0333 444 8899

FAQs

Have you got a question about us or our products?

See some helpful answers below. 

 

Our company

1. What is the role of Natural Stone Consulting?

As a specialist supplier of natural stone floor and wall tiles, we work directly with factories around the world to offer materials for residential and commercial projects. Our range includes collections of limestone, marble, basalt and slate tiles. We also source reclaimed materials including York stone and Barr De Montpellier limestone. Our showrooms operate by appointment which allows us to give each customer our undivided attention. We work with both retail and trade customers to find the best natural stone tiles for their interior and exterior projects.

2. Why are your showrooms operated as appointment-only facilities?

By dedicating our attention to one customer at a time, we are able to ensure they find exactly the right material for their project. We have years of experience in the natural stone industry and are able to share our knowledge better during a one-to-one consultation. Follow these links to find out more about our Berkshire showroom and Somerset showroom

3. Do you offer samples of your materials?

Yes, if you can’t get to one of our showrooms to see the stone first-hand. We believe in the value of sending samples that are large enough to represent the characteristics found in a material. If the true variation cannot be shown in just one sample, we will also send quality photographs to show the tones that feature over a large area.

Natural stone

1. Why consider natural stone tiles or paving?

Natural stone – whether it be limestone, marble, slate, basalt or sandstone – is formed over many years meaning each piece is full of character and history. This also means no two projects finished in stone will be the same thanks to the uniqueness of the natural material. The veining in a marble tile or the faint shell and fossil found in limestone are just some of the characteristics that draw many people to use natural stone rather than a man-made material. Certain stones, including basalt, some limestones and some sandstone, are extremely durable meaning they can be used inside and outside. Natural stone can also be finished in many different ways meaning it can be used in extremely modern as well as very traditional, rustic settings. Most stone tiles can also be used with underfloor heating.

To read more about why we are passionate about stone take a look at our blog entitled Ten reasons to use natural stone in your project.

2. Why are some stones more expensive than others?

The price of a natural stone tile can depend on a number of factors including how readily available the material is and how easy it is to transport it to the UK. One major factor is how the tiles are finished and whether this is done by a machine or by hand. Some of our flooring collection is made up of aged stones which have been finished by machine, making the production process quicker and more economical. Many of our antiqued stones have been finished using hand tools and traditional techniques to create surfaces and edges on tiles which resemble those that have been laid for many years. Because of the attention to detail paid to this process, it will take longer and therefore cost slightly more.

3. How do natural stone tiles differ from ceramic tiles?

Natural stone tiles are created by cutting through blocks of stone quarried straight from the earth, meaning they are made of the same natural material throughout.  Numerous finishes can be applied to natural stone to create varying textures, tones and looks, making it a wonderfully versatile material. No two pieces are the same and each will bear markings and fossils to illustrate its history and formation. Even if they become chipped and when they are finished to look aged, the same colour and texture still exists throughout.
Ceramic and porcelain tiles are man-made – colours, decorative glazes or prints are applied to the surface of a tile to create the desired look. If they become chipped the surface design could be removed, exposing the layer beneath commonly known as the ‘biscuit’. 

To read more about why we are passionate about stone take a look at our blog entitled Ten reasons to use natural stone in your project.

4. What care and maintenance of the stone products is recommended?

While being laid, white adhesive should be ‘buttered’ across the back of the whole tile to avoid any colour bleeding through and creating a patchy look. Avoid using a grey adhesive as this can sometimes create patches on the surface of the tile. 
Natural stone tiles should also always be sealed on the surface and around the edges before they are grouted to prevent moisture seeping into the surface and creating picture framing around the edges – some tiles will require more sealant than others depending on how dense they are.
Once they are laid, a colour enhancer or wax can also be used depending on the desired look. General maintenance cleaners, such as those supplied by Lithofin, can then be used to maintain the stone and also prevent or remove staining if necessary. 
More detailed installation and care guidance will also be provided at the time of order. 

5. Can anyone install natural stone tiles?

For installing natural stone tiles we would always recommend using an experienced or specialist fixer.
Each type of natural stone has its own characteristics and structure which means the density, thickness and strength can vary widely. How porous a natural stone tile is will also vary between each material. Other considerations to take into account include what base the tiles will be laid on and which adhesive and grouts to use. An experienced fixer will also have the knowledge to ensure each customer’s floor turns out the way they hope – the appearance of natural stone can vary widely depending on whether a colour enhancer or wax is used on the surface. We are happy to recommend natural stone fixers who we believe will get the best out of the quality natural stone floor and wall tiles we supply.

6. I have been told not to use stone for my project for a certain reason – why is this?

There are many myths out there surrounding the reasons why natural stone should not be used for certain applications. 

For answers to some of these most common myths, take a look at our blog entitled Busting the myths about natural stone

Placing an order

1. How do I place an order?

Contac us via our website forms, phone or email to discuss your requirements. Every order is handled by members of our small dedicated team who will be familiar with the material chosen and will guide you through the order and delivery process. On all orders we ask for a 50% deposit as confirmation and then the invoice balance prior to delivery.

2. How do I know I have ordered enough?

Once you know the dimensions of the space for installation, the square meterage can then be calculated. We always recommend adding an extra 10% to allow for any cuts that have to be made during installation and also for any minor chips or breakages that can occur. Unfortunately we cannot accept the return of excess material. However, it is always a good idea to keep some extra tiles in case they are needed in the future.

3. How will my tiles be delivered?

Please take a look at our dedicated page all about deliveries here.

4. When will my order be delivered?

For stocked products, delivery can be organised within 5-10 working days of the order being placed. For bespoke or made-to-order materials, lead times will vary and we can advise of these during the enquiry process.