Surface Information

At Cullifords we have a vast and varied selection of slabs on display in our impressive yard, sourced from all over the world. A visit here is highly recommended, not only can you view a large variety of blocks and slabs for your project, you can benefit from the knowledge and experience of our staff who can guide you through the selection process advising on suitability, finishes, and textures.

Natural stones and man-made surfaces are a complex subject, we have names and classifications of surface types, such as Hard Granites and Soft Quartzites to try and make it easier to understand. Please be aware that these are our in-house labels and not intended for geological and technical identification.

Select a product type below to understand its properties:

UV Resistant

Scratch Resistant

Easy to Maintain

Stain Resistant

Heat Resistant

Will it scratch with general use?

No.

Will it etch with general use?

No.

Can it have pits/little holes?

Possibly, being a natural material it can have very slight areas where a crystal is so small that it does not stay bound to the rest of he surface. Sometimes areas can be filled with resin. This would be evident on selection of material.

Can I cut on it?

Yes, but you will blunt your knife or get metal transfer, which is the metal of the knife or utensil leaving residual metal on the surface.

Will it stain?

No, essentially it is near non porous, but you may get a film of something that remains on the surface, but this would come off in 99% of cases with a good clean, being darker, the colours would hide most things.

Can I put hot pans on it?

Yes, Lundhs is the only natural stone to be officially tested for heat resistance.

How will it last over time?

Everyday life in the home and outside will bring to your surfaces different oils and greases that will darken the surface a little over time, with some regular cleaning Lundhs will always look like new.

UV Resistant

Scratch Resistant

Easy to Maintain

Stain Resistant

Heat Resistant

Will it scratch with general use?

No.

Will it etch with general use?

No.

Can it have pits/little holes?

Possibly, being a natural material it can have very slight areas where a crystal is so small that it does not stay bound to the rest of the surface. Sometimes areas can be filled with resin. This would be evident on selection of material.

Can I cut on it?

Yes, but you will blunt your knife or may get metal transfer, which is the metal of the knife or utensil leaving residual metal on the surface.

Will it stain?

Not if well sealed, many of the dark harder granites do not need sealing but fabricators may seal them to be sure.

Can I put hot pans on it?

Yes, in most cases it would be fine, and we hear of customers doing this a lot. The Lundhs materials are the only natural stone to be officially tested, so for hard granites which are similar it should be fine. However, in order to err on the the side of caution we would have to advise using a trivet to be safe as thermal shock can possibly occur.

How will it last over time?

UV Resistant

Scratch Resistant

Easy to Maintain

Stain Resistant

Heat Resistant

Will it scratch with general use?

Possibly, if you are not careful. We would advise using a chopping board.

Will it etch with general use?

Yes, if the liquid is left on there for a little time. We would advise all spills to be cleared up immediately.

Can it have pits/little holes?

Can I cut on it?

We would advise using a chopping board, although in most instances it would be unlikely you could scratch it.

Will it stain?

Not if well sealed. Most staining is down to poor sealing, upkeep, or if the sealant has worn off over time. Speak with the fabricator about the sealant they are using. In most cases we rarely hear of customers resealing their tops, but it’s a relatively easy process if you wanted to do it.

Can I put hot pans on it?

As the softer granites may contain more resin on their surface we would advise on using a trivet to be safe.

How will it last over time?

Everyday life in the home and outside will bring to your surfaces different oils and greases that will darken the surface a little overtime. There are plenty of cleaners on the market that can revitalise the surface. If using outside you may find that the softer materials weather more quickly than a harder one, they may lighten or the surface may crackle.

UV Resistant

Scratch Resistant

Easy to Maintain

Stain Resistant

Heat Resistant

Will it scratch with general use?

No.

Will it etch with general use?

No.

Can it have pits/little holes?

In essence, no, most manufacturers produce to a warranty, significant defects from the production are normally covered by these warranties.

Can I cut on it?

Yes, but you will blunt your knife or get metal transfer, which is the metal of the knife or utensil leaving residual metal on the surface.

Will it stain?

No, essentially it is near non porous, but you may get a film of something that remains on the surface, this will come off in 99% of cases with a good clean. Whites and plainer colours would naturally show more problems. Darker ones can show issues in different lighting situations.

