1. HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE MY ORDER TO DELIVER?

DELIVERIES TYPICALLY TAKE PLACE FROM 5-8 WORKING DAYS FROM DATE OF RECEIVING THE PAYMENT.

2. WHAT ARE YOUR DELIVERY CHARGES?

DELIVERY IS FREE FOR MOST OF THE INDIA POSTCODES (ORDINARY DELIVERY).   *SEE ZONE WISE CHART TO KNOW THE CHARGES UPTO YOUR INDIA POSTCODE. 

3. DO YOU DELIVER TO MY ADDRESS?

DELIVERY IS AVAILBLE TO THE WHOLE OF INDIA MAINLAND. HOWEVER IT MAY TAKE LONGER TO DELIVER TO SOME OF RURAL AREAS. WE ARE CURRENTLY UNABLE TO DELIVER OUTSIDE OF THE INDIA MAINLAND INCLUDING THE ISLE OF MAN, GUERNSEY, ISLE OF SKYE, JERSEY, ISLE OF WIGHT, ISLES OF SCILLY, ORKNEY ISLANDS, OUTER HEBRIDES, NORTHERN IRELAND, REPUBLIC OF IRELAND OR ANY OTHER NON INDIA MAINLAND POSTCODES.  

4. CAN I AMEND MY DELIVERY DATE?

ON THE MAJORITY OF ORDERS IT MAYBE POSSIBLE TO AMEND THE DELIVERY DATE OF YOUR ORDER. TO CONFIRM IF THIS IS POSSIBLE PLEASE CALL OUR CUSTOMER ADVISORY TEAM ON 9414044481

5. WHENWILL MY ORDER ARRIVE?

FOR THE MAJORITY OF OUR PRODUCTS, WE'LL EITHER BE ABLE TO LET YOU KNOW OR LET YOU CHOOSE AN ESTIMATED DELIVERY DATE DURING CHECKOUT. WE ARE NOT ABLE TO PROVIDE A TIME SLOT FOR YOUR DELIVERY IN ADVANCE. DELIVERIES MAY BE MADE BETWEEN 8AM AND 5:30PM. FOR ALL OTHER PRODUCTS THESE WILL BE SENT VIA ONE OF OUR DELIVERY PARTNERS, DELIVERY WILL TAKE 5-8 WORKING DAYS. YOU MAYBE CONTACTED IN ADVANCE BY PHONE OR BY TEXT MESSAGE, TO LET YOU KNOW AN ESTIMATED DELIVERY TIME

6. HOWIS MY ORDER DELIVERED?/ HOW WILL MY STONE BE DELIVERED?

THE MAJORITY OF DELIVERIES WILL BE VIA ONE OF THE FOLLOWING TYPES OF VEHICLES: 

• 42 TONNE ARTICULATED LORRY
• A TAIL LIFT AND A PALLET TRUCK
• A CRANE OFFLOAD FACILITY

DELIVERIES FROM THESE VEHICLES WILL BE KERBSIDE OR ON TO A DRIVEWAY WITH CLEAR ACCESS.
OTHER DELIVERIES WILL BE SENT VIA STANDARD MAIL.

NATIONWIDE DELIVERIES ARE MADE BY AN EXTERNAL PALLET FREIGHT COMPANY. THIS IS A KERBSIDE ONLY SERVICE SO YOU WILL NEED TO TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR MOVING THE GOODS OFF THE ROAD AND ONTO YOUR OWN PROPERTY. THE PALLET FREIGHT VEHICLES USE A TAIL LIFT AND PUMP TRUCK WHICH MEANS THAT THE DRIVER WILL NEED A FLAT AREA OF HARD-STANDING (I.E. NOT GRAVEL OR GRASS) ON WHICH TO UNLOAD.

DELIVERY DRIVERS ARE UNABLE TO CARRY SLABS THROUGH TO YOUR BACK GARDEN SO PLEASE ENSURE YOU HAVE THE RELEVANT LABOUR ORGANISED TO FACILITATE THIS. IF YOU HAVE ANY CONCERNS ABOUT DELIVERY METHODS OR SUITABILITY, PLEASE SPEAK WITH ONE OF OUR SALES ADVISORS WHO WILL BE ABLE TO HELP.                                      *Know more on DELIVERIES INFORMATION.

7. HOW CAN I CHECK ON MY DELIVERY?

PLEASE CALL 9414044481MON-FRI 8AM-5:30PM AND SATURDAY 10AM - 4PM FOR ASSISTANCE.

8. IS THERE A CHARGE FOR DELIVERY?

DELIVERY CHARGES ARE INCLUDED IN THE PRICE OF THE PRODUCT WITH SOME EXCEPTIONS WHERE AN ADDITIONAL DELIVERY SURCHARGE APPLIES PER PACK.  PLEASE SEE OUR SHIPPING & DELIVERIES INFORMATION.

9. MY DELIVERY IS LATE. AM I ENTITLED TO COMPENSATION?

WE STRONGLY ADVISE NOT TO ARRANGE ANY TRADSPERSON OR EQUIPMENT HIRE UNTIL THE GOODS HAVE BEEN DELIVERED IN CASE OF ANY UNFORSEEN CIRCUSTUNANCES RESULTING IN A DELAYED DELIVERY. DELIVERIES ARE CARRIED OUT BY A THIRD PARTY DELIVERY COMPANY. WHILST WE MAKE EVERY EFFORT FOR THE GOODS TO BE DELIVERED IN THE GIVEN TIME FRAME, THIS IS JUST A ESTIMATION AND NEVER IS GUARANTEED, THEREFORE WE CANNOT BE HELD RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY MATTERS BEYOND OUR CONTROL THAT RESULT IN YOUR DELIVERY BEING DELAYED. YOU ARE NOT ENTITLED TO ANY COMPENSATION.

10. WILL SOMEBODY NEED TO BE THERE TO TAKE DELIVERY?

ALL DELIVERIES MUST BE SIGNED FOR, SO YOU SHOULD ENSURE THAT YOU OR A REPRESENTATIVE IS AVAILABLE TO RECEIVE THE DELIVERY OR IN THE EVENT THAT THE DELIVERY DRIVER ENCOUNTERS ANY PROBLEMS. HOWEVER, YOU CAN WRITE A NOTE AT THE TIME OF ORDERING IF YOU ARE NOT ABLE TO PRESENT AT THE TIME OF DELIVERY.

11. HOW QUICKLY CAN I GET MY ORDER DELIVERED?

WE CAN USUALLY DELIVER NEXT DAY IF AN ORDER IS PLACED BY 11AM THE DAY BEFORE. HOWEVER, IT IS ALWAYS BEST TO ALLOW PLENTY OF TIME TO PLAN DELIVERIES. STONE IS NOT ALWAYS STRAIGHT FORWARD TO DELIVER. IT MAY ALSO BE DELIVERED TOWARDS THE END OF THE DAY, SO DO NOT PLAN TO LAY STONE ON THE DAY OF DELIVERY.

12. MY HOUSE IS ON A ROAD WITH WIDTH RESTRICTIONS; CAN YOU STILL DELIVER TO ME?

DELIVERIES ARE OFTEN MADE ON LARGE VEHICLES; IT IS BEST TO ENSURE THERE ARE NO DELIVERY RESTRICTIONS FOR THESE TYPES OF VEHICLES OR MAKE ARRANGEMENTS ACCORDINGLY. RESTRICTIONS COULD INCLUDE WIDTH/HEIGHT RESTRICTIONS, RED ROUTES, UN-ADOPTED ROADS AND PERMIT PARKING BAYS FOR EXAMPLE.

13. WHATHAPPENS IF MY DELIVERY DOESN’T ARRIVE?

PLEASE CALL US AS SOON AS YOU CAN, A SECOND ATTEMPT AT DELIVERY NORMALLY TAKES PLACE THE NEXT WORKING DAY. LATE DELIVERIES ARE NORMALLY CAUSED BY UNEXPECTED LOCAL TRAFFIC PROBLEMS (CONGESTION, ACCIDENTS, ROAD WORKS/CLOSURES ETC).

14. CAN I HAVE THE PALLETS DELIVERED TO MY BACK GARDEN/DRIVEWAY?

ALL DELIVERIES ARE DONE BY THIRD PARTY HAULIERS, USING A TAIL-GATE AND PUMP-LIFT, IT IS A KERBSIDE DROP ONLY.

15. DO YOU DELIVER USING A HIAB/CRANE OFFLOAD?

ALL OUR CONSIGNMENTS ARE DELIVERED USING A TAIL LIFT LORRY AND PUMP TRUCK OFFLOAD, NOT A CRANE. THE DRIVER WILL REQUIRE SMOOTH, SOLID AND LEVEL GROUND THAT IS FREE OF GRAVEL OR GRASS FOR A SUCCESSFUL DELIVERY. (PLEASE SEE OUR DELIVERY INFO) HOWEVER, LARGER LOADS OF 10 PALLETS OR MORE CAN BE PRICED SEPARATELY WITH A HIAB/CRANE OFFLOAD IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO CONTACT US FOR A QUOTE.

16. HOW DO I GET AN ETA/TRACKING INFORMATION?

IN MOST INSTANCES OUR DELIVERY PARTNER WILL SEND UPDATES VIA EMAIL AND/OR SMS TO KEEP YOU UPDATED REGARDING DELIVERY.

17. PREPARING FOR DELIVERY?

WHEN CONTACTED TO ARRANGE DELIVERY PLEASE:

• CONFIRM ADDRESS DETAILS AND LEAVE A DAY-TIME TELEPHONE NUMBER SO THAT WE CAN CONTACT YOU IF NECESSARY ON THE DAY OF DELIVERY
• ENSURE THE DELIVERY AREA IS FLAT AND SOLID ENOUGH TO TAKE THE WEIGHT OF A PALLET TRUCK CARRYING UP TO 1 TONNE IN WEIGHT
• IT’S ADVISABLE THAT THE PERSON TAKING DELIVERY IS ABLE TO HELP THE DRIVER AS THEY MAY OCCASIONALLY NEED HELP TO UNLOAD
• PLEASE ADVISE US OF ANY CONSTRAINTS WHICH MAY RESTRICT ACCESS TO YOUR ADDRESS FOR OUR DELIVERY VEHICLES

PAYMENT:

1. WHICH CARDS DO YOU ACCEPT?

WE CURRENTLY ACCEPT VISA DEBIT AND CREDIT CARD INCLUDING MASTERCARD & VISA ELECTRON. WE ALSO ACCEPT PAYMENT VIA PAYPAL AND OTHER MODES.

2. DOYOUR PRICES CONATIN VAT?

NO, OUR PRICES ONLINE ARE EXCLUDING VAT SO THE PRICE YOU SEE IS THE PRICE YOU PAY + VAT ON THAT. THE OTHER CHARGE WOULD BE DELIVERY (IN CASE IT'S NOT FREE). IF YOU ARE VAT EXEMPT (0%), PLEASE CONTACT US AS WE CAN TRY TO PERFORM SUCH TRANSACTIONS.

3. DOYOU OFFER DISCOUNT CODES?

ON OCCASION WE WILL HAVE SPECIAL "COUPON" OFFERS ACROSS THE SITE, CHECK THE HOMEPAGE FOR ANY LATEST OFFERS. WE ALSO MAY OFFER A DISCOUNT ON ITEMS THAT HAVE LIMITED STOCK, A CODE WILL NOT BE NEEDED FOR THAT AND WILL COME OF THE LISTED PRICE

4. I HAVEMADE AN ORDER BUT CANNOT MAKE PAYMENT, WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?

WE WILL HAVE A COPY OF YOUR ORDER AND WILL PHONE YOU ON THE SAME OR NEXT WORKING DAY. IF YOU WISH TO PROCEED WE CAN TAKE PAYMENT OVER THE PHONE.

5. CAN I PAY COD?

NO, PAYMENT WITH ALL ORDERS IS EITHER VIA THE WEBSITE, BANK TRANSFER OR BY PHONE.

6. WILL I GET A DISCOUNT IF I PAY BY CASH?

PAYING BY CASH, CHEQUE OR DEBIT/CREDIT CARD IS THE SAME. THERE IS NO DISCOUNTS EXCEPT FOR LARGE QUANTITIES OF MATERIALS AS MENTIONNED ABOVE. YOU CAN SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTERS AND TRADE SIGNUP FOR REGULAR UPDATES AND DISCOUNTS ON LARGE QUANTITIES.

