Granite and many other natural stone surfaces are exceptionally durable and ideal for kitchen surfaces.  Although granite and slate are traditional, we increasingly supply a number of unusual marbles and even limestones, but these are generally less suitable than granite.  Bathrooms and properly polished and sealed marbles can be exceptionally beautiful.

Caution must be taken to select a stone suitable for its intended use, in simple terms even certain pale background granites will be less durable and more easily marked and stained than darker more consolidated stones.

The following information is principally designed to address issues that arise when specifying and working with granite work surfaces.

STONES ARE POROUS.  In general granite is the least porous, then marble, followed by limestone and slate.  As a rule of thumb it is not unreasonable to expect differing performance per surface. Even granite surfaces are not impervious to staining and damage.  For lasting results they must be properly cared for.

All London Marble M.D.E. work surfaces are treated with a water repellent sealant before dispatch, this means that a treatment has penetrated the surface of the material in order to help repel liquids,  it can only help and does not protect the surface,  the only real protection offered is by the polished surface itself. Stones cannot be rendered impervious to all marking and staining.

Granite and Marble surfaces should be CLEANED, resealed and wax polished at regular intervals with "Litho fin" or a similar sealant and a non-yellowing stone wax. London Marble M.D.E. will offer to return to re-seal your surfaces, but will charge for doing so.

HONED, acid etched, flame textured or bush hammered surfaces or any treatment whereby the polished surface has been removed by abrasion are generally less suitable for work-surfaces. The stone is no longer protected by a polished surface and will become more susceptible to marking and particularly absorption of oils, water and alcohol.        (London Marble M.D.E. does not generally recommend these finishes other than in circumstances where durability is of secondary importance). Treatments such as honing may reveal mica and quartz elements in the surface of the stone which retain their gloss, cannot be honed and frequently present as marks in the material.

Stone varies in its STRENGTH and make-up. In simple terms granite is generally stronger and more scratch, stain and chip resistant. Slate, limestone and marble offer less resistance in this respect.  It is always advisable to use chopping boards in heavy-use areas. (London Marble M.D.E. would be happy to make up a small matching sacrificial chopping board for you, but Nylon or timber boards are more suitable). 

As a rule of thumb, marble and slate may be more susceptible to STAINING by certain substances. The porous nature of some stones means that some substances may leave marks. The conventional list of 'things to look out for' includes hot oil, cigarettes, lemon juice or other acid/alkaline substances, red wine, detergents and alcohol. These substances should be wiped from the surface immediately as they will generally mark if left standing for some time.

STONE IS A NATURAL MATERIAL. This is the most quoted phrase used by granite or stone suppliers responding to customer queries and this is so for a good reason. Small samples must not be considered as other than broadly representative of the material described by the same name.  London Marble M.D.E. samples in showrooms or sent through the post cannot represent the appearance of a large sheet of material in all circumstances but can in most. We are unable to guarantee the colouring or character of stone and our sales are not by sample. You can request to inspect the actual scants to be used prior to cutting and finishing.
 
HANDLING and LIFTING.  Granite work surfaces manufactured by London Marble M.D.E. are frequently very large; 30mm material will weigh as much as 90 kilos per square metre. Please ensure that sufficient care is taken when attempting to move or lift granite. Consideration must be given to floor and carcass loading as well as access. Think carefully before insisting upon 40mm or thicker materials in large sizes. Unsupported joints are likely to open with time and will need to be repaired. London Marble M.D.E. reserves the right to make joints in work surfaces wherever they consider necessary commensurate with guidelines on weights, handling, access and safety.

Ensure that any carcass and cabinet work is properly fitted, level and firm, strong enough to support the heavy Granite. Under no circumstances should carcasses be moved after the template has been made.  Standing on stone kitchen surfaces is never a good idea and is a common cause of broken joints. Broken joints can be repaired, but such a visit is chargeable at an hourly rate including travel time.