Can I put hot pans on it?

No. Always use a trivet or chopping board.

How will it last over time?

Everyday life in the home will bring to your surfaces different oils and greases that will darken the surface. There are plenty of cleaners on the market that can revitalise the surface. Over a longer period, Engineered Quartz will dull a little due to its man made nature. UV can effect an Engineered Quartz surface over time because of its resin content, we don’t reccomend using Engineered Quartz outside as it will lighten and crackle on the surface over time.

UV Resistant

Scratch Resistant

Easy to Maintain

Stain Resistant

Heat Resistant

Will it scratch with general use?

No.

Will it etch with general use?

No.

Can it have pits/little holes?

Can I cut on it?

Yes, but you will blunt your knife or get metal transfer, which is the metal of the knife or utensil leaving residual metal on the surface.

Will it stain?

Not if well sealed. There are some materials in this section that, although they are very hard, are porpous, so attention needs to be made to the sealing. Please ask your sales person or fabricator about this.

Can I put hot pans on it?

We would recommend using a trivet although we rarely hear of problems, its best to err on the side of caution.

How will it last over time?

UV Resistant

Scratch Resistant

Easy to Maintain

Stain Resistant

Heat Resistant

Will it scratch with general use?

Possibly, if you are not careful. We would advise using a chopping board.

Will it etch with general use?

Yes, if the liquid is left on there for a little time. We would advise all spills to be cleared up immediately.

Can it have pits/little holes?

Can I cut on it?

We would advise using a chopping board, with all softer materials you will get little scratches over time as the stone gets its own patina.

Will it stain?

Not if well sealed. Most staining is down to poor sealing, upkeep, or if the sealant has worn off over time. Speak with the fabricator about the sealant they are using, in most cases we rarely hear of customers resealing their tops, but it’s a relatively easy process if you wanted to do it. Being a softer material, if you do get a stain, there is a good chance that it can be removed with a poultice.

Can I put hot pans on it?

As the softer Quartzites may contain more resin on their surface we would advise on using a trivet to be safe.

How will it last over time?

Everyday life in the home and outside will bring to your surfaces different oils and greases that will darken the surface a little overtime. There are plenty of cleaners on the market that can revitalise the surface. Some Natural Quartzites will have an element of resin on the surface, this may go lighter or crackle over time if used outside. Being a softer material, it is possible to re-polish, we can give you details of companies that will do this should you wish to bring more lustre back to the surface.

UV Resistant

Scratch Resistant

Easy to Maintain

Stain Resistant

Heat Resistant

Will it scratch with general use?

Possibly, if you are not careful. We would advise using a chopping board. Being textured such as honed or satinato can reduce the amount of scratching you could see.

Will it etch with general use?

Yes, if the liquid is left on there for a little time. We would advise all spill to be cleared up immediately. Being textured such as honed or satinato can reduce the amount of etching you could see.

Can it have pits/little holes?

Can I cut on it?

We would advise using a chopping board, with all softer materials you will get little scratches over time as the stone gets its own patina.

Will it stain?

Can I put hot pans on it?

As some hard marbles may contain more resin on their surface than average, we would advise on using a trivet to be safe.

How will it last over time?

Everyday life in the home and outside will bring to your surfaces different oils and greases that will darken the surface a little overtime. There are plenty of cleaners on the market that can revitalise the surface. Some Natural Quartzites will have an element of resin on the surface, this may go lighter or crackle over time if used outside. Being a softer material, it is possible to re-polish, we can give you details of companies that will do this should you wish to bring more lustre back to the surface.

UV Resistant

Scratch Resistant

Easy to Maintain

Stain Resistant

Heat Resistant

Will it scratch with general use?

Possibly, if you are not careful. We would advise using a chopping board. Being textured such as honed or satinato can reduce the amount of scratching you could see.

Will it etch with general use?

Yes, if the liquid is left on there for a little time. We would advise all spills to be cleared up immediately. Being textured such as honed or satinato can reduce the amount of etching you could see.

Can it have pits/little holes?