7. DO YOU ACCEPT CHEQUES?

WE DO ACCEPT CHEQUES, BUT THE FUNDS HAVE TO CLEAR BEFORE THE GOODS LEAVE OUR YARD.

8. I HAVE AN ONLINE PAYMENT PROBLEM, CAN YOU HELP?

PLEASE CALL 9414044481 MON-FRI 8AM-5:30PM AND SATURDAY 10AM - 4PM FOR ASSISTANCE

ORDERING:

1. CAN I ORDER OVER THE PHONE?

YES, YOU CAN CALL 9414044481 AND PLACE YOUR ORDER OVER THE PHONE. LINES ARE OPEN 8AM-5:30PM MONDAY TO FRIDAY, AND OPEN FROM 10AM-4PM SATURDAY.

2. WHENWILL MY ORDER ARRIVE? / HOW LONG WILL MY ORDER TAKE TO ARRIVE?

FOR THE MAJORITY OF OUR PRODUCTS, WE'LL EITHER BE ABLE TO LET YOU KNOW OR LET YOU CHOOSE AN ESTIMATED DELIVERY DATE DURING CHECKOUT. WE ARE NOT ABLE TO PROVIDE A TIME SLOT FOR YOUR DELIVERY IN ADVANCE. DELIVERIES MAY BE MADE BETWEEN 8AM AND 5:30PM. FOR ALL OTHER PRODUCTS THESE WILL BE SENT VIA ONE OF OUR DELIVERY PARTNERS, DELIVERY WILL TAKE 5-8 WORKING DAYS. YOU MAYBE CONTACTED IN ADVANCE BY PHONE OR BY TEXT MESSAGE, TO LET YOU KNOW AN ESTIMATED DELIVERY TIME

3. HOWIS MY ORDER DELIVERED?

THE MAJORITY OF DELIVERIES WILL BE VIA ONE OF THE FOLLOWING TYPES OF VEHICLES:

• 42 TONNE ARTICULATED LORRY
• A TAIL LIFT AND A PALLET TRUCK
• A CRANE OFFLOAD FACILITY

DELIVERIES FROM THESE VEHICLES WILL BE KERBSIDE OR ON TO A DRIVEWAY WITH CLEAR ACCESS.
OTHER DELIVERIES WILL BE SENT VIA STANDARD MAIL.

NATIONWIDE DELIVERIES ARE MADE BY AN EXTERNAL PALLET FREIGHT COMPANY. THIS IS A KERBSIDE ONLY SERVICE SO YOU WILL NEED TO TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR MOVING THE GOODS OFF THE ROAD AND ONTO YOUR OWN PROPERTY. THE PALLET FREIGHT VEHICLES USE A TAIL LIFT AND PUMP TRUCK WHICH MEANS THAT THE DRIVER WILL NEED A FLAT AREA OF HARD-STANDING (I.E. NOT GRAVEL OR GRASS) ON WHICH TO UNLOAD.

DELIVERY DRIVERS ARE UNABLE TO CARRY SLABS THROUGH TO YOUR BACK GARDEN SO PLEASE ENSURE YOU HAVE THE RELEVANT LABOUR ORGANISED TO FACILITATE THIS. IF YOU HAVE ANY CONCERNS ABOUT DELIVERY METHODS OR SUITABILITY, PLEASE SPEAK WITH ONE OF OUR SALES ADVISORS WHO WILL BE ABLE TO HELP.                                    *Know more on DELIVERIES INFORMATION.

4. DOYOU OFFER DISCOUNT CODES?

ON OCCASION WE WILL HAVE SPECIAL "COUPON" OFFERS ACROSS THE SITE, CHECK THE HOMEPAGE FOR ANY LATEST OFFERS. WE ALSO MAY OFFER A DISCOUNT ON ITEMS THAT HAVE LIMITED STOCK, A CODE WILL NOT BE NEEDED FOR THAT AND WILL COME OF THE LISTED PRICE

5. CANYOU SPLIT MY DELIVERY INTO TWO LOADS?

THE GOOD NEWS IS THAT WE DO OFFER THIS AS AN OPTION, HOWEVER IT WILL BE ON FULL PACKS ONLY AND THERE WOULD BE AN ADDITIONAL SPLIT LOAD CHARGE OF £60.00

6. CAN I BOOK MY INSTALLERS IN AND THEN ORDER MATERIALS AFTERWARDS?

WE WOULD STRONGLY RECOMMEND ONLY PLANNING WORK IN ONCE A DELIVERY DATE HAS BEEN CONFIRMED. ALTHOUGH WE TRY TO KEEP HIGH STOCK LEVELS, EVEN OFF THE SHELF PRODUCTS CAN SELL OUT AND BECOME UNAVAILABLE WHEN NEEDED. INCOMING STOCK DELIVERIES, SPECIAL ORDERS AND BESPOKE ORDERS CAN ALL BE SUBJECT TO DELAYS BEYOND OUR CONTROL.

7. I HAVEMADE AN ORDER BUT CANNOT MAKE PAYMENT, WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?

WE WILL HAVE A COPY OF YOUR ORDER AND WILL PHONE YOU ON THE SAME OR NEXT WORKING DAY. IF YOU WISH TO PROCEED WE CAN TAKE PAYMENT OVER THE PHONE.

8. WHATHAPPENS IF MY DELIVERY DOESN’T ARRIVE?

PLEASE CALL US AS SOON AS YOU CAN, A SECOND ATTEMPT AT DELIVERY NORMALLY TAKES PLACE THE NEXT WORKING DAY. LATE DELIVERIES ARE NORMALLY CAUSED BY UNEXPECTED LOCAL TRAFFIC PROBLEMS (CONGESTION, ACCIDENTS, ROAD WORKS/CLOSURES ETC).

9. DO INEED TO ORDER EXTRA SLABS FOR WASTAGE?

WE RECOMMEND THAT CUSTOMERS ORDER AN ADDITIONAL 10% EXTRA FOR WASTAGE. THIS WILL PREVENT YOUR PROJECT BEING HELD UP IN THE EVENT OF BREAKAGES OR DAMAGE ON SITE. IT ALSO MEANS THAT YOU CAN DISCARD THE ODD SLAB THAT YOU DON’T LIKE THE LOOK OF DUE TO NATURAL COLOUR VARIATION, VEINING ETC.

10. DO I HAVE TO BUY A FULL CRATE? I ONLY NEED A SMALL AMOUNT OF MATERIAL?

NOT AT ALL – JUST BUY THE QUANTITY THAT YOU NEED. WE KNOW THAT ITS REALLY FRUSTRATING TO HAVE TO ORDER TWICE AS MUCH AS YOU NEED SO WE ARE MORE THAN HAPPY TO SPLIT DOWN OUR CRATES OF STONE IF REQUIRED.

11. CAN I CANCEL AN ORDER AFTER IT HAS BEEN PAID FOR?

YES, BUT WE REQUIRE 3 WORKING DAYS ADVANCE NOTICE. A RESTOCKING FEE OF 15% MAY BE CHARGED IF YOUR ORDER HAS ALREADY BEEN PICKED.

12. WHAT IF I NEED TO AMEND/MAKE ADDITIONS TO MY ORDER?

IF THE ORDER HAS NOT BEEN DESPATCHED WE WILL BE ABLE TO ADD DIRECTLY TO YOUR ORDER. PLEASE ENSURE THAT YOU HAVE ORDERED THE CORRECT AMOUNT OF TILES YOU REQUIRE, ANY LATE ADDITIONS MAY BE SUBJECT TO CARRIAGE COSTS DEPENDING WEIGHTS AND QUANTITIES. EACH REQUEST WILL BE LOOKED AT ON AN INDIVIDUAL BASIS.

13. I’M HAVING ISSUES ORDERING ON YOUR WEBSITE?

PLEASE CLEAR YOUR BROWSING HISTORY AND COOKIES. INSTRUCTIONS ON HOW TO DO THIS CAN BE FOUND ON YOUR BROWSER HELP SECTION. ALTERNATIVELY PLEASE CALL US ON 9414044481 AND WE WILL BE HAPPY TO HELP.

GENERAL QUESTIONS:

1. DOYOUR PRICES CONATIN VAT?

NO, OUR PRICES ONLINE ARE EXCLUDING VAT SO THE PRICE YOU SEE IS THE PRICE YOU PAY + VAT ON THAT. THE OTHER CHARGE WOULD BE DELIVERY (IN CASE IT'S NOT FREE). IF YOU ARE VAT EXEMPT (0%), PLEASE CONTACT US AS WE CAN TRY TO PERFORM SUCH TRANSACTIONS.

2. DO YOU SUPPLY SAMPLES OF YOUR PRODUCTS? /DO YOU SEND SAMPLES OUT?

YES BUT THERE IS A CHARGE OF £18 TO COVER COURIER COSTS. IF YOU ARE LOCAL TO US AND CAN COLLECT WE WILL GLADLY GIVE YOU ANY SAMPLES FROM STOCK.

3. HOW MANY SAMPLES I CAN GET?

IF COLLECTING, YOU CAN GET AS MANY SAMPLES AS YOU NEED - WITHIN A REASONABLE AMOUNT. IF REQUESTING ONLINE, SAMPLES ARE STRICTLY LIMITED TO 2 PER CUSTOMER / ADDRESS.

4. MY SLABS ARE NOT EXACTLY THE SAME COLOUR AS THE SAMPLES I RECEIVED. WHY?

STONE IS A NATURAL PRODUCT AND NO TWO PIECES ARE EVER IDENTICAL. SOME PRODUCTS HAVE FAIRLY SUBTLE DIFFERENCES FROM SLAB TO SLAB AND BATCH TO BATCH, WHEREAS OTHERS CONTAIN A LOT OF VARIATION. THIS MAKES IT IMPOSSIBLE FOR US TO SHOW A TRUE REPRESENTATION OF THE STONE YOU WILL RECEIVE IN JUST ONE SAMPLE. WE STRONGLY RECOMMEND THAT YOU MAKE A VISIT TO OUR YARD TO VIEW THE STONE. AGAIN, WHAT YOU SEE AT THE YARD WILL NOT BE IDENTICAL TO THE STONE YOU RECEIVE, BUT THE MORE STONE YOU CAN VIEW THE BETTER IDEA YOU WILL HAVE OF WHAT TO EXPECT.

5. MY STONE IS DARKER THAN THE SAMPLE I WAS EXPECTING. WHY?

AS WELL AS THE NATURAL COLOUR DIFFERENCES EXPLAINED IN THE PREVIOUS ANSWER, STONE MAY ALSO APPEAR DARKER IF IT IS WET. IF YOUR STONE HAS BEEN CUT TO ORDER IN OUR BESPOKE STONE CENTRE THEN THERE IS A CHANCE THAT IT COULD BE RETAINING MOISTURE FROM THE WET CUTTING PROCESS. IF IN DOUBT, ALLOW THE STONE TO DRY THOROUGHLY PRIOR TO INSTALLATION.

6. IS INDIAN SANDSTONE SUITABLE FOR GARDEN IN THE INDIA ?

YES, INDIAN STONES ARE A SOLID, DURABLE PAVING WITH A HUGE ARRAY OF DIFFERENT COLOURS, AND GREAT VALUE FOR MONEY TOO.

7. CAN I CANCEL MY ORDER?

YOU CAN CANCEL YOUR ORDER AT ANYTIME UP TO THE END OF THE 14TH WORKING DAY FROM THE DATE YOU RECEIVE THE DELIVERY OF THE ORDERED PRODUCT. TO CANCEL YOUR ORDER YOU MUST NOTIFY US BY EMAIL. IT IS YOUR RESPONSIBLITY TO PAY FOR THE RETURN DELIVERY OF THE GOODS, STORING AND REPACKING CHARGED. PLEASE SEE OUR TERMS & CONDITIONS. 

