Italian Porcelain FAQ

• Can you visit showroom without an appointment?
By all means! We’ll always have someone on hand to answer your questions, or provide you with any recommendations. The appointment service is simply there in case you have a project you want to discuss in depth.
• What form of payment do you accept?
We accept payment via bank transfers, all major credit and debit cards, and cheques. Unfortunately, we don’t currently accept Amex.
• Can you deliver outside the UK?
Absolutely. The only thing we’d ask with international orders is that you provide us with as much information as you can about the project from the outset. That way, when we provide you with a quote, we can also provide you with the most accurate possible lead times.
• How long will my order take to be delivered?
That depends. If your tile is a stock range, it’s generally between 3–5 working days. Non-stock items are subject to the factory’s availability and lead times, though we find these orders generally take between 2–4 weeks from the date ordered. If you’re looking for more precise lead times for a specific project, feel free to contact us at: info@roman-stone.co.uk.
• How will delivery be made?
Local deliveries (those within 10-15 miles) that are under 1 tonne will be made ourselves, using our very own Roman Stone company vehicle. In these instances, we’ll make sure to arrange a convenient time and date with you in advance.

All deliveries outside this radius will be made by one of our trusted, independent transport specialists, between 9am and 5:30pm. It’s worth noting that because our partners deliver according to their own schedules, it’s often difficult for us pin down a specific ETA on these deliveries.

However, if your situation demands a more precise timescale, then we can liaise with our partners to arrange specifically timed deliveries, albeit for a small extra charge. If you wish to opt for this delivery method, just let us know when you come to order your tile, so that we have the maximum opportunity to make the arrangements.

We make our deliveries kerbside as close as we can to the property, using a large heavy-goods vehicle with a mechanical tail-lift and pallet truck. If there are any steep gradients, gravel driveways, overhanging trees or other obstacles, be sure to let us know, and we’ll arrange for a specialist vehicle designed to overcome these types of access restrictions.

• What do I need to do at the point of delivery?
We’ll just need someone available to accept, sign for and safely store the delivery. Our kerbside delivery policy means that although we can unload your tiles from the vehicle, unfortunately the driver isn’t able to unpack the products and move them any further into the property, so you’ll need a few extra pairs of hands.

Your orders will be shrink wrapped for protection, but we’d still advise moving all materials and ancillary products undercover as soon as possible, to safeguard them from frost or rain.

Similarly, it’s always a good idea to double-check with us ahead of time that we have the right contact information for you, and that we’re able to get in touch with you on the day of your delivery. If the information supplied to us is incomplete or incorrect – and we’re unable to contact you to rectify it – then the delivery may fail, and additional charges may be incurred as a result. That’s obviously a lot of hassle for everyone involved, so it’s definitely worth taking the time to sidestep that scenario!

• Do you provide an installation service for your tiles?
We don’t have a in-house install team here at Roman Stone. However, thanks to our decades in the industry, we’re able to recommend several excellent tilers who are capable of providing an exceptionally high standard of service. Feel free to ask one of our members of staff about this, and we’ll be more than happy to provide you with some more details.
• Can you provide installation advice?
Yes. Each of our staff has an extensive knowledge about our entire product range, which means we’re able to provide detailed guidance to successful installation, including how to bond specific tiles with various substrates. For certain projects we can also provide site visits, though this is dependent on the location, size and type of project.
• Can you advise my tiler?
Absolutely! We can speak with your tiler, building contractor, interior designer or architect, and advise them on product details, design layouts and any other technical information they might require.

