Top Tips

Natural Stone

  • Visit your local stockist to view the paving in full, do not order from brochure or website images alone. Small samples will also not show the full colour variation.
  • When using multiple packs (2+), open all the packs and select random slabs from each pack to get an even mix of shade and colour variation.
  • Use a professional landscaper to install your paving.
  • Always inspect the paving before installing.
  • Always choose cleaners and sealers from market leaders and never use acid on your natural stone products. Seek professional help.
  • Living Stone will not give a step by step guide to installing your new outdoor space. Always seek professional advice.
  • Do not butt joint your paving.
  • Always lay on a full bed of mortar, which no voids underneath, DO NOT dot and dab.

Porcelain

  • Check all the packs have the same batch code. Make a note of the batch code for future orders.
  • Use a professional landscaper to install your paving.
  • If laying on a sand and cement mortar bed, always use a slurry primer on the back of the slab to assure a good bond.
  • Do not butt joint your paving.
  • Do not let grout set on the surface of your porcelain slabs. It will be very hard to remove and you will have to use a specific cleaner. Always clean as you grout.
  • Due to the flatness of Porcelain slabs, we do not recommend you half bond slabs over 900mm long.
  • Always use suitable porcelain cutting tools
  • Living Stone will not give a step by step guide to installing your new outdoor space. Always seek professional advice.

Natural Stone

As part of the production process, natural stone will contain blemishes, which include veining, chipping and small holes. All are natural characteristics of the stone. Most chips will not be visible once installed and pointed. Order an extra 10% for wastage, cuts and pieces that you may not wish to use.

Natural Stone varies in colour, texture, markings and touch. These variations are what give natural stone is uniqueness and add to its appeal. Small samples will not always give an accurate reflection of how the patio will look once finished. Therefore, we recommend you visit one of our stockists who will be more than happy to advise you. These variations are accepted as unavoidable within the landscaping industry. Natural Stone will have a dimension tolerance of +/- 5mm.

All natural stone contains a variation in colour, shading, veining, and may contain blemishes and other natural characteristics. These are all perfectly normal and not a sign of any fault in the stone itself. Natural shade variations need to be evenly distributed across the paved area. If multi packs are ordered, open and sort all crates so a good colour mix can be achieved.

Grey Sandstone contains natural iron and this may oxidise and show as brown markings. This is inherent in the stone and should not be seen as a fault.

Black Limestone may lighten as a result of natural sunlight light and weathering. There are products on the market to bring back the colour if needed.

Please contact your stockist and always speak with a professional contractor for advice. Living Stone cannot be held responsible or accept liability for natural characteristics within the stone.

Porcelain

Technical Advantages

  • Surface absorption is below 0.05%, therefore moss, moulds and dirt cannot penetrate.
  • Easy to clean due to low absorption
  • Frost and chemical resistant
  • No need to seal
  • The colour does not fade, even with age.
  • R11 Slip resistance guaranteed.

(If a tile has a rating of R11 Slip resistance, it is regarded as safe for installations including bathrooms, kitchens, porches, hallways, cloakrooms, utility rooms and living rooms. They are also suitable for installation in public areas such as WCs, communal showers, swimming pools, cloakrooms, and expansive areas such as shopping centres, airports, and hotel foyers.)

How is porcelain produced?

Porcelain is a mixture of 4-5 different sands (including feldspars, kaolin) grounded together, mixed with water and dried out in a huge spray drier which produces the porcelain sand. The porcelain sand is put into a large press and pressed into the size of tile required. The surface of the tile then has multiple layers of glaze applied by what can only be described as a large HD printer. Once the glazes have been applied, the tile is then placed in a kiln and baked at 1200+ degrees for about 60 minutes.