Do’s and Don’ts of buying surfaces

See below a quick introduction to the do’s and don’ts of buying surfaces.

Do
Make sure you use an experienced company for installation who will seal and install the surface correctly, and who will have the honesty and knowledge to know when a material is not suitable for a particular design or use.

Do
Relax. There are many myths created around looking after stone. The single greatest myth is that it should be bulletproof. Nobody ever said this. We do not expect wood to be impervious to everyday wear and tear, nor do we expect carpets or other surfaces to be bulletproof, all surfaces will wear in different ways. But we will educate you about how the different surfaces will perform and on how best to look after them further in this guide.

Don’t
Buy without viewing the actual block you will be having cut (if choosing natural stone), and don’t go home without a sample for testing with a bit of wine, lemon juice or tea if you are worried about product performance. We can even seal samples before you take them. Images of each block are always available but it is always best to see the stones in real life wherever possible. Todays cameras are good, but they can change markings, colourings, and depth that can only be seen by the naked eye.

Don’t
Get too caught up on prices until you get the final cost from the fabricator or retailer, remember it does not cost a thing to get a couple of quotes of different materials to see what fits your budget.

Don’t
Hold back. There is so much choice; it is a shame when people choose the safe option. The natural surfaces we have are unique, indulge yourself, and pick something distinctive, so it becomes an unforgettable part of your home.