Yes, it can have very slight areas where a crystal is so small that it does not stay bound to the rest of the surface, we call these Tiroli. Sometimes areas can be filled with resin. This would be evident on selection of material.

Can I cut on it?

We would advise using a chopping board, with all softer materials you will get little scratches over time as the stone gets its own patina.

Will it stain?

Can I put hot pans on it?

As some marbles may contain more resin on their surface than average, we would advise on using a trivet to be safe.

How will it last over time?

Everyday life in the home and outside will bring to your surfaces different oils and greases that will darken the surface a little overtime. There are plenty of cleaners on the market that can revitalise the surface. Some Natural Quartzites will have an element of resin on the surface, this may go lighter or crackle over time if used outside. Being a softer material, it is possible to re-polish, we can give you details of companies that will do this should you wish to bring more lustre back to the surface.

UV Resistant

Scratch Resistant

Easy to Maintain

Stain Resistant

Heat Resistant

Will it scratch?

Yes, we generally don’t offer these materials for work surfaces, their application is more normally suited to feature walls, bathrooms, hallways or other architectural features. But the classification is so varied, as are the clients desires in this area, please speak to your sales person about the attributes of the material you are looking at in this section.

Will it etch?

If used close to water, many of these softer materials will etch, darker stones such at Nero Portoro or Marquina are best to keep away from wet areas, but as mentioned before, some clients are happy to throw caution to the wind in selecting different materials. It can depend on your project and the level of maintenance you are expecting. Or in some cases, you are just happy for the product to fade and get its own patina. Please ask your sales person.

Can it have pits/little holes?

Yes, it can have areas where a crystal is so small that it does not stay bound to the rest of he surface. Sometimes areas can be filled with resin. Also repairs can be made to the stones using glues and resins. This would be evident on selection of material.

Will it stain?

Not if well sealed. Most staining is down to poor sealing, upkeep, or if the sealant has worn off over time. Speak with the fabricator or installer about the sealant they are using, in most cases we rarely hear of customers resealing their surfaces, but it’s a relatively easy process if you wanted to do it. Being a softer material, if you do get a stain, there is a good chance that it can be removed with a poultice.

How should I maintain it?

We would recommend regular cleaning with a soft solution cleaner sold by Lithofin or Dry Treat. Each cleaner would depend on the stone. Further guidance can be found at their respective websites.

How will it last over time?

The surface will age and get its own patina, much like the grand house or palaces that these materials have been used in for centuries. Being softer, there are plenty of restoration companies who can re-polish these surfaces, but sometimes they are best left to mellow.

UV Resistant

Scratch Resistant

Easy to Maintain

Stain Resistant

Heat Resistant

Will it scratch?

Yes, we generally don’t offer these materials for work surfaces, their application is more normally suited to bathrooms, hallways, or cloakrooms. However, with the right understanding, the use of travertine can be for so much more.

Will it etch?

Yes, if liquid is left on there for a little time. We would advise all spills to be cleared up immediately. Being textured such as honed or satinato can reduce the amount of etching you could see.

Can it have pits/little holes?

Yes, travertine is naturally full of holes, it can have areas where cement or resin filler is so small that it does not stay bound to the rest of he surface. Sometimes areas can be re-filled with resin. Also repairs can be made to the stones using glues and resins. This would be evident on selection of material.

Will it stain?

How should I maintain it?

We would recommend regular cleaning with a soft solution cleaner sold by Lithofin or Dry Treat. Each cleaner would depend on the stone. Further guidance can be found at their respective websites.

How will it last over time?

The surface will age and get its own patina. Being softer, there are plenty of restoration companies who can re-polish or clean these surfaces, but sometimes they are best left to mellow.

UV Resistant

Scratch Resistant

Easy to Maintain

Stain Resistant

Heat Resistant

Will it scratch?

Yes, we generally don’t offer these materials for work surfaces, their application is more normally suited to bathrooms, hallways, or cloakrooms and flooring. However, with the right understanding, the use of limestone can be for so much more.

Will it etch?

Yes, if liquid is left on there for a little time. We would advise all spill to be cleared up immediately. Being textured such as honed or satinato can reduce the amount of etching you could see.

Can it have pits/little holes?