8. WHAT IF I ORDER TOO LITTLE?

WE CAN SUPPLY YOU WITH EXTRA PRODUCTS. PLEASE NOTE HOWEVER IF YOUR REQUIREMENTS ARE LESS THAN A FULL PACK THERE WILL BE A DELIVERY CHARGE IN SOME CIRCUMSTANCES. WE RECOMMEND YOU ALWAYS ALLOW UP TO 10% EXTRA FOR CUTTING. UNFORTUNATELY SOME OF OUR PRODUCTS CANNOT BE SOLD AS INDIVIDUAL UNITS AND ARE ONLY SUPPLIED IN FULL PACKS, PLEASE CALL US FOR MORE DETAILS

9. WHAT IF I ORDER TOO MUCH?

WE ARE ABLE TO TAKE BACK FULL, UNOPENED PACKS BUT WE WILL HAVE TO CHARGE YOU WITH THE COST OF COLLECTION DEPENDING ON WHERE YOU ARE AND WHAT THE PRODUCT IS, WITH STORING CHARGES.

10. WHAT HAPPENS IF I DISCOVER AFTER ORDERING THAT MY PRODUCT IS OUT OF STOCK?

WE WILL CALL TO INFORM YOU. EITHER YOU CAN HAVE A FULL REFUND OR WE CAN PUT YOU ON A WAITING LIST WITH AN ESTIMATED TIME OF AVAILABILITY.

11. I HAVE CHILDREN/PETS/OVERHANGING TREES. IS NATURAL STONE SUITABLE FOR MY GARDEN?

THERE IS A NATURAL STONE SOLUTION FOR EVERY PROJECT. YOUR SALES ADVISOR WILL BE ABLE TO ASSIST IN HELPING YOU TO CHOOSE THE BEST PRODUCT TO SUIT YOUR LIFESTYLE. WE STRONGLY ADVISE THAT NATURAL STONE IS SEALED TO ASSIST WITH MAINTENANCE AND CLEANING IN THE FUTURE AND THIS IS EVEN MORE IMPORTANT IN HIGH-TRAFFIC AREAS.

12. DO INEED TO ORDER EXTRA SLABS FOR WASTAGE?

WE RECOMMEND THAT CUSTOMERS ORDER AN ADDITIONAL 10% EXTRA FOR WASTAGE. THIS WILL PREVENT YOUR PROJECT BEING HELD UP IN THE EVENT OF BREAKAGES OR DAMAGE ON SITE. IT ALSO MEANS THAT YOU CAN DISCARD THE ODD SLAB THAT YOU DON’T LIKE THE LOOK OF DUE TO NATURAL COLOUR VARIATION, VEINING ETC.

13. WHAT ARE YOUR POLICIES ON THE ENVIRONMENT?

WE WILL CONDUCT ALL OUR BUSINESS IN AN ETHICAL, TRANSPARENT MANNER AND BE AS ENVIRONMENTAL FRIENDLY AS IS PRACTICALLY POSSIBLE.

14. I WANT TO EXTEND MY EXISTING PATIO, HOW DO I KNOW WHICH SLABS TO USE? 

WE SUGGEST YOU BRING IN A SAMPLE OF YOUR EXISTING PAVING AND WE WILL TRY AND FIND THE BEST MATCH FOR IT. WITH OUR MANY YEARS EXPERIENCE, WE CAN OFTEN IDENTIFY PREVIOUSLY LAID AND WEATHERED SLABS. IF IT IS A DISCONTINUED ITEM OR ONE NOT WITHIN OUR RANGE, WE WILL TRY AND SUGGEST A CLOSEST MATCH. BE AWARE HOWEVER THAT EVEN MATCHING WITH THE SAME PAVING WILL SHOW UP, AS THE SLABS WILL STAND OUT NEW AGAINST OLD. THIS WILL LESSEN AS THE NEW PAVING WEATHERS.

IF YOU ARE UNABLE TO BRING IN A SAMPLE, WE WILL TRY OUR BEST TO IDENTIFY THE SLABS FROM A PHOTO, ALTHOUGH THIS IS SOMETIMES QUITE DIFFICULT ESPECIALLY WITH MORE WEATHERED SLABS. ALTERNATIVELY YOU CAN BUY SAMPLES OF OUR PAVING, TAKE THEM HOME AND MATCH THEM UP TO YOUR EXISTING PAVING. ANY SLABS NOT USED CAN BE RETURNED FOR A REFUND.

15. HOW MUCH IS IN A PACK?

THIS CAN VARY; PLEASE CLICK ONTO THE PRODUCT AND ALL THE INFORMATION YOU REQUIRE WILL BE THERE, EITHER IN THE PRODUCT HEADLINE OR IN THE TEXT. PACK SIZES, NUMBER OF SIZES AND HOW MANY OF EACH ETC WILL BE WRITTEN DOWN FOR YOU.

16. I DON’T NEED MY STONE FOR A FEW WEEKS. DO I HAVE TO TAKE DELIVERY NOW?

NO, IF FULL PAYMENT IS MADE WE CAN HOLD YOUR ORDER UNTIL YOU ARE READY. WE JUST ASK FOR A FEW DAYS NOTICE TO ORGANISE YOUR DELIVERY.

17. HOW DO I UNPACK A CRATE OF PAVING SAFELY?

THE SLABS OF PAVING ARE STACKED IN A WOODEN CRATE ALMOST LIKE A LOAF OF BREAD. IF YOU CONTINUALLY TAKE SLABS FROM ONE SIDE OF THE CRATE THEN YOU RUN THE RISK OF THE PACK TIPPING OVER. WE ADVISE THAT WHERE POSSIBLE SLABS SHOULD BE TAKEN FROM THE CENTRE OF THE PACK TO SPREAD OUT THE WEIGHT EVENLY OVER THE CRATE. AS THE CRATE STARTS TO EMPTY IT ADVISED THAT YOU MOVE SOME OF THE REMAINING SLABS TO THE EMPTY SIDE TO PREVENT THE CRATE TIPPING UP DUE TO UNEVEN WEIGHT DISTRIBUTION CAUSED BY THE SLABS BEING REMOVED.

18. DO YOU PROVIDE A LAYING GUIDE?

WE PROVIDE A STANDARD LAYING GUIDE WITH ALL OUR PRODUCTS WHICH CAN BE FOUND ON OUR WEBSITE (https:///pages/laying-guide). IT CAN BE EMAILED ACROSS IF NEEDED TOO.

19. WHERE ARE YOU LOCATED?

WE ARE LOCATED NEAR FELIXSTOWE, PORT OF FELIXSTOWE.                  4, PARKER AVE, FELIXSTOWE IP11 4HF 

20. DO YOU REQUIRE DEPOSITS?

YES, SPECIAL ORDERS AND CUTTING JOBS REQUIRE A 50% DEPOSIT. A RESERVE STOCK ALSO REQUIRES A DEPOSIT.

21. HOW TO APPLY FOR AN ACCOUNT?

WE REQUIRE 6 MONTHS "PAY AS YOU GO" OF AT LEAST £2000.00 / MONTH

22. I CANNOT SEE THE SIZE/TEXTURE/COLOUR OF THE STONE I AM LOOKING FOR?

MOST OF THE PRODUCTS WE CARRY IN STOCK ARE DISPLAYED ON THE WEBSITE, BUT NOT ALL!! WE CAN BESPOKE TO ORDER OR ORDER IN SPECIAL SIZES / SHAPES. LEAD TIMES CAN VARY BETWEEN 1 TO 12 WEEKS.

23. ARE ALL OF YOUR PAVING PRODUTS ETHICALLY SOURCED?

ABSOLUTELY, WE'RE PROUD THAT ALL OF OUR PAVING IS CE MARKED AND COMPLETELY ETHICALLY SOURCED.

24. WHY ARE YOU REASONABLE/SO MUCH CHEAPER THAN OTHER PAVING COMPANIES?

UNLIKE MANY PAVING STONE COMPANIES, HERE AT UMANG STONE INDIA  WE ARE DIRECT MANUFACTURERS BASED OUT IN INDIA AND DEAL DIRECTLY WITH OTHER OVERSEAS, MEANING WE ELIMINATE THE MIDDLE MAN! WE ARE A FAMILY OWNED COMPANY WITH FEW OVERHEADS, THIS WAY WE CAN PASS THE SAVINGS STRAIGHT BACK TO YOU. IF YOU'RE WORRIED ABOUT BUYING FROM OUR COMPANY, YOU CAN READ SOME OF OUR CUSTOMER REVIEWS.

25. CANI LAY THE STONE MYSELF?

WE STRONGLY RECOMMEND THAT YOU USE A PROFESSIONAL TILER WHO HAS THE EQUIPMENT AND EXPERIENCE TO LAY NATURAL STONE.

26. I’M HAVING ISSUES ORDERING ON YOUR WEBSITE?

PLEASE CLEAR YOUR BROWSING HISTORY AND COOKIES. INSTRUCTIONS ON HOW TO DO THIS CAN BE FOUND ON YOUR BROWSER HELP SECTION. ALTERNATIVELY PLEASE CALL US ON 9414044481 AND WE WILL BE HAPPY TO HELP.

27. DO YOU HAVE A DISPLAY AREA?

YES WE HAVE ALL THE PRODUCTS ON DISPLAY AT OUR DEPOT AND CAN BE VIEWED/PURCHASED HERE.

28. HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN TRADING?

UMANG STONE INDIA LTD HAS BEEN TRADING FOR 30 YEARS SO REST ASSURED WE ARE VERY EXPERIENCED IN THE SUPPLY OF PAVING STONES AND DECORATIVE AGGREGATES.

29. WHERE I CAN PURCHASE YOUR NATURAL STONE?

UMANG STONE INDIA SUPPLIES NATURAL STONE AND PORCELAIN PAVING TO MANY STOCKISTS, WHICH ARE LOCATED THROUGHOUT THE INDIA. FOR MORE INFORMATION REGARDING YOUR LOCAL STOCKIST, YOU CAN CONTACT US VIA PHONE, EMAIL, FACEBOOK, INSTAGRAM OR VIA THE CONTACT US FORM ON THE WEBSITE.

30. DO YOU OFFER HELP WITH LAYING PATTERNS?

INCLUDED ON YOUR PATIO PACK YOU WILL SEE A GENERAL LAYING PATTERN FOR THE STANDARD PATIO PACK. WE ONLY OFFER A GENERAL LAYING PATTERN TO HELP WHEN INSTALLING A STANDARD PATIO PACK, HOWEVER WE UNDERSTAND THAT ALL GARDENS ARE DIFFERENT, SO THIS IS JUST A GENERAL GUIDE.
PLEASE SEE OUR WEBSITE FOR MORE INFORMATION ON LAYING PATTERNS.
IF YOU RESEARCH “LAYING PATTERNS” ONLINE YOU WILL FIND CALCULATORS WHICH WILL HELP YOU TO PLAN AND INSTALL 1, 2 OR MORE PACKS OF PAVING.

31. WHERE DOES YOUR PORCELAIN COME FROM?

WE IMPORT OUR PORCELAIN PRODUCTS FROM ITALY.

32. CAN I VISIT YOU TO VIEW THE PRODUCT?

YES, YOU’RE MORE THAN WELCOME TO VISIT US BY PRIOR APPOINTMENT. WE’RE BASED IN FELIXSTOWE AND OPEN MONDAY TO FRIDAY BETWEEN 8AM - 5:30PM. PLEASE NOTE THAT WE HOLD OUR PRODUCTS IN MULTIPLE DISTRIBUTION CENTRES AND THEREFORE BEFORE ARRANGING A VISIT WE WOULD SUGGEST YOU CONTACT US FIRST SO WE CAN ADVISE YOU WHAT PRODUCTS ARE AVAILABLE TO VIEW AND WHERE IT’S BEST TO VIEW THEM.

33. I’M A STONE DEALER; CAN I APPLY TO JOIN YOUR NETWORK?

YES, OF COURSE. WE’D LOVE TO HAVE YOU AS PART OF OUR NETWORK SO FEEL FREE TO CALL US ON 1111 OR EMAIL info@ AND LET’S SEE WHAT WE CAN DO FOR YOU.

34. I’M A CONTRACTOR; HOW COULD I WORK WITH YOUR COMPANY?

WE OFFER VERY COMPETITIVE CASH AND CARRY PRICES THAT WILL SUIT MANY TRADE CUSTOMERS WHO CAN ORGANISE THEIR OWN COLLECTION FROM OUR DISTRIBUTION CENTRES. WE CAN ALSO OFFER TRADE TERMS TO CUSTOMERS WHO ARE BUYING REGULARLY FROM US AND ALSO OFFER DIRECT CONTACT WITH OUR SENIOR MANAGEMENT TEAM WHO WILL OVERSEE YOUR ACCOUNT AND KEEP YOU UPDATED WITH ALL CURRENT OFFERS – BASICALLY YOU’LL BE THE FIRST TO KNOW AND OUR AIM IS TO KEEP YOU AS COMPETITIVE AS WE CAN. TRY AND SUBSCRIBE OUR NEWSLETTER OR TRADE SIGNUP FOR REGUALR TRADE PERSONS.

