Tumbled stone tiles

A tumbled stone tile gives a soft, textured, natural effect to the surface of the stone tile and uneven edges. It is often used when a rustic or natural effect is desired. A tumbled stone tile is perfect for use in situation where it will come into contact with water as it has a naturally more slip resistant surface.

The tumbling process is where the stone tile is quite literally tumbled in a drum with liquid and chunks of abrasive pads to achieve the look and the natural holes can be filled or left unfilled although unfilled only relates to Travertine tiles. With a tumbled unfilled Travertine tile, the natural holes are usually filled when grouting using a slurry grouting technique helping the stone tile to retain its integrity. Please see our how to grout guide for more information on grouting techniques.

Tumbling is a popular finish for Travertine tiles and Marble tiles.

Honed stone tiles

A honed stone tile has a smooth, flat finish. It creates a softer look than that of a polished stone tile, with a satin effect similar to an eggshell paint.

The honing process, similar to the polishing process, uses machines and abrasives to buff the surface of the stone but stops short of the final stage of polishing. Honed stone tiles which have natural holes such as Travertine tiles will then usually have the holes filled with an epoxy resin before the stone is ground to reinforce the stones integrity and give a smooth, even appearance.

Limestone tiles, Marble tiles and Travertine tiles are popular choices in a honed finish, they will show few scratches and do not require a lot of maintenance.

Polished stone tiles

A polished stone tile has a wonderful glossy mirror like shine which comes from the crystals within the stone.

Polishing is a process in which machines are used to grind the surface of the stone. The look is achieved by working progressively through from rough to fine abrasives. Similar to the process of sanding, the finer the abrasive, the higher the polish.

Polishing is very popular for Granite tiles and Marble tiles. Only these hard stones will take and hold a polish over time, and some hard Limestone tiles, as it reflects the beauty of the stone’s crystals

Care should be taken when using polished stone tiles in an environment where it will come into contact with water as, due to the glossy finish of the stone, it can become slippery. Typically polished stone tiles are used for walls and a honed stone tile is used for floors. If a polished stone tile is to be used in a floor you may prefer to use an anti-slip product which has the effect of minutely etching the stone. A test should always be carried out as this could have an adverse effect on the colour of some stones.

Stone finishes

There are many different surface finishes available, some of the processes however are not suitable for every type of stone or would not give the desired effect. Below is a glossary of some of the most popular finishes for stone tiles.

Polished
Honed
Tumbled
Brushed
Riven
Vein-Cut

Deliveries

Orders

Any order placed after 1pm may not be processed the same day and may be allocated for the following days’ schedule. Orders placed on Saturday or Sunday will be processed on the next working day.

Economy service

This is our standard method of delivery. Your goods will typically be delivered to you within 3 working days. Deliveries are made between 8.30am and 5.30pm, Monday to Friday.

Next Day service

This service typically gets your order delivered next working day. Deliveries are made anytime between 8.30am and 5.30pm, Monday-Friday.

Timed service
AM or PM deliveries can be specified. There is an extra charge of £15 for the total consignment.

Saturday delivery
Saturday deliveries can be accommodated for an additional £45 for the entire consignment. Saturday deliveries are made between 8.00am and 12.00pm

Excluded areas

We are unable to deliver to some remote locations. Our system is pre-programmed with all the postcodes we deliver to. If yours is not available, please call to discuss.

Delivery of goods

Delivery costs will be provided at the time of purchase and will form part of the purchase price. Delivery charges vary depending on postal codes. All consignments are delivered on pallets. Each pallet has a limit of 1000kg. If the total weight of an order is above 1000kg, the remaining items will be allocated to one or more pallets. Each pallet incurs an individual charge. Charges calculated using the delivery service requested plus any additional services (Timed and Saturday delivery). Due to numerous factors, we will only provide estimated delivery dates although we use all reasonable efforts to deliver the goods at the time specified. Our carrier will typically call you on the day of delivery to make arrangements for the delivery of your goods.

Receiving of goods

The buyer or the buyer’s representative must be present at the delivery address on the specified date. If no one is present at the time of delivery, the goods will be retained by the haulage contractor and returned to the nearest depot until we receive further instruction. A re-delivery charge will be added to the cost of the goods to cover additional haulage.

Late Delivery

If we fail to make delivery on the specified delivery date this shall not constitute a breach of our terms and conditions and we will not accept any liability for any cost incurred due to late delivery.

Delivery Vehicle

All deliveries are made using a tail lift vehicle. Delivery will generally be kerbside depending on the vehicle used and the access to site. If there are access problems such as uneven ground, narrow lane and driveway or overhanging trees, the goods will be left in the nearest easily accessible and safe access point for the address stated. The delivery driver is not able to help you move the goods from the point of delivery to any other part of your property.

Damage During Transit/Shortfall of Goods

The buyer shall inform the seller immediately if any of the goods have been damaged during haulage, or there is any shortfall in the order by noting this on the delivery note provided by the haulage contractor. The seller will only replace damaged tiles if the total amount is greater than 5% of the total order. Photographic evidence of any damage will be required to aid with any insurance claim against the haulage contractor.