Yes, it can have areas where cement or resin filler is so small that it does not stay bound to the rest of he surface. Sometimes areas can be re-filled with resin. Varying amounts of shelling can occur which should be embraced and not avoided. Also repairs can be made to the stones using glues and resins. This would all be evident on selection of material.

Will it stain?

How should I maintain it?

We would recommend regular cleaning with a soft solution cleaner sold by Lithofin or Dry Treat. Each cleaner would depend on the stone. Further guidance can be found at their respective websites.

How will it last over time?

The surface will age and get its own patina. Being softer, there are plenty of restoration companies who can re-polish or clean these surfaces, but sometimes they are best left to mellow.

UV Resistant

Scratch Resistant

Easy to Maintain

Stain Resistant

Heat Resistant

Will it scratch?

The soft slates such as Italian Black slate is really only suitable for fireplace hearths, but harder slates such as brazilian black or green and Pietra Del Cardos can be used for many surfaces, including work surfaces.

Will it etch?

The softer slate definitely will, harder ones will be less susceptible to etching, but we would always advise that any liquids are cleaned up quickly.

Can it have pits/little holes?

Slates are fairly rustic materials, they can have little pits and holes, some slates are offered as riven, which is their natural split surface. Honed slates tend to be smooth, but as with all natural things there will be certain features that may give the surface some uneveness.

Will it stain?

How should I maintain it?

We would recommend regular cleaing with a soft solution cleaner sold by Lithofin or Dry Treat. Each cleaner would depend on the stone. Further guidance can be found at their respective websites.

How will it last over time?

If cutting on the softer black slate, you will create scratches, but these can often be masked by applying Linseed or similar oils. On the harder materials, small scratches will appear, and some etching. The surface will age and get its own patina. Being softer, there are plenty of restoration companies who can re-polish or clean these surfaces, but sometimes they are best left to mellow.

UV Resistant

Scratch Resistant

Easy to Maintain

Stain Resistant

Heat Resistant

Will it scratch?

Yes, we generally don’t offer these materials for work surfaces, their application is more normally suited to feature walls, bathrooms, hall ways or other architectural features.

Will it etch?

Yes, if liquid is left on there for a little time. We would advise all spill to be cleared up immediately. Being a delicate material it could be repolished fairly easily by a restorer.

Can it have pits/little holes?

Yes, it can have very areas where a crystal is so small that it does not stay bound to the rest of he surface. Sometimes areas can be filled with resin. Also repairs can be made to the stones using glues and resins. This is veyr typical with onyx, the surfce can appear cracked, even though it is not. Onyx is one of the most delicate materials that we offer. This would all be evident on selection of material.

Will it stain?

How should I maintain it?

We would recommend regular cleaning with a soft solution cleaner sold by Lithofin or Dry treat. Each cleaner would depend on the stone. Further guidance can be found at their respective websites.

How will it last over time?

The surface will age and get its own patina. Being softer, there are plenty of restoration companies who can re-polish or clean these surfaces, but sometimes they are best left to mellow.

UV Resistant

Scratch Resistant

Easy to Maintain

Stain Resistant

Heat Resistant

Will it scratch with general use?

No.

Will it etch with general use?

No.

Can it have pits/little holes?

In essence, no, most manufacturers produce to a warranty, significant defects from the production are normally covered by these warranties.

Can I cut on it?

Yes, but you will blunt your knife or get metal transfer, which is the metal of the knife or utensil leaving residual metal on the surface.

Will it stain?

No, essentially it is near non porous, but you may get a film of something that remains on the surface, but this would come off in 99% of cases with a good clean, whites and plainer colours would naturally show more problems. Darker ones can show issues in different lighting situations.

Can I put hot pans on it?

No. Always use a trivet or chopping board.

