.
Granite
The oldest, strongest and hardest stone available, so ideal for use as kitchen worktops. Becoming increasingly popular on floors and walls too. It is a very consistent stone and is available in a whole spectrum of colours.
Slate
Slate's non–slip properties make it an excellent choice in either bathroom or shower. Its resilience and inherent colour variations mean that it also hides dirt well.
Basalt
Basalt is a very strong lava stone and is black and sometimes sage green. It also has strong resistance to wear.
Travertine
Like limestone, travertine offers good footing when wet. So it's ideal for floors, in the bathroom and even the shower. The harder varieties are suitable for kitchen worktops. Our Travertine products come in a number of colours and finishes to suit your requirements.
Stone grading
Natural stone is graded according to its purity. So think of buying your stone like choosing a diamond — the more you pay, the less imperfections your stone will have.
Having said that, the word 'quality' in the grades is misleading. There won't be anything substandard about stone that isn't 1st Quality. And the wonderful thing about natural stone is that variations in colour, veining and shading are exactly what will give your floor, worktop or wall its unique character.
1st Quality
Almost no veining or surface imperfections at all. Colour is true and consistent throughout the slab. This is the purest form of stone your money can buy.
High Standard
The majority of the slab will be pure and consistent in colour. There may be a small amount of veining or discolouration, but will be hard to spot. This grade can be almost identical to 1st Quality.
Standard (or Commercial)
Veining is pronounced; colour and shading vary throughout the slab.
Classico
Veining will be moderate to heavy. Shading and colour are inconsistent throughout the slab, and areas of discolouration will look like light or pigment staining.
Finishes/textures
Natural cleft
The finished surface is the way the stone came out of the ground.
Honed
Satin smooth finish, with a matt appearance as opposed to the reflective finish of a polished stone.
Tumbled
The stones go through a process of tumbling by which smooth pebbles are used to soften the appearance of the stone giving them a slightly worn and natural look.
Brushed
A coarse wire is passed over the stone to create in a worn, satin–smooth finish.
Polished
A shiny, high gloss finish that draws out the deepest colour and deepest character.