35. I CAN’T FIND THE ANSWER TO MY QUESTION ABOVE, CAN I SPEAK TO SOMEONE?

YES OF COURSE. OUR FRIENDLY TEAM IS MORE THAN HAPPY TO HELP WITH ANY QUESTIONS YOU MAY HAVE. JUST CALL 1111OR EMAIL 12121 

WE’RE OPEN FROM MONDAY TO FRIDAY BETWEEN 8AM - 5.30PM.

PRODUCT INFO & GUIDE:

1. CANYOU SPLIT MY DELIVERY INTO TWO LOADS?

THE GOOD NEWS IS THAT WE DO OFFER THIS AS AN OPTION, HOWEVER IT WILL BE ON FULL PACKS ONLY AND THERE WOULD BE AN ADDITIONAL SPLIT LOAD CHARGE OF £60.00

2. MY STONE HAS DISCOLOURED OVER TIME. WHY?

STONE IS GENERALLY QUITE AN INERT PRODUCT – IF IT BECOMES DISCOLOURED OR GETS MARKS ON IT, THEN THE CAUSE OF THIS IS USUALLY SITE BASED AND NOT THE PAVING PRODUCT AT FAULT (IF FROM A QUALITY SUPPLIER)

3. WHAT IS THE DIFERENCE BETWEEN CONCRETE & CLAY BLOCK PAVING?

BESIDES ONE BEING MADE FROM CLAY AND ONE FROM CONCRETE THERE ARE A NUMBER OF DIFFERENCES BETWEEN THE TWO.

AS CLAY IS A NATURAL MATERIAL THE COLOUR IS INHERENT WITHIN IT, CONSEQUENTLY EXPOSURE TO ULTRA VIOLET LIGHT WILL NOT HAVE AN EFFECT ON THE VIBRANCY OF THE COLOUR OVER TIME.

CONCRETE HOWEVER, IS A PIGMENTED MATERIAL AND OVER TIME AND EXPOSURE TO UV LIGHT THERE WILL BE A REDUCTION IN THE INTENSITY OF COLOUR, THIS WILL NOT BE A NOTICEABLE CHANGE DUE TO THE LENGTH OF TIME IT WILL TAKE.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT.

4. DO YOU SELL AGGREGATES AND CEMENT?

NO WE DON’T SELL CEMENT AND AGGREGATES.

5. WHICH FLAGS ARE SLIP RESISTANT?

ALL OUR PAVING IS SLIP RESISTANT PROVIDED THAT THE UNITS ARE MAINTAINED AT THE REQUIRED INTERVALS TO PREVENT THEM FROM POTENTIALLY BECOMING SLIPPERY WITH A SURFACE BUILD UP OF DIRT, DETRITUS AND ALGAE FOR EXAMPLE.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT.

6. WHICH FLAGS ARE SUITABLE TO BE LAID AROUND SWIMMING POOL?

PRESSED CONCRETE PAVING AND NATURAL STONE PAVING ARE SUITABLE TO USE AROUND A SWIMMING POOL. AVOID WET CAST UNITS (SUCH AS COACH HOUSE AND HERITAGE) AS THESE WILL BE AFFECTED BY CHEMICALS IN THE POOL WATER SUCH AS CHLORINE FOR EXAMPLE AND WILL SUFFER FROM SURFACE CRUMBLING.

7. WHICH FLAGS ARE SUITABLE TO BE LAID ON A RAMP?

ANY OF OUR PRESSED CONCRETE PAVING FLAGS OR NATURAL STONE FLAGS ARE SUITABLE FOR USE ON A RAMP.

ALSO BARFACED PAVING IS DESIGNED SPECIFICALLY FOR THIS PURPOSE AS THE UNITS HAVE SLIGHTLY RAISED BARS ON THE SURFACE TO PROVIDE EXTRA GRIP UNDER FOOT.

 

8. WHICH FLAGS DO YOU HAVE WITH A SMOOTH SURFACE FINISH?

 

SMOOTH SURFACE IS AVAILABLE ON IMPORTED SANDSTONE AND PORCELAIN. CHECK OUR SMOOTH SURFACE UNDER PAVING BY FINISH / POPULAR PAVING.

9. WHICH FLAGS DO YOU HAVE WITH A RIVEN SURFACE FINISH?

 

RIVEN SURFACE IS AVAILABLE ON IMPORTED SANDSTONE. CHECK OUR RIVEN SURFACE UNDER PAVING BY FINISH

10. WHAT TYPE OF KERBS SHOULD I USE?

YOU MAY USE ANY OF THE KERBS WITHIN OUR PRODUCT RANGE.

11. MY STONE SLABS HAVE SOME MARKINGS ON THEM, ARE THEY FAULTY?

ALL NATURAL STONE WILL HAVE NATURALLY OCCURRING FEATURES SUCH AS VEINING, PITTING AND BLEMISHES. THESE ARE ALL PERFECTLY NORMAL AND ARE OK TO BE INSTALLED. HOWEVER, IF YOU THINK YOU MAY NOT LIKE A PARTICULAR PROMINENT FEATURE, THEN KEEP THESE FOR CUTS AND WASTAGE

12. IS BESPOKE STONE MADE IN HOUSE?

THE MAJORITY OF THE BESPOKE STONE THAT WE SUPPLY IS CUT AND FABRICATED AT OUR OWN MANUFACTURING PLANT IN INDIA. WE CAN ALSO SOURCE A WIDE RANGE OF BESPOKE MATERIALS DIRECTLY FROM OUR GLOBAL SUPPLY CHAINS. THE LEAD TIMES FOR BESPOKE MATERIAL CUT IN-HOUSE ARE TYPICALLY 4-8 WEEKS WHILE BESPOKE MATERIAL FROM ABROAD CAN BE 4-14 WEEKS. GENERALLY EUROPEAN BESPOKE MATERIAL IS AVAILABLE IN 4-6 WEEKS AND ANY MATERIAL FROM FURTHER AFIELD LIKE CHINA TAKES 12-14 WEEKS

13. WHAT’S THE BEST WAY TO REMOVE ORGANIC MARKS OR GENERAL DIRT AND GRIME FROM MY NATURAL STONE PAVING?

FOR GENERAL DIRT OR ORGANIC MARKS LIKE GRASS STAINS, MUD ETC. WE RECOMMEND LITHOFIN OUTDOOR CLEANER. JUST DILUTE, APPLY AND JET-WASH OFF AS PER THE INSTRUCTIONS ON THE BOTTLE. WHEN CLEANING YOUR STONE, YOU WILL FIND THAT A JET-WASH (POSSIBLY IN CONJUNCTION WITH A CHEMICAL CLEANING AGENT, LIKE LITHOFIN OUTDOOR CLEANER) WILL GIVE THE BEST RESULTS. THIS IS BECAUSE DIRT PARTICLES ENTER THE PORES OF THE STONE AND THE MECHANICAL ACTION OF THE JET-WASH IS NEEDED TO LIFT THEM OUT – JUST DON’T HOLD THE JET-WASH TOO CLOSE TO THE SURFACE OF THE STONE OTHERWISE YOU MAY CAUSE ETCH MARKS. ABOUT 600MM AWAY IS PERFECT.

14. HOW CAN I REMOVE CEMENT OR STUBBORN MARKS FROM MY NATURAL STONE PAVING?

FOR STUBBORN MARKS OR CEMENT BASED STAINS, LITHOFIN BUILDERS’ CLEAN IS A BETTER CHOICE, ALTHOUGH THIS IS ACID BASED SO CANNOT BE USED ON LIMESTONE OR BASALT PRODUCTS. CEMENT IS NOTORIOUSLY DIFFICULT TO REMOVE ONCE IT’S DRY SINCE IT BECOMES ENGRAINED IN THE PORES OF THE STONE, SO IT’S MUCH BETTER TO CLEAN ANY SPILLS AS THEY HAPPEN DURING INSTALLATION OR POINTING WITH CLEAN WATER AND A SPONGE. WHEN CLEANING YOUR STONE, YOU WILL FIND THAT A JET-WASH (POSSIBLY IN CONJUNCTION WITH A CHEMICAL CLEANING AGENT, LIKE LITHOFIN BUILDERS’ CLEAN) WILL GIVE THE BEST RESULTS. THIS IS BECAUSE DIRT PARTICLES ENTER THE PORES OF THE STONE AND THE MECHANICAL ACTION OF THE JET-WASH IS NEEDED TO LIFT THEM OUT – JUST DON’T HOLD THE JET-WASH TOO CLOSE TO THE SURFACE OF THE STONE OTHERWISE YOU MAY CAUSE ETCH MARKS. ABOUT 600MM AWAY IS PERFECT.

15. MY STONE IS SEALED BUT THE SURFACE IS MARKED WITH FOOTPRINTS. I’VE HOSED SOWN THE STONE BUT THEY WON’T COME OFF-WHY?

SEALING YOUR STONE WILL HELP TO PROTECT AGAINST PERMANENT STAINS AND WILL MAKE CLEANING MUCH EASIER IN COMPARISON TO UNSEALED STONE, HOWEVER IT WILL NOT STOP MARKS FROM APPEARING OR MAKE THE STONE ‘SELF-CLEANING’. DRY TREAT IS AN IMPREGNATOR, MEANING THAT IT COATS THE PARTICLES OF THE STONE TO AROUND 6MM UNDER THE SURFACE AND LEAVES THE PORES OF THE STONE OPEN. LESSER QUALITY SEALANTS COAT THE ENTIRE SURFACE OF THE SLAB LIKE A VARNISH. THIS SURFACE COAT OFTEN CAUSES AN UNSIGHTLY SHEEN AND CAN WEAR AWAY VERY QUICKLY, ESPECIALLY IN AREAS THAT GET A LOT OF FOOT TRAFFIC. THIS IS WHAT MAKES DRY TREAT SUCH A LONG LASTING AND COST EFFECTIVE SOLUTION. THE FACT THAT THE PORES REMAIN OPEN MEANS THAT MUD FROM ANIMAL PRINTS OR RUBBER FROM SHOE SOLES CAN BECOME ENGRAINED IN THE PORES OF THE STONE AND WILL NEED TO BE JET-WASHED TO LIFT THE DIRT PARTICLES OUT. ON PALE AND POROUS PRODUCTS IN PARTICULAR, THE FIRST COUPLE OF MARKS ON THE STONE WILL STAND OUT SINCE THE PRODUCT IS BRAND NEW AND COMPLETELY CLEAN. RATHER THAN RUSHING TO JET-WASH THE STONE, WE ADVISE THAT YOU ALLOW IT TO WEATHER IN A LITTLE BIT. OVER A PERIOD OF TIME EXPOSED TO THE ELEMENTS THE MARKS WILL BECOME LESS NOTICEABLE AND THE ODD FOOTPRINT OR MARK WILL NOT STAND OUT. YOU CAN THEN BEGIN A REGULAR CLEANING REGIME WHICH INVOLVES JET-WASHING THE STONE, POSSIBLY IN CONJUNCTION WITH A CHEMICAL CLEANING AGENT, ONCE OR TWICE A YEAR.