How will it last over time?

discover more via our blog:

The Selection Process

House renovations and new constructions can be a daunting affair and you may not know where to begin in selecting the materials for your surfaces. Once you have the layout of your kitchen or bathroom decided, it is time to start thinking about the material you would like. With so many unique, beautiful and eye-catching […]

Do’s and Don’ts of buying surfaces

See below a quick introduction to the do’s and don’ts of buying surfaces. DoMake 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. DoRelax. There are […]

Granite

Granite is an igneous rock made of minerals such as Quartz, Mica, and Feldspar as well as other minerals. It is formed through the process of slow crystallisation of magma below the earth’s surface that traps these minerals in its structure. The formation of this material under high heat temperatures generates its hardness and durability. […]

Marble

Marble is a metamorphic rock that is formed when limestone is subjected to high pressures and heat over time. This process causes the shells that formed the limestone to break down and recrystallise. Marble is, therefore, harder than Limestone and able to receive a high polish but not as hard as Granite and natural Quartzites, […]

Engineered Quartz

Engineered Quartz is a manmade material. The material is fabricated by crushing natural quartz minerals and mixing them with resins, polymers and pigments, then moulding, compressing and heating to create the slabs. Not only does this produce a highly durable surface but also eases the maintenance of the surface. Engineered Quartz comes in a large […]

Natural Quartzite

Quartzite is another form of natural stone; It is hard, non-foliated metamorphic rock that was originally sandstone, through a process of heat and pressure over millions of years the quartz-rich sandstone recrystallises resulting in a network of interlocking quartz grains. As with all-natural stones, there is a range within Quartzites of soft to hard and […]

Ceramics

Ceramic is a man-made surface produced by combining ceramic clays and mineral colourings, pressed to create the shape. Then printed on and fired to create a large slab. They have extremely practical properties and the manufacturing process enables patterns to be placed on these surfaces through digital imagery. This allows a quick response to the […]

Decorative Marble

Decorative Marble is our term for marbles that we would normally use for centrepiece statements on feature walls and floors. Architectural details, columns or decorative furniture. The majority of these stones are historic Marbles that have been quarried for centuries such as Nero Portoro, Belgian Black, Royal Blue, or Opera Fantastico. These amazing stones have […]

Onyx

A true Onyx is made of silica, but within the stone industry, Onyx refers to a group of stones made up of banded calcites and other carbonate materials. In its make-up it can form in a similar way to Limestone and Travertine, these materials form in beds with ‘sedimentary’ lines, enabling cutting of the block […]

Limestone

Limestone is a sedimentary rock that is composed of calcium carbonate, the formation occurs in clear, warm, shallow marine waters. It is a soft and porous natural stone that requires care to preserve its neutral coloured beauty. It’s mainly used by architects and designers for bathrooms, flooring and fireplaces due to its properties but also […]

Travertine

This is one of the oldest natural stones used for building materials; It is a form of limestone that is deposited by host mineral springs. This process of formation means it has little holes running throughout it. These holes are either filled with a resin or cement to give a smoother appearance or left open […]

Slate

Slate is a fine-grained, foliated rock, formed when the original material, usually Mudrock or Shalestone, changed over time. At low pressure and relatively low temperature. As with many natural stones, it varies in hardness. It is a popular material for uses such as flooring, fireplaces and in its harder form for worktops. We supply Italian […]

Indoor – Outdoor Living

Create a seamless indoor-outdoor living scheme with wonderful natural stones from Cullifords. From soft neutral-toned limestones that exude a feeling of calm and luxury, to beautifully detailed marbles, granites and quartzites, a true connection to nature can be achieved with the ideal surface choice. A sedimentary rock filled with muted-coloured beauty, limestones come in many […]

Grace & Elegance – Natural Green Surfaces

A shade that embodies natural beauty and organic elegance, green surfaces have become an increasingly popular choice for interior designers and homeowners alike. From captivating bedroom feature walls and bathroom panels to eye-catching kitchen splash-backs, this nature-inspired shade will bring a natural and exquisite essence to interiors of all styles. Featuring green, grey and white […]

The Marble Effect

Sapienstone Ceramics from Cullifords Exuding elegance and luxury, Sapienstone ceramic surfaces create exquisite interior schemes. Delivering beauty that goes beneath the surface thanks to innovative full-bodied technology, the 6mm floor and wall surfaces and 12mm worktops produce a realistic finish, providing a true-to-life marble effect. The stunning high-quality surfaces boast both exceptional aesthetics and performance. […]