Natural Stone FAQ

• Will my tiles look the same as the picture on your website?
Natural stone is inherently difficult to photograph, and all monitors depict colour differently. Unless you’re already familiar with the tile in question, we’d always advise first coming to inspect it in person at our stunning Ribble Valley showroom.
• What is Jerusalem Limestone?
Jerusalem Stone is the name given to natural stone quarried from the east of the Jordan River to the Mediterranean west, and from the southern Port of Eilat on the Red Sea to the Galilee and Haifa on the north. This natural stone is mostly limestone, dolomitic limestone or dolomite, and tends to be of a gold or reddish hue (though some varieties are grey or nearly white).
• Why can some types of Jerusalem Stone vary so much in price from other types?
Stone tiles are generally classed in terms of First (premium), Second, and Commercial quality material. Once the First and Second classes of stone have been selected from the quarries, what’s left becomes Commercial stone. Because of its inherent difference in quality, it carries with it an according difference in price. Of course, that doesn’t necessarily make it automatically unsuitable for your purposes. Once again, it’s something you can only really make an objective decision on when you’re viewing it in our showroom!
• Do I have to seal natural stone materials?
Yes. All-natural stone tile materials require sealing to protect them against dirt and staining. The most common problems associated with natural materials arise from issues with sealing, so it’s very important to follow the instructions supplied with a sealant to obtain maximum protection. The best type of sealant to use will depend on the type of stone and the final finish you desire, but one thing you should always ensure is that the tiles are perfectly clean and dry before applying it!
• How much does it cost to lay natural stone tiles?
Quotations for laying natural stone tiles can vary, and they’re often dependent on the area in which you live. Generally, quotes range from between £30 to £60 per square metre. We strongly recommend you use a competent fitter who can provide a reference or have a look at previous work if possible.
• Is limestone and sandstone soft?
It’s impossible to make universal statements about the strength of natural stone. Some limestone is soft, whilst most is very hard. The same is true of sandstone. That’s why it’s so important to carefully select the type of stone you require, and seek advice from a specialist supplier such as Roman Stone from the outset.
• Will my stone floor scratch?
Yes, but don’t worry – even very hard natural stone will scratch. Eventually, the scratches will disappear into the general patina of the floor. Natural stone develops this beautiful patina over months and years of shoes abrading the surface of the floor, just as gold jewellery develops a patina when it is worn. It’s all part of the wearing process, and is a key part of stone’s authentic appeal. One can argue that a five-year old stone floor will be even more attractive than a brand new one.
• Is stone cold underfoot?
Not necessarily. Stone is excellent at absorbing the room’s ambient temperature, and so usually feels only slightly cooler. Stone flooring is also an extremely good conductor of heat, which is why it works so brilliantly well with under-floor heating.
• How often do I have to re-seal the stone?
Once you’ve sealed a natural stone floor, it doesn’t generally require re-sealing with the sealant we sell, although if a treatment of wax has been applied this can be re-applied as when necessary. Instead, you’ll simply need to regularly maintain your floor by way of regular brushing and mopping with a mild detergent like FILA cleaner.
• Why choose Natural Stone?
There’s lots to love about natural stone. To begin with, it’s the only material that improves with age, lasting a lifetime and gaining its own beautiful patina as it does so.. What’s more, it’s hardwearing and practical. It’s well worth investing in natural stone as its natural variation adds fantastic character, and will wonderfully enhance the value of your home.
• What are the benefits of a natural stone floor?
Natural stone flooring a very adaptable material that comes in many styles, equally well suited to both traditional and contemporary settings – whether a country cottage or an urban townhouse or apartment. It’s ideal for hallways, kitchens, dining rooms, conservatories and bathrooms, and it’s increasingly being used in living areas and bedrooms. Stone also complements other natural materials such as wood, and works particularly well with underfloor heating. Finally, natural stone flooring is unique as every tile is a one-off, and this look cannot be recreated by man-made material. Fossils, shells and crystal veins are all marks of authenticity.
• Why are some stones more expensive than others?
The price of the stone depends on several factors, including where the stone comes from, how unique the source or colour is, and how hard it is to cut and make into tiles. The more expensive stones tend to be very rare or have special characteristics.
• What stone is recommended for older properties?
Some people may be looking for a stone floor that looks as though it has been walked on for decades or centuries. Aged stone floors are perfect when looking for a sympathetic material for period homes or renovation projects. A tumbled, brushed or chipped edge stone floor in a repeating pattern, with different sized tiles mixed together, works particularly well for that authentic antique look, and complements other natural materials such as original timber beams and old wooden doors. Antiqued unfilled travertine, with a brushed surface and softened edges, is ideal for barn conversions, restoration developments and listed buildings where a textured surface and rustic style is required. For an eclectic look, aged stone can be mixed successfully with minimalist furniture and accessories.
• What type of stone flooring is recommended for contemporary interiors?
Honed limestone has a smooth matt surface and straight lines, which lends itself to clean uncluttered modern rooms or classical interiors. When creating a stylish clean look, the larger the better, and we have wide choice of different limestones in tiles that are 60 centimetres square. Dark colours also suit contemporary interiors when teamed with light coloured walls and in an area with abundant natural light and large windows.
• Can natural stone tiles be used in the conservatory?
Yes – a natural stone is a practical and elegant choice for your conservatory floor. Natural stone flooring with a honed finish is the perfect natural background for your favourite plants and the matt surface dissipates the bright daylight. Unlike wood, carpet or vinyl, most pale stones will not fade in direct sunlight.
• What happens if red wine or cooking oil is spilled on the stone?
Don’t worry – a properly sealed stone floor will initially repel the liquid. The silicone sealant will buy you time, as it protects the stone with an invisible barrier which means that any liquid will appear as droplets on the surface of the stone. Wipe off the wine or oil immediately and then wash it with warm water and some stone soap. If wine, vinegar or food acid is left on the floor for a longer period, then it may start to penetrate the sealant and etch the stone’s surface. However, any etching normally disappears in time as the stone is walked over.
• Is it possible to tell if natural stone tiles are sealed properly?
Yes. If you pour an eggcup of water on to your natural stone floor, it should pool on the surface in a large droplet. Leave the water for ten minutes, when you return, it should have remained on the surface of the stone. If the water has absorbed into the floor and left a dark patch, then the floor requires additional sealant. To test stone wall tiles, splash a small amount of water onto your tiles. The liquid should run down the tiles like rain drops running down a window pane.
• Is natural stone harder wearing than porcelain or ceramics?
To cut stone, you need a diamond-tipped blade. Cutting porcelain or ceramic is much easier, so it stands to reason that stone is harder wearing. When the surface of porcelain or ceramic is damaged, unfortunately it is then irreparable due to the biscuit being exposed, which can also be unhygienic. A damaged porcelain or ceramic floor will have to be ripped up or tiled over. Because stone is stone all the way through, it can be restored on-site without having to destroy the whole floor. This makes stone a very sustainable choice for flooring because of its longevity.
• Are natural stone floors practical for families and pet owners?
Yes. Personally, here at Roman Stone we’d advise you choose mid-tone colours such as beiges, coffee colours and mushroom colours that have lots of fossil and colour variation. These are great for hiding everyday wear, and camouflaging your children’s muddy footprints! In addition, many common childhood allergies are greatly improved by replacing carpets (which can harbour dust mites) with hard flooring such as natural stone. Certain natural stone floors have a high abrasion resistance that make them excellent for pet owners, as dog and cat hairs become easy to sweep up. With most stone flooring, you don’t have to spend hours of scrubbing carpets to clean up your pets “little accidents” – just a quick mop will do.