16. MY PATIO HAS FUNNY WHITE MARKS APPEARING ON IT, WHAT IS THIS AND HOW CAN I GET RID OF IT?

UNFORTUNATELY, THIS IS A NATURAL PHENOMENON CALLED "EFFLORESCENCE" AND CAN APPEAR WHEN USING CEMENT-BASED PRODUCTS THAT ARE CONSTANTLY EXPOSED TO WATER OR WET ENVIRONMENTS. EFFLORESCENCE IS A PROCESS WHEN THE SOLUBLE SALTS DISSOLVED BY RAIN AND GROUNDWATER IN THE CEMENT, SOIL, WATER, SAND, GRAVEL OR OTHER SOURCES CRYSTALLIZE AND ARE CARRIED TO THE SURFACE OF THE STONE OR JOINT. WATER MOVES FROM AREAS WITH LOWER TEMPERATURES TO PLACES WITH HIGHER TEMPERATURES E.G. WHEN THE SUN WARMS THE SURFACE OF THE PAVING IT PULLS THE WATER THROUGH THE PAVING AND JOINTS LEAVING BEHIND A WHITE RESIDUE. WE RECOMMEND USING HOT WATER, FAIRY LIQUID AND A STIFF BRUSH TO WASH THE SLABS WITH. A FEW REPETITIONS OF THIS WILL CAUSE IT TO FADE AND MOSTLY DISAPPEAR. ANOTHER METHOD IS TO USE LITHOFIN OUTDOOR CLEANER. IF IT IS NOT THAT BAD THEN LEAVING IT MAY BE THE BEST COURSE OF ACTION AS IT WILL GRADUALLY DISAPPEAR. (THIS PHOTO WAS TAKEN FROM OUR DISPLAY AREA 5 DAYS AFTER LAYING.)  ALTHOUGH THIS IS UNATTRACTIVE AND RATHER ANNOYING IF YOU HAVE JUST HAD YOUR NEW PATIO LAID, IT IS COMPLETELY NATURAL AND IN NO WAY DAMAGES THE STONE.

17. WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN CALIBRATED AND UN-CALIBRATED PAVING?

PAVING IS GENERALLY CALIBRATED TO MAKE IT EASIER TO LAY AS ALL THE SLABS ARE THE SAME THICKNESS.  THE CALIBRATION PROCESS SHAVES A LAYER OF STONE OFF THE BOTTOM OF THE SLABS MAKING THEM THINNER THAN UNCALIBRATED STONE.  WE HAVE LANDSCAPERS THAT FAVOUR BOTH TYPES.  SOME PREFER THICKER, UNCALIBRATED STONE AS THEY WORRY THAT THINNER STONE IS INFERIOR TO THICK SLABS.  WHEREAS OTHER LANDSCAPERS PREFER CALIBRATED SLABS AS THEY CAN LAY THEM FASTER.

CALIBRATED PAVING IS DEFINED AS AN EVEN THICKNESS WITHIN THE MANUFACTURERS' TOLERANCES.  TYPICALLY THIS IS PLUS OR MINUS 3MM THE STATED THICKNESS.  IF THE PAVING IS CALIBRATED THEN IT TENDS TO BE EASIER AND FASTER TO LAY.  THE MAIN REASONS BEING THE SLABS ARE LIGHTER AND THE BEDDING CAN BE MADE TO A LEVEL THICKNESS, THEREFORE, REDUCING THE NEED TO MOVE THE BEDDING TO MAKE THE SLABS FIT LEVEL.

NATURAL STONE COMES NATURALLY FROM EARTH IN BIG BLOCKS, WE THEN SPLIT IT BY USING HAMMER AND CHISEL. ALL THE BLOCKS THAT GO IN BETWEEN 18-25, 25-35 MM ARE SOLD AS PART OF OUR UNCALIBRATED RANGE, ANYTHING ELSE THAT ARE REALLY THICK GOES THROUGH A MACHINE FINISH SO THE EXTRA THICKNESS IS TRIMMED OFF AND IT’LL BE NOMINAL THICKNESS OF 22 MM WITH +/- 2MM MAKING IT EASIER FOR LAYING.

18. WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN SPLIT, PITCHED AND COTTAGE FINISH WALLING?

SPLIT FACE - A SPLIT STONE FACE PROVIDING A STRAIGHT, IRREGULAR, ROUGH FINISH

PITCHED FACE - THE SAME SPLIT STONE WITH ALL FOUR EDGES DRESSED(CHIPPED) PROVIDING A RAISED CENTRE.

COTTAGE FACE - THE SAME SPLIT STONE WHICH IS THEN TUMBLED IN A MACHINE TO PROVIDE IRREGULAR ROUND EDGES.

19. MY NATURAL PAVING HAS SCRATCHES AFTER REMOVING FROM THE PACK, IS THIS NORMAL?

AS THE SLABS ARE PACKED IN INDIA, THE NEXT TIME THEY ARE TAKEN OUT OF THE PACKS IS BY YOU OR YOUR LANDSCAPER. THEY ARE PACKED AS TIGHTLY AS POSSIBLE BUT ON THE ROADS, HIGH SEAS, DE-VANNING, TRANSIT TO US AND TRANSIT TO YOU THERE IS A CHANCE OF MOVEMENT WHICH WILL CAUSE SLIGHT SCRATCHING/SCUFF MARKS ON THE SURFACE. THESE ARE NORMALLY VERY MINOR AND WILL DISAPPEAR IN A SHORT TIME WHEN LAID.

20. WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN 560 AND 600 SERIES?

560 SERIES IS 5 SIZE PACK, THE SIZES ARE 840×560, 560×560, 560×420, 560×280, 280×280, 600 SERIES IS 4 SIZE PACK WITH 900X600, 600X600, 600X290 AND 290X290. THE QUALITY AND TOUCH & FEEL OF THE STONE IS THE SAME EXCEPT FOR SIZES.

21. WHICH WAY UP SHOULD I LAY MY GRANITE PAVING?

GRANITE STONE SHOULD ALWAYS BE LAID WITH THE FLAMED SIDE UP, UNLESS THERE IS ANY OTHER FINISH YOU HAVE CHOSEN. IF IN DOUBT ONE OF OUR SALES REPRESENTATIVES WILL BE HAPPY TO HELP.

22. WHERE CAN YOU USE NATURAL STONE PAVING?

NATURAL STONE IS BEAUTIFUL AND WILL CREATE A STUNNING PATIO IN YOUR GARDEN. IT CAN BE USED AS A BASE FOR SHEDS AND AS A PATHWAY ETC… BUT WE DO NOT RECOMMEND THAT YOU USE NATURAL STONE ON A DRIVEWAY.
NATURAL STONE CAN BE USED INDOORS, BUT BECAUSE IT IS POROUS WE RECOMMEND THAT YOU CONSIDER SEALING THE PAVING TO PROTECT IT FROM SPILLAGES.
NATURAL STONE CAN ALSO BE USED WITH UNDER-FLOOR HEATING. HOWEVER WE RECOMMEND THAT YOU SPEAK TO THE MANUFACTURER OF THE HEATING BEFORE INSTALLATION TO ENSURE THE PAVING IS THE RIGHT SPECIFICATION, I.E. DEPTH.
NATURAL STONE CAN BE USED AROUND A POOL AND SPA AREA. HOWEVER REGULAR MAINTENANCE AND CLEANING IS A MUST TO ENSURE THAT PAVING STAYS CLEAN SO THAT IT DOES NOT BECOME SLIPPERY. ALWAYS BE CAREFUL USING CHEMICALS ON OR AROUND THE PAVING, AS THIS CAN STAIN THE PAVING’S SURFACE.
NATURAL STONE CAN BE USED ON BALCONIES AND TERRACES. ALWAYS SPEAK TO THE SPECIALIST INSTALLER REGARDING THE REQUIRED SPECIFICATION FOR THE AREA. IE THE PAVING WILL NEED TO BE A CERTAIN SIZE AND DEPTH TO FIT THE FRAMEWORK. ALSO ENSURE THAT ADEQUATE SUPPORTS ARE USED WITH THE PAVING, I.E. THAT THE PAVING IS SECURED IN ALL CORNERS AND IN THE MIDDLE TO STOP BREAKAGES.

23. IS NATURAL STONE BETTER THAN CONCRETE?

THESE ARE TWO ENTIRELY DIFFERENT PRODUCTS BUT THERE ARE SOME ADVANTAGES TO USING NATURAL STONE OVER CONCRETE. NATURAL STONE WILL WEATHER NATURALLY OVER TIME, OFTEN GETTING BETTER WITH AGE, WHEREAS CONCRETE CAN LOSE ITS ORIGINAL COLOUR FAIRLY QUICKLY. IF A CONCRETE PAVER IS CHIPPED OR DAMAGED THEN UNSIGHTLY CONCRETE AND AGGREGATE WILL BE LEFT ON DISPLAY, UNLIKE NATURAL STONE WHICH IS A CONSISTENT COLOUR THROUGHOUT THE DEPTH OF THE SLAB.

24. IS NATURAL STONE SUITABLE FOR MY DRIVEWAY?

WE SUPPLY A LOT OF STONE FOR DRIVEWAYS AND OUR SALES ADVISORS CAN HELP YOU CHOOSE A SUITABLE PRODUCT. SOMETHING HARDWEARING AND DENSE SUCH AS SLATE, GRANITE OR BASALT IS A GOOD CHOICE AS IT WILL BE EASIER TO MAINTAIN, WHILST THE DARKER COLOUR WILL HELP TO DISGUISE THE ODD OIL DROPLET OR TYRE MARK. WE STRONGLY ADVISE THAT ANY TYPE OF STONE USED ON A DRIVEWAY IS SEALED PRIOR TO APPLICATION WITH ONE OF OUR DRY TREAT PRODUCTS. YOU WILL ALSO NEED TO INSTALL A DEEPER SUB-BASE FOR A DRIVEWAY. PLEASE SPEAK WITH YOUR SALES ADVISOR FOR FURTHER INFORMATION.

25. DOES NATURAL STONE RETAIN ITS ORIGINAL COLOUR INDEFINITELY?

OVER A PERIOD OF TIME EXPOSED TO THE ELEMENTS, YOUR STONE WILL WEATHER WHICH OFTEN INVOLVES SOME LEVEL OF COLOUR CHANGE. THIS IS A POSITIVE CHARACTERISTIC AND NATURAL STONE LOOKS ALL THE BETTER FOR AGE. SOME STONES ARE MORE PRONE TO COLOUR CHANGES THAN OTHERS. FOR EXAMPLE, JURA BEIGE LIMESTONE, KOTA BROWN LIMESTONE, KOTA BLUE LIMESTONE AND ESPECIALLY MIDNIGHT BLACK LIMESTONE WILL TEND TO LIGHTEN UP FAIRLY QUICKLY WHEN EXPOSED TO THE SUNLIGHT. THE MAJORITY OF CUSTOMERS LIKE THIS WEATHERED LOOK, HOWEVER IF YOU’D LIKE YOUR STONE TO RETAIN ITS ORIGINAL COLOURING, YOU CAN APPLY DRY TREAT INTENSIFIA TO DEEPEN THE COLOUR. THIS CAN BE DONE RETROSPECTIVELY IF YOU CHANGE YOUR MIND LATER ON. ALTERNATIVELY, ASK YOUR SALES ADVISOR ABOUT OUR PRE-SEALING SERVICE AS WE CAN APPLY THE INTENSIFIA PRIOR TO DELIVERY.

26. IS STONE PAVING SLIPPERY?

WE CAREFULLY SELECT PRODUCTS WITH SLIP-RESISTANCE IN MIND. YOU MAY HAVE NOTICED THAT SOME OF OUR PRODUCTS HAVE DIFFERENT SURFACE FINISHES (SANDBLASTED, FLAMED, TUMBLED ETC.). AS WELL AS ENHANCING THE APPEARANCE OF THE STONE, THESE OPTIONS PROVIDE EXTRA GRIP UNDERFOOT FOR PRODUCTS WHICH COULD PROVE TOO SLIPPERY OTHERWISE. SOME STONES HAVE A NATURALLY GRAINY TEXTURE AND DON’T REQUIRE AN ADDITIONAL SLIP-RESISTANT FINISH. IT IS IMPORTANT TO ENSURE THAT ALGAE IS KEPT UNDER CONTROL WITH REGULAR MAINTENANCE AS THIS CAN MAKE ANY OUTDOOR FLOORING SLIPPERY UNDERFOOT, WHETHER IT BE NATURAL STONE, CONCRETE, DECKING, OR ANY OTHER MATERIAL. THIS IS ESPECIALLY IMPORTANT IN NORTH FACING GARDENS WHICH TEND TO BE ALGAE PRONE.

27. WHAT IS REFLECTIVE STAINING?

SIMILAR TO EFFLORESCENCE THE STAINING WILL APPEAR AS WHITE CIRCLES ON THE SURFACE OF THE PAVING SLABS. REFLECTIVE STAINING WILL OCCUR WHEN A PATIO HAS BEEN INSTALLED ON A HALF OR SPOT BED. AS THE MORTAR FROM THE BED BELOW DRY’S IT WILL APPEAR ONLY IN THE PLACES WHERE THE PAVING HAS BEEN FIXED, IE THE SPOT OF THE MORTAR.