Statement Spaces – Standout Kitchens

Step into a space filled with character, charm and distinctive style with help from Cullifords. From beautifully veined marble splashbacks to curved islands and bold colours, kitchen surfaces have the ability to completely transform the aesthetic of the room – taking it from standard to statement. For a kitchen that exudes confidence, a statement island […]

A Guide to Bathroom Surfaces

Whether it’s for beautiful baths or statement shower enclosures, finding the right bathroom surface can be daunting. With more choices and material varieties than ever, homeowners and designers can easily find the perfect option for their scheme, from both a practical and an aesthetic point of view. Granite The Cullifords range has some of the […]

Unique and Exotic Marble

Known for its timeless beauty and elegance, marble is a popular material to use throughout the home. Whether used as a kitchen worktop, bathroom vanity unit or a living room feature wall, the appearance of marble always looks eye-catching, unique and aesthetically pleasing. Add depth to a bathroom As one of the smallest rooms in […]

Embrace The Great Outdoors

As outdoor kitchens and outdoor living spaces continue to grow in popularity, designers and homeowners are making more considered exterior design choices – in particular when it comes to surfaces. From eye-catching statement marbles and innovative porcelain slabs to durable granites, Cullifords has an unrivalled selection of man-made and natural surfaces to help you create […]

Dispelling The Myths Surrounding Marble

When homeowners first consider using marble in their homes, there may be some initial hesitation due to concerns over maintenance requirements, installation costs and durability factors. However, Oliver Webb, Director at Cullifords, is here to dispel these myths and explain why opting for marble could be the best choice for a home ‘Maintenance Requirements’ “Marble […]

Patagonia Brazilian Granite

Patagonia will add a colourful and luxurious finish to interior design projects.

Embrace The ‘Quiet Luxury’ Trend

Patagonia will add a colourful and luxurious finish to interior design projects.

Make A Statement With Stone

As the trend towards sustainability and biophilic design continues to be popular, homeowners and designers alike are turning to natural materials in order to create impactful and stylish spaces. Incorporating natural stone from Cullifords will bring texture and authenticity to any space, making them key ingredients in creating both subtle accents and dramatic focal points. […]

2025 Key Surface Trends

As design preferences evolve, the latest surface trends are transforming interiors by blending aesthetics with functionality in fresh, innovative ways. From warm and textured to cool and muted, surfaces are no longer purely practical elements – they’re statement features that can set the tone for any space. Oliver Webb, Director at Cullifords discusses which trends […]

Introduce Dark Opulence

In recent years, the use of natural and engineered stone in darker tones has surged in popularity. Whether it’s a deep, rich granite in the kitchen or sleek, black marble in the bathroom, these striking stones offer a versatile and timeless aesthetic, which provides the perfect blend of opulence and functionality. SOPHISTICATED OPULENCE Opting for […]

The Art Of Stone Drenching

In a bold move, the interior design world is seeing a surge in what industry experts are calling the ‘stone drenching’ trend. The timeless allure of using stone in the home, combined with contemporary design principles has made this trend popular with homeowners and designers alike. Cullifords has the perfect offering to create powerful spaces […]

Create The Perfect Indoor-Outdoor Aesthetic

Bringing natural beauty and timeless elegance to living spaces, Cullifords is redefining modern design by embracing the power and versatility of statement stone. Whether a homeowner is looking to seamlessly connect their interior and exterior spaces or create a luxurious focal point, statement stone offers a bold yet sophisticated way to elevate the overall aesthetic. […]

Planning A Kitchen Layout With Stone

The kitchen is the heart of every home and so creating a practical and stylish layout is essential. In today’s modern world, where appearance and versatility is more important than ever, incorporating stone from Cullifords has the power to add a timeless elegance and offer exceptional durability to worktops, splash-backs and more. PLANNING THE LAYOUT […]

Creating a Spa-Style Bathroom With Natural Stone

Homeowners and designers looking to create a tranquil, spa-style bathroom can achieve a luxurious aesthetic by incorporating natural stone from Cullifords. Materials such as limestone, marble and quartzite bring warmth, texture and a sense of serenity to bathrooms, mirroring the atmosphere of high-end wellness retreats. From stone feature walls and vanity units to stone-drenched walk-in […]