28. WHAT IS PORCELAIN?

PORCELAIN IS MANUFACTURED THAT IS MADE FROM CLAY THAT IS “BAKED” IN A HOT KILN TO CREATE A STRONG AND HARDWEARING MATERIAL. THE COLOUR, TEXTURES AND PATTERNS ON THE PAVING IS THEN PRINTED ON, TO CREATE THE LOOK OF REAL NATURAL STONE.

29. WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF PORCELAIN?

PORCELAIN HAS MANY BENEFITS, SOME ARE LISTED BELOW:

- STRONG AND HARDWEARING
- LITTLE TO NO WATER ABSORPTION, BECAUSE IT IS NOT POROUS LIKE NATURAL STONE
- EASY TO CLEAN
- STAIN RESISTANCE BECAUSE IT IS NOT POROUS.
- SLIGHTLY TEXTURED SO THAT IT PROVIDES A NON-SLIP SURFACE.
- CAN BE USED INDOORS AND OUTDOORS TO CREATE FLOW WITHIN YOUR HOME.

30. WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE ABOUT LAYING PORCELAIN?

PORCELAIN IS A GREAT LOW MAINTENANCE PAVING CHOICE BECAUSE IT IS SO DURABLE AND DOESN’T NEED EXTRA TREATMENTS LIKE SEALANTS DURING INSTALLATION. WE RECOMMEND LAYING PORCELAIN WITH A TRADITIONAL METHOD ON A FULL BED OF MORTAR OVER A COMPACTED SUB-BASE. USE A SLURRY PRIMER ON THE UNDERSIDE OF EACH SLAB. THIS CREATES AN ADHESIVE SEAL BETWEEN THE SLAB AND MORTAR BED. ENSURE A MINIMUM JOINT WIDTH OF 5MM. AND IF MAKING CUTS, YOU WILL NEED A DIAMOND BLADE FOR PORCELAIN. BUT BEAR IN MIND IT CAN LOOSE ITS CHARACTERISTICS OVER TIME.

FOR MORE DETAILS SEE OUR PORCELAIN PRODUCT GUIDE.

INSTALLATION:

1. HOW SHOULD PAVING FLAGS BE LAID?

TYPICALLY NATURAL STONE PAVING AND WET CAST PAVING SHOULD BE LAID RIGIDLY (MORTAR BED AND JOINTS).

HYDRAULICALLY PRESSED CONCRETE FLAGS CAN BE LAID EITHER RIGIDLY OR FLEXIBLY (SAND BED AND JOINTS).

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT.

2. CAN I INSTALL FLAGS WITHOUT A JOINT OR BUTT-JOINTED?

NO – WHETHER THE FLAGS ARE INSTALLED RIGID OR ON SAND THEY MUST ALWAYS HAVE A JOINT.

3. WHAT DOES BUTT JOINTING MEANS?

BUTT JOINTING YOUR PAVING MEANS THERE ARE VERY LITTLE TO NO GAPS BETWEEN EACH PAVING SLAB. WE WOULD NORMALLY RECOMMEND DOWN TO AT LEAST A 3MM GAP ON MOST PAVING PRODUCTS. THERE IS NO RULE THOUGH. IT IS REALLY DOWN TO YOUR PREFERENCE. SOMETIMES THE LAYING PATTERNS AND THE SIZES OF THE SLABS DICTATE THE SIZE OF THE PAVING JOINTS.

4. WHAT ARE THE TWO RECOMMENDED METHODS OF FLAG INSTALLATION?

FLEXIBLE (SAND) AND RIGID (MORTAR)

5. SHOULD I SEAL MY PAVING?

UMANG STONE INDIA AS A COMPANY BELIEVE IT IS NOT NECESSARY TO SEAL OUR PAVING. THIS IS DUE TO MANY FACTORS, THE REASONS BEING AMONGST OTHERS THAT:

SEALANTS HAVE TO BE APPLIED TO A SURFACE WHICH IS CLEAN, DRY & FREE FROM DUST.

SEALANTS MAY AFFECT THE APPEARANCE OF THE UNITS AND WEAR UNEVENLY.

6. WHAT IS THE MINIMUM SIZE OF CUT BLOCK I CAN USE?

NO SMALLER THAN 1/4 OR 25% OF THE ORIGINAL SIZE.

7. CAN I INSTALL BLOCKS WITHOUT A JOINT OR BUTT-JOINTED?

NO, THEY MUST ALWAYS HAVE A JOINT.

8. CAN I INSTALL BLOCK PAVING AROUND A SWIMMING POOL?

YES – ALL OF THE BLOCK PAVING DRIVEWAY PRODUCTS ARE SUITABLE FOR USE AROUND A POOL. HOWEVER CONSIDERATION MUST BE GIVEN FOR LOSS OF SAND.

9. CAN I LAY BLOCKS OVER AN EXISTING TARMAC/CONCRETE?

IT IS POSSIBLE TO LAY BLOCK PAVING OVER AN EXISTING TARMAC OR CONCRETE BASE, HOWEVER THE EXISTING BASE MUST BE IN A SOUND CONDITION, FREE FROM CRACKS, NOT BREAKING UP OR SPALLING.

10. HOW STEEP OF A SLOPE CAN BLOCK PAVING BE LAID ON?

TO PUT IT SIMPLY, IF YOU CAN DRIVE UP A SLOPE THEN IT CAN BE BLOCK PAVED. HOWEVER, THE STEEPER THE SLOPE IS, THE MORE LIKELY IT IS TO REQUIRE INTERMEDIATE RESTRAINTS.

11. CAN YOU LAY 200*100 BLOCKS IN A STRECHER BOND ON A DRIVEWAY?

YES.

12. IS STRECHER BOND STRONG ENOUGH FOR A DRIVEWAY?

YES.

13. DO YOU OFFER INSTALLTION?

UNFORTUNATELY NOT - WE LIKE TO FOCUS ALL OUR EFFORTS ON SUPPLYING THE BEST QUALITY NATURAL STONE PAVING WE CAN. HOWEVER, YOU CAN USE FIND A SERVICE TO FIND A GARDEN DESIGNER OR LANDSCAPER IN YOUR AREA. AS WITH ANY PROJECT OF THIS NATURE, PLEASE ENSURE THAT YOU CHECK THE COMPANIES’ PORTFOLIOS CAREFULLY TO SEE EXAMPLES OF PREVIOUS WORK AND OBTAIN ALTERNATIVE QUOTATIONS BEFORE YOU AGREE TO ANY WORK TAKING PLACE. WE ALSO HIGHLY RECOMMEND USING A PROFESSIONAL TO CARRY OUT YOUR LANDSCAPING INSTALLATION. THESE WILL USUALLY BE CONTRACTORS WHO ARE REGISTERED WITH A PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATION SUCH AS THE APL (WWW.LANDSCAPER.ORG.UK) OR BALI (WWW.BALI.ORG.UK).

14. WHAT IS THE COST OF THE GUARANTEE?

PLEASE USE THE WEBSITES ABOVE TO FIND TOP QUALITY INSTALLERS LOCAL TO YOU FOR MORE INFORMATION.

15. CAN NATURAL STONE PAVING BE BUTT JOINTED?

WE STRONGLY ADVISE AGAINST THIS. POINTING IS AN IMPORTANT PART OF PAVING CONSTRUCTION AND PROVIDES STABILITY FOR THE PAVED AREA. NATURAL STONE ALSO HAS DIMENSIONAL TOLERANCES WHICH MAKE IT IMPOSSIBLE TO ACHIEVE AN EVEN FINISH BY BUTT-JOINTING. BUTT JOINTING LEAVES GAPS, ALBEIT TINY ONES, BETWEEN SLABS AND SO IT CAN ALSO ENCOURAGE WEED GROWTH AND LEAVE THE PAVING VULNERABLE TO DAMAGE FROM FREEZE/THAW ACTION.

16. WHAT SIZE SHOULD POINTING GAPS BE?

FOR RIVEN PAVING WE RECOMMEND A MINIMUM POINTING GAP OF APPROXIMATELY 10MM. FOR SAWN STONES, WE RECOMMEND A MINIMUM GAP OF AROUND 5MM. ANY DIMENSIONAL DIFFERENCES IN THE SLABS SHOULD BE ALLOWED FOR IN THE JOINTS TO GIVE YOU AN EVEN OVERALL FINISH.

17. WHICH WAY UP SHOULD I LAY MY RIVEN SANDSTONE? DOES IT MATTER?

THERE IS A TOP AND A BOTTOM TO ALL NATURAL STONE SLABS. THE TOP WILL ALWAYS BE THE BETTER LOOKING SIDE. WITH RIVEN SANDSTONE, THE TOP WILL HAVE A LARGER, FLATTER SURFACE AND THE EDGES WILL TAPER IN SLIGHTLY TOWARDS THE BOTTOM OF THE SLAB. IF IN DOUBT, JUST GET IN TOUCH AND WE WILL BE HAPPY TO ASSIST.

18. WHICH WAY TO LAYING THE STONE?

THE STRAIGHT EDGE SHOULD ALWAYS BE TO THE TOP AND THE CHAMFERED EDGE SHOULD ALWAYS FACE THE BOTTOM. IF YOU ARE NOT SURE, PLEASE VIEW OUR LAYING 

19. HOW DO I INSTALL STEPPING STONES?

STEPPING STONES SHOULD BE INSTALLED THE SAME WAY AS THE MAIN PATIO; ON A COMPACTED MOT TYPE 1 SUB-BASE WITH A FULL BED OF SAND AND CEMENT MORTAR.

20. CAN I INSTALL NATURAL STONE USING A PEDESTAL SYSYTEM?

PEDESTAL SYSTEMS ARE OFTEN USED WHERE WEIGHT IS AN ISSUE, FOR EXAMPLE ON BALCONIES. WE RECOMMEND THAT STONE IS A MINIMUM OF 20-50MM THICK, NO LARGER THAN 600X600MM AND THAT YOU ALSO PLACE A CENTRAL SUPPORT IN ADDITION TO THE EDGE/CORNER PEDESTALS. ALTERNATIVELY WE SELL A RANGE OF PORCELAIN PRODUCTS WHICH ARE IDEALLY SUITED FOR A PEDESTAL INSTALLATION DUE TO BEING ONLY 20MM THICK AND LIGHTER THAN NATURAL STONE. YOU ALSO DO NOT NEED A CENTRAL SUPPORT WHEN USING PORCELAIN ON THE SMALLER SIZES, YOU ONLY NEED EXTRA SUPPORTS IN THE MIDDLE OF EACH LONG EDGE ON THE 1194MM SIZE SLABS.

21. HAS SAWN STONE GOT A TOP AND BOTTOM OR CAN I LAY IT ANY WAY AROUND?

ON SAWN STONE GENERALLY, THE MORE TEXTURED SIDE IS ON TOP, SUCH AS SANDBLASTED TEXTURE AND CALIBRATION MARKS IF ANY WILL BE ON THE BOTTOM. ALSO IF PRE-SEALED THE TOP OF THE STONE WILL NOT ABSORB ANY WATER WHEREAS THE BOTTOM WILL.

22. WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN SAWN EDGE AND CHISEL EDGE?

SAWN EDGE IS A MACHINE CUT GIVING IT NICE STRAIGHT EDGES FOR A VERY MODERN AND CONTEMPORARY LOOK, CHISEL EDGE IS HAND DRESSED OR A MORE NATURAL LOOKING PATIOS.

23. CAN I JUST INSTALL THE STONE AS IT GETS DELIVERED TO ME?

OPEN AND MIX PALLETS OF STONE BEFORE LAYING. DO NOT JUST LAY FROM ONE PALLET AT A TIME AS THIS ENSURES AN EVEN MIX OF THE NATURAL VARIATION AND COLOUR. IT ALSO GIVES THE OPPORTUNITY TO SPOT ANY PIECES THAT WILL WANT TO BE LEFT FOR CUTS AND WASTAGE.

24. IS THE STONE READY TO BE INSTALLED ON DELIVERY?

IN MOST CASE YES, HOWEVER THE STONE IS STORED OUTSIDE SO CAN ARRIVE WITH RESIDUAL MOISTURE AND OCCASIONALLY NEEDS CLEANING PRIOR TO INSTALLATION. IF SEALING IT ON SITE, STONE NEEDS TO BE ALLOWED TO DRY BEFOREHAND.

25. IS IT POSSIBLE TO CUT PORCELAIN?

YES, ALTHOUGH IT IS HARDER TO DO SO THAN WITH NATURAL STONE. YOU WILL NEED TO USE A BLADE SPECIFICALLY DESIGNED TO CUT PORCELAIN. THIS ARE AVAILABLE TO PURCHASE ON RETAIL SHOPS OR ONLINE STORES, IF REQUIRED. WE ALSO RECOMMEND USING WATER WHILST CUTTING WHICH HELPS KEEP THE BLADE COOL AND REDUCES THE RISK OF CHIPPING. ALSO, IF THE BLADE GETS EXTREMELY HOT AND FAILS, IT CAN RESULT IN INJURY NOT JUST TO THOSE AROUND YOU, BUT OTHERS NEARBY AS WELL. IT IS ALSO NOT RECOMMENDED TO USE A 115MM ANGLE GRINDER TO CUT PORCELAIN. THEY ARE TOO SMALL, WHICH MEANS THE BLADE MAY NOT GET TIME TO COOL.

26. DOES LIGHT COLOURED STONE NEED TO BE INSTALLED DIFFERENTLY?

ON LIGHT COLOURED PAVING MATERIALS USE A WHITE RUBBER MALLET TO TAP THEM DOWN WITH OR WRAP A RAG AROUND A NORMAL MALLET. THIS PREVENTS RUBBER MARKS GETTING TRANSFERRED TO THE PAVING MATERIAL WHICH CAN CAUSE UNSIGHTLY STAINS THAT ARE DIFFICULT TO REMOVE. IT IS ALSO ADVISED FOR SOME SPECIFIC STONE TO USE WHITE CEMENT AND RIVER WASHED SAND.

27. CAN I INSTALL MY STONE IN THE RAIN?

WHEN INSTALLING SEALED STONE, IF CARRIED OUT IN THE WET AFTER FRESHLY BEING SEALED THE FORCE OF THE MALLET CAN PUSH MOISTURE INTO THE STONE AND COMPROMISE THE SEALANT. THIS SHOULD THEREFORE BE AVOIDED. IT MAY ALSO HAVE DETRIMENTAL EFFECTS TO THE BEDDING MATERIALS ALTHOUGH YOUR INSTALLATION PROFESSIONAL SHOULD BE ABLE TO BEST ADVISE ON THIS.

28. I HAVE LEFT OVER MATERIAL EXCAVATED FROM SITE; CAN I USE THIS TO LAY MY STONE ON?

ANY SUBSTRATE REMOVED FROM THE GROUND DURING EXCAVATION SHOULD NOT GO BACK IN AS IT WILL IT NOT BE PROPERLY COMPACTED AND WOULD BE SUBJECT TO FURTHER SETTLEMENT.

29. DOES NATURAL STONE NEED TO BE SEALED?

WE ALWAYS ADVISE SEALING YOUR NATURAL STONE WITH DRY TREAT STAIN PROOF. THIS WILL MAKE CLEANING AND MAINTENANCE MUCH EASIER AND WILL HELP TO PREVENT PERMANENT STAINING TO THE STONE. THIS IS EVEN MORE IMPORTANT IN HIGH TRAFFIC AREAS. FOR EXAMPLE, A DRIVEWAY IS LIKELY TO SUFFER THE OCCASIONAL OIL DROPLET OR TYRE MARKS, OVERHANGING TREES CAN DROP SAP, BBQS WILL MEAN SPILLAGES OF DRINKS, FAT AND FOOD, PETS MAY TREAD MUDDY PAW PRINTS ACROSS THE PATIO. IN ALL THESE INSTANCES, IT’S STRONGLY ADVISED THAT YOU SEAL YOUR STONE TO HELP PROTECT AGAINST PERMANENT STAINS. 

PLEASE NOTE; A SEALANT WILL NOT NEGATE THE NEED FOR A CLEANING AND MAINTENANCE PROGRAM. WHILST DRY TREAT WILL HELP TO PROTECT AGAINST PERMANENT STAINS WHICH ARE ABSORBED INTO THE STONE, IT WILL NOT STOP MARKS, FOOTPRINTS, SPILLAGES ETC. FROM APPEARING ON THE SURFACE OF THE STONE. THE AIM OF THE SEALANT IS TO MAKE THESE MARKS EASIER TO CLEAN OFF SO THAT, WITH THE RIGHT CLEANING REGIME, YOUR STONE CAN BE BROUGHT BACK TO ITS BEST.

30. HOW LONG AFTER INSTALLING THE STONE I CAN APPLY A SEALANT?

IDEALLY, THE SEALANT SHOULD BE APPLIED PRIOR TO INSTALLATION. THIS ALLOWS YOU TO HELP PROTECT THE STONE DURING THE INSTALLATION PROCESS AND WILL ALSO HELP TO PREVENT EFFLORESCENCE. IF YOU’VE ALREADY INSTALLED THE STONE, YOU CAN STILL SEAL IT RETROSPECTIVELY. IN THIS CASE, YOU MUST ENSURE THAT THE STONE IS CLEAN AND COMPLETELY DRY ALL THE WAY THROUGH – PLEASE BE AWARE THAT STONE CAN APPEAR TO BE DRY ON THE SURFACE WHILST STILL RETAINING MOISTURE UNDERNEATH. FOR THIS REASON, SEALING IS BEST DONE AFTER A PERIOD OF WARM, DRY WEATHER WHICH WILL MEAN WAITING UNTIL SPRING OR SUMMER. DO NOT SEAL STONE WHICH IS SHOWING SIGNS OF EFFLORESCENCE (A CLOUDY, WHITISH BLOOM ON THE SURFACE, CAUSED BY SALT PARTICLES BEING DRAWN UP THROUGH THE STONE FROM THE BEDDING LAYER). WE RECOMMEND WAITING AT LEAST 6 WEEKS AFTER INSTALLATION BEFORE APPLYING A SEALANT TO BE SURE THAT EFFLORESCENCE IS NOT GOING TO OCCUR.

31. WHAT HAPPENS IF YOU SEAL STONE BEFORE/DURING EFFLORESCENCE?

THIS WILL MAKE THE EFFLORESCENCE MUCH MORE DIFFICULT, OR IMPOSSIBLE, TO REMOVE. WE STRONGLY RECOMMEND SEALING THE STONE PRIOR TO INSTALLATION TO HELP PROTECT AGAINST EFFLORESCENCE – WE CAN PRE-SEAL THE STONE BEFORE DELIVERY FOR YOU. EFFLORESCENCE, CHARACTERISED BY WHITE, CLOUDY MARKS, IS CAUSED BY SALTS FROM THE BEDDING LAYER LEECHING THROUGH TO THE SURFACE OF THE STONE. IT IS A TEMPORARY PHENOMENON, AFFECTING ONLY A SMALL PERCENTAGE OF PROJECTS, WHICH WILL DISAPPEAR ON ITS OWN OVER TIME. UNFORTUNATELY THIS CAN TAKE A COUPLE OF WEEKS, SEVERAL MONTHS OR EVEN LONGER. YOU CAN SPEED UP THE PROCESS BY REGULARLY CLEANING THE STONE BUT ULTIMATELY THE EFFLORESCENCE MUST RUN ITS COURSE.

32. HOW CAN I MINIMIZE EFFLOESCENCE COMING THROUGH ON MY PAVING?

BEFORE WE GO THROUGH THE WAYS OF MINIMIZING THE APPEARANCE OF EFFLORESCENCE, YOU NEED TO UNDERSTAND ABOUT PRIMARY AND SECONDARY SOURCES.

PRIMARY
AS THE CONCRETE CURES, SOME OF THE WATER MIX REACTS WITH THE CEMENT TO PRODUCE CALCIUM HYDROXIDE, AS THE PAVING DRIES THE WATER EVAPORATES LEAVING THE WATER-SOLUBLE CALCIUM HYDROXIDE BEHIND, CREATING THE WHITE MARKS YOU CAN SEE ON THE PAVING.

SECONDARY
CONCRETE PRODUCTS SUCH AS PAVING CAN HAVE A RELATIVELY QUICK TURN AROUND TIME FROM THE FACTORY THIS COMPARATIVELY BRIEF TIME LEAVES THE PAVING CURING WHILE ON SITE. WHEN THE PAVING IS USED AND LAID INTO THE GROUND IT LEAVES THEM EXPOSED TO EXTERNAL FACTORS LIKE RAIN AND WATER FROM THE EARTH. THESE "SECONDARY" SOURCES WILL DISSOLVE AND TRANSPORT CALCIUM HYDROXIDE TO THE SURFACE FROM THE CURING PAVING.

WAYS TO MINIMIZE EFFLORESCENCE
THE WAYS CONTRACTORS CAN MINIMIZE THE EFFECTS OF SECONDARY SOURCES OF EFFLORESCE ARE THREEFOLD.

USE AS LITTLE CEMENT IN THE BEDDING MIX, THIS MINIMIZES THE AMOUNT OF ADDITIONAL CALCIUM HYDROXIDE THAT CAN BE DRAWN THROUGH TO THE SURFACE OF THE PAVING.

USE AS DRY A CEMENT MIX AS POSSIBLE, REDUCING THE AMOUNT OF WATER WILL LOWER THE AMOUNT OF CALCIUM HYDROXIDE DISSOLVED AND BROUGHT TO THE SURFACE.

USING A BOND BRIDGE LIKE A SLURRY PRIMER CAN REDUCE THE AMOUNT OF WATER PULLED THROUGH FROM THE MORTAR BED.

33. WHAT HAPPENS IF I SEAL STONE WHICH IS DIRTY OR WET?

DIRTY MARKS WILL BE MUCH HARDER TO CLEAN IF YOU HAVE APPLIED SEALANT OVER THE TOP OF THEM. THE SEALANT WILL HAVE COATED THE PARTICLES OF DIRT, POTENTIALLY MISSING PATCHES OF THE STONE ITSELF AND MEANING THAT YOU MAY ALSO NEED TO REAPPLY MORE SEALANT AFTER YOU’VE CLEANED THE MARKS OFF. SEALING WHEN THE STONE IS WET MEANS THAT THE SEALANT WILL EFFECTIVELY BECOME DILUTED AND WILL NOT PERFORM AS EFFECTIVELY AS IT SHOULD. AGAIN, THIS WILL REQUIRE RE-SEALING WHICH ADDS ADDITIONAL COST.

34. IS IT POSSIBLE TO OVER APPLY THE PRODCUT?

THE STONE WILL REACH A NATURAL SATURATION POINT, MEANING THAT NO FURTHER SEALANT CAN BE ABSORBED. ANY EXCESS SEALANT NEEDS TO BE WIPED AWAY FROM THE SURFACE. LEAVING EXCESS SEALANT ON THE SURFACE WILL CAUSE STICKY, SHINY PATCHES SO IT’S IMPORTANT TO ENSURE THAT THEY ARE WIPED AWAY AS PER THE SEALING GUIDE.

35. WHAT HAPPENS IF I PUT MORE SEALANT ON ONE AREA THAN OTHER?

IT’S BEST TO APPLY YOUR SEALANT WITH A SPRAY APPLICATOR TO ENSURE AN EVEN COVERAGE. IF YOU FOLLOW THE DIRECTIONS CLOSELY, APPLY THE RECOMMENDED NUMBER OF COATS AND MAKE SURE TO WIPE AWAY ANY EXCESS THEN YOU SHOULD FIND THAT COVERAGE IS EVEN ACROSS THE PAVED AREA. ANY AREAS WHICH HAVE NOT RECEIVED A FULL APPLICATION OF DRY TREAT, AS PER THE DIRECTIONS ON THE PACKAGING, WILL NOT BE FULLY PROTECTED AND WILL REQUIRE FURTHER APPLICATION.

36. WHAT HAPPENS IF THE PAVING GETS WET BEFORE THE SEALANT HAS HAD THE CHANCE TO DRY?

THIS IS ANOTHER BENEFIT TO HAVING YOUR STONE PRE-SEALED BY US BEFORE DELIVERY – WE SEAL THE STONE INDOORS AND IT ARRIVES WITH YOU READY TO INSTALL. IF YOU’RE PLANNING TO SEAL THE STONE AFTER INSTALLATION, CHECK THE WEATHER FORECAST AND WAIT FOR A PERIOD OF WARM, DRY WEATHER. IF IT DOES RAIN AFTER YOU APPLY THE SEALANT, THE EFFECT ON YOUR STONE WILL DEPEND ON HOW QUICKLY THE STONE GOT WET AFTER SEALING AND HOW MUCH IT RAINED. A VERY LIGHT SHOWER 4 HOURS AFTER THE SEALANT IS APPLIED MAY MEAN THAT YOU NEED TO APPLY AN EXTRA COAT OF SEALANT ONCE THE STONE IS DRY AGAIN. A TORRENTIAL DOWNPOUR OR SOMEONE JET-WASHING THE STONE MAY REQUIRE SEALING AGAIN FROM SCRATCH ONCE THE STONE IS DRY.

37. SHOULD I SEAL THE BOTTOM OF THE SLABS FOR EXTRA PROTECTION?

PLEASE MAKE SURE THAT YOU SEAL THE SURFACE ONLY – SEALING THE UNDERSIDE OF THE SLABS COULD AFFECT ADHESION BETWEEN THE SLAB AND THE BEDDING LAYER. IT ALSO WON’T OFFER ANY ADDITIONAL PROTECTION FOR THE STONE AND WILL COST YOU TWICE AS MUCH MONEY.

38. I DIDN’T WIPE AWAY ALL THE EXCESS SEALANT AND NOW THERE ARE SHINY PATCHES OF DRIED SEALANT ON THE SURFACE OF THE SOTNE. HOW CAN I GET RID OF THEM?

IN THE FIRST COUPLE OF DAYS OR SO AFTER SEALING, YOU SHOULD BE ABLE TO REMOVE ANY EXCESS USING A CLEAN, WHITE CLOTH DAMPENED WITH THE ORIGINAL SEALING PRODUCT. IN HOT WEATHER THIS TIME WINDOW WILL BE NARROWER. ACETONE CAN BE USED IN THE SAME WAY FOR ABOUT THE NEXT 7 DAYS. AFTER THIS TIME PERIOD, THE SEALANT WILL HAVE CURED AND WILL BE EXCEPTIONALLY DIFFICULT TO REMOVE.

39. HOW SOON AFTER SEALING CAN I JET-WASH THE STONE?

WE RECOMMEND WAITING AT LEAST 30 DAYS BEFORE YOU JET-WASH YOUR PAVING TO AVOID ANY ISSUES.

40. DO I NEED TO USE A KERB FOR MY PATIO AND/OR DRIVEWAY?

IT IS ALWAYS RECOMMENDED TO INSTALL SOME TYPE OF EDGE RESTRAINT (KERB) ESPECIALLY FOR AREAS WHICH WILL BE SUBJECTED TO MOVEMENT AND LOADING I.E. DRIVEWAYS, TO HELP RESTRAIN AND CONTAIN THE AREA.

41. SHOULD I INSTALL THE KERBS BEFORE OR AFTER THE BLOCKS/FLAGS ARE LAID?

BEFORE. YOU NEED A SOLID EDGE RESTRAINT TO WORK AGAINST.

42. MY PATIO/DRIVEWAY IS CURVED, HOW DO INSTALL THE KERBS?

THIS DEPENDS ON THE ACTUAL RADIUS. YOUR EXPERIENCED INSTALLERS WILL HELP WITH SUCH SCENARIOS.

43. CAN I USE A PATIO CLEANER ON MY NATURAL STONE?

THE CONTENT OF NATURAL STONE CAN SOMETIMES REACT WITH CERTAIN TYPES OF CHEMICAL CLEANER SO IT’S ALWAYS BEST TO CHECK WITH ONE OF OUR SALES ADVISORS BEFORE YOU USE A PATIO CLEANER. ALWAYS TEST CLEANERS ON A SMALL AREA BEFORE FULL APPLICATION AND NEVER USE AN ACID BASED CLEANER ON LIMESTONE OR BASALT PAVING – THE ACID WILL REACT WITH THE STONE AND CAUSE PERMANENT DAMAGE.

44. CAN I LAY THE STONE MYSELF?

WE STRONGLY RECOMMEND THAT YOU USE A PROFESSIONAL TILER WHO HAS THE EQUIPMENT AND EXPERIENCE TO LAY NATURAL STONE.

45. WHEN SHOULD I SEAL MY NATURAL STONE PATIO?

AS YOU CAN IMAGINE WE GET ASKED THIS QUESTION A LOT. “IF WE SEAL OUR PATIO, WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO SEAL?” UNFORTUNATELY, THERE IS NO DEFINITIVE ANSWER, AND NO MATTER WHO YOU SPEAK TO YOU WILL ALSO GET A DIFFERENT ANSWER TOO, HERE IS WHY…….

SEALING BEFORE LAYING THE PAVING - IF YOU DECIDE TO SEAL THE PAVING SLABS BEFORE THEY ARE INSTALLED, THE PAVING MUST BE COMPLETELY CLEAN AND DRY. EACH PAVING SLABS MUST BE LEFT FOR A COUPLE OF DAYS IN ORDER FOR THE SEALANT TO COMPLETELY DRY, BEFORE THE PAVING IS FIXED.

SEALING AFTER LAYING THE PAVING - PLEASE NOTE THAT NATURAL STONE NEEDS TIME TO SETTLE INTO ITS ENVIRONMENT AND MUST BE COMPLETELY DRY BEFORE A SEALANT IS APPLIED. DURING THIS TIME, IT IS RECOMMENDED THAT NOTHING IS ADDED TO THE STONE. (IE CLEANING SOLUTION) IN SOME CASES NATURAL STONE CAN HAVE A REACTION TO THE BEDDING MORTAR UNDERNEATH, THIS IS KNOWN AS EFFLORESCENCE. THIS IS NOT A FAULT OF THE PAVING BUT BECAUSE OF A CHEMICAL REACTION FROM THE MORTAR BED AND THE MIX OF CHEMICALS. IF THIS OCCURS AND YOU HAVE SEALED THE PAVING, THE STAINING WILL REMAIN ON THE SURFACE OF THE PAVING SLAB. IT WILL COME OFF OVER TIME BUT WILL TAKE TIME TO REMOVE.

SEALING AFTER SOME TIME - SO YOU HAVE WAITED (THIS COULD BE WEEKS, MONTHS, YEARS) AND YOU DECIDE TO SEAL. AGAIN, THE PAVING MUST BE COMPLETELY CLEAN AND DRY BEFORE ANY SEALANT IS APPLIED, OTHERWISE THE DAMP FROM INSIDE THE PAVING WILL APPEAR ON THE SURFACE OF THE PAVING SLAB AND WILL STAIN. AGAIN, THIS WILL COME OFF OVER TIME, BUT WILL TAKE TIME.

IF YOU DECIDE TO SEAL YOUR PAVING, PLEASE NOTE THAT A SEALANT IS NOT LIFELONG. IT WILL NEED TO BE REAPPLIED BECAUSE IT WILL WEATHER LIKE ALL PRODUCTS USED EXTERNALLY.

DAMAGES & RETURNS:

1. SOME OF MY SLABS HAVE SMALL CHIPS ON THE EDGES. WHY?

PROCESSING, HANDLING AND TRANSPORTATION CAN CAUSE SMALL CHIPS TO THE EDGES AND CORNERS OF SLABS. ALTHOUGH WE INVEST HEAVILY IN PACKAGING AND TAKE GREAT CARE TO GET YOUR STONE TO SITE IN EXCELLENT CONDITION, SOME SMALL CHIPS ARE UNFORTUNATELY UNAVOIDABLE AND ARE CONSIDERED THE NORM WITHIN THE NATURAL STONE INDUSTRY. THE VAST MAJORITY OF THESE IMPERFECTIONS WILL NOT BE NOTICEABLE ONCE THE STONE IS INSTALLED AND POINTED. WE RECOMMEND OPENING ALL CRATES AND ARRANGING YOUR SLABS BEFORE COMMENCING INSTALLATION. THIS WILL ALLOW YOU TO SET ASIDE ANY SLABS WITH LARGER CHIPS TO BE USED FOR CUTS.

2. WHAT HAPPENS IF I NOTICE ANY VISIBLE DAMAGE?

IF YOU NOTICE ANY CRACKS, BREAKAGES OR ANY OTHER VISABLE DAMAGE PLEASE REPORT THESE WITHIN 48 HOURS AND TAKE PHOTOS OF THE DAMAGE. IF YOU NOTICE THE DAMAGE UPON DELIVERY PLEASE REPORT THIS TO THE DELIVERY DRIVER AND ENSURE THIS IS NOTED ON THE DELIVERY NOTE. YOU CAN CONTACT US EITHER BY PHONE OR EMAIL.   

3. WHAT HAPPENS IF I HAVE SOME BREAKAGES?

PLEASE REPORT ANY BREAKAGES, DAMAGES ETC. AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. IF POSSIBLE PLEASE TAKE A DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPH TO HELP US ESTABLISH WHAT CAUSED THE PROBLEM. WE WILL REPLACE ANY SUB-STANDARD PRODUCTS AS QUICKLY AS POSSIBLE. ONCE WE HAVE RECEIVED PICTURES, WE WILL CONTACT YOU TO MAKE ARRANGEMENTS AND WORK WITH YOU TO RESOLVE ANY ISSUES AS QUICKLY AS POSSIBLE. WE TRY TO COLLECT DAMAGED PRODUCTS.

4. THERE IS AN ISSUE WITH MY PRODUCT. WHAT SHOULD I DO?

IF YOU THINK THERE IS ANY ISSUE WITH A PRODUCT, PLEASE CONTACT US IN THE FIRST INSTANCE. IT BECOMES MORE DIFFICULT TO DEAL WITH PRODUCT ISSUES ONCE THE PRODUCT HAS BEEN INSTALLED. IF YOU FEEL THAT THERE IS AN ISSUE WITH THE PRODUCT PRIOR TO INSTALLATION, YET YOU GO AHEAD AND INSTALL THE PRODUCT, YOU ARE ACCEPTING THE GOODS AND YOU MAY HAVE LESS RECOURSE FOR A COMPLAINT IF RAISING THE ISSUE AFTERWARDS.

IF THERE HAS BEEN A MISTAKE WITH YOUR ORDER, THE MATERIAL ARRIVES TO SITE DAMAGED, IS FAULTY, NOT FIT FOR PURPOSE OR NOT AS DESCRIBED, YOU HAVE 30 DAYS FROM THE DAY OF DELIVERY TO ARRANGE A RETURN.

IF THERE IS AN ISSUE WITH YOUR PRODUCT THEN UMANG STONE INDIA  WILL COLLECT THE MATERIAL AT OUR OWN COST.

5. CAN I RETURN YOUR PRODUCTS IF I DON’T LIKE THEM OR HAVE JUST CHANGED MY MIND?

YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO CANCEL UP TO 14 DAYS FROM THE DATE OF DELIVERY.  AS LONG AS THE PRODUCTS ARE RETURNED IN THE SAME CONDITION AND THE ORIGINAL PACKAGING AS THEY WERE SUPPLIED YOU WILL RECEIVE A FULL REFUND OR EXCHANGE FOR THE MATERIALS. THE ONLY EXCEPTION TO THIS IS BESPOKE OR PRE-SEALED ITEMS.

IF YOU EXERCISE YOUR RIGHT TO CANCEL WITHIN 14 DAYS YOU WILL BE RESPONSIBLE FOR RETURNING THE MATERIAL TO THE UMANG STONE INDIA  DEPOT. WE CAN COLLECT THE MATERIAL OURSELVES BUT THIS WILL INCUR A COLLECTION COST.  SPEAK TO A MEMBER OF OUR TEAM FOR FURTHER INFORMATION.

WE WILL ISSUE YOUR REFUND WITHIN 14 DAYS OF THE GOODS BEING RETURNED AND STORED.

6. DO YOU CHARGE RE-STOCKING FEES?

IF YOU ARE A RETAIL CUSTOMER YOU WILL NOT BE CHARGED A RE-STOCKING FEE FOR ANY GOODS RETURNED WITHIN THE 14 DAY PERIOD. IF YOU ARE A TRADE CUSTOMER YOU WOULD INCUR A RE-STOCKING FEE OF 20%..