The Luxury of Stone
The charm of natural stone comes from its ancient origins. With under floor heating it is a real delicate luxury underfoot with stone and is ever more popular in new builds at the moment.
Natural stone was generated over millions of years and is the products of subtle alchemies, frightful volcanic eruptions, changing and complex stratifications of sediments and enormous plasmatic forces. All of this has miraculously COMPOSED, CRYSTALIZED, COLOURED, VARIEGATED and VEINED a building material absolutely UNIQUE and with unmistakable natural characteristics.
The Porsha stone collection comprises high quality marbles from selected quarries around the world; whilst we stock over 50 types of stone we also do a lot of bespoke project work, working from concept to completion. The versatility of natural stone is unique, you can have very large pieces fabricated to suite your space, large tile sizes from 90x90 to 30x30 tiles, mosaics, small stones, moldings, stone bath ware, staircases and furniture items. The surface finishes range from highly polished, honed, matt, textured and antiqued. The palette of colour is endless, the end result simply stunning.
Stone Terminology
Antique
A term that encompasses various ageing/distressing methods which achieves a worn look to the stone. Please note that where stones originate from different countries, antiquing methods will vary, and therefore ultimately the look of the stone will vary.
Brushed
A form of antique stone, which has only slight surface texture and a softly rounded edge.
Calibrated
Where the stone has been finished to a uniform thickness.
Chipped
Where the edge of the stone has been worked to give a hand-chipped appearance.
Chiselled
Where the edge of the stone has been chiselled by hand to recreate a traditional looking floor.
Cobble
Generally a smaller stone of greater thickness. Normally used externally.
Cross-Cut
Relates to travertine where the blocks are cut horizontally to achieve its well known mottled appearance.
Fabrication
A term used to describe the process in which large stone slabs are made into bespoke worktops, vanity tops, bath surrounds etc.
Filled
This term is related primarily to travertine. Travertine is characterised by surface pits and holes, these can be pre-filled at source by a stone resin which is as similar as possible to the colour of the stone. Not every single pit/hole may be completely filled, and therefore even a pre-filled stone may require some filling by grout during the fixing process.
Fissure
This is thin mineral veining which can be mistaken for a crack in the stone.
Flag
Generally a larger stone of a thicker depth for use externally or internally.
Fossils
Fossils are remnants of past animals or plants. Fossils can exist in many different types of mineral.
Free Lengths
Free length material has a static width (i.e. 400mm or 600mm) and is a mix of either random lengths or of several fixed lengths, which when laid with a staggered joint, gives a more random appearance to the floor. Please enquire if you would like to know the variation within current stock of a product.
Honed
The stone is run through a machine to give a smooth surface to the face of the stone.
Minerals
One, two or more minerals combine to form rock. They are non-living solids that are found in nature. Quartz and calcite are commonly found in stone.
Nominal
A small variation from stated sizes and thicknesses.
Opus
Where the stone is laid in a repeated pattern which gives a random effect. There are various Opus patterns depending on the stone. Please note you cannot choose a stone to come in a particular Opus, a stone will come in an Opus specified by us, please see pricing tables throughout the site.
Pillowed
A form of antique stone, where the edges have a soft, but almost pronounced ‘pillowed’ edge.
Polished
Where the stone is worked to achieve a high reflective gloss to the surface of the tile.
Slab
A large piece of stone which can be fabricated into worktops, vanity tops, bath surrounds etc.
Tumbled
A form of antique stone, where the stone has been ‘tumbled’ which gives a rounded edge to the tile and the surface may be slightly textured.
Uncalibrated
Where the thickness of the tile varies to a greater or lesser degree.
Unfilled
This term is primarily related to travertine. Travertine is characterised by surface pits and holes, and an unfilled finish leaves the travertine in its natural state. This then requires the surface of the stone to be filled with grout during the fixing process.
Veining
This is the term describing the natural, irregular mineral lines found in stone.
Vein-Cut
This term relates to travertine, where the stone is cut in such a way which shows the natural striations, giving a banded appearance to the stone.
Geological Rock Types
TRAVERTINE
Travertine is a form of calcium carbonate, resulting from deposition by springs or rivers. It is often beautifully coloured and branded as a result of the presence of iron compounds or other impurities. In fact Travertine is a dense closely compacted form of limestone.
Travertine is an excellent product for residential and commercial use and is becoming increasingly popular because not only does it have the elegant look of marble, but also once sealed Travertine tiles require very little maintenance, which allows for a timeless and beautiful appearance, available in a number of finishes.
LIMESTONE
Limestone is a sedimentary rock, originally being deposited as a sort of sediment, laid down as a bed underwater by a variety of chemical, biological and physical processes.
Compression over millions of years cements the sediment into beds of various thickness. Fossils and other sedimentary structures contained in the stone provide a key to the environment under which they formed. Limestones are generally quite soft and porous, but treated correctly they can be very durable and hardwearing. The properties of each type of stone can vary considerably and advice should be taken to see it the specified material will perform to the desired standard of application.
MARBLE
Marble is a metamorphic rock and geologically it is a limestone that has re-crystallised through the action of heat and pressure, whilst still retaining certain properties of the original material. Marble is available in an extensive range of colours and varying patterns. This kind of rock is porous and some care must be taken to ensure the beauty of the stone is not spoilt by staining and scratching.
QUARTZ
Quartz is a new evolution in surfacing materials and is an engineered stone. This is ideal for shower walls, backsplashes, lightweight countertop applications and many other uses.
There is a wide spectrum of colours available from vibrant yellows to neutral browns.
Quartz is manufactured using a selected marble chippings or siliceous quartz combined with spectrum resin. Its main feature is coloured glass, blu lapis stone or mirror chips.
FAQ's
Q: Is stone cold underfoot?
A: Not necessarily so. Stone will absorb ambient room temperature to a great extent and so usually feels only slightly cooler. Stone is an extremely good storer of heat. If you've walked on a Mediterranean rock after the sun has gone down you'll understand this perfectly. A stone floor will feel toasty warm next to the Aga. It also works brilliantly well with under floor heating, as it disperses the heat so well.
Q: Does stone stain easily?
A: Once stone has been protected properly with recommended penetrators or sealers such as Fila Fob it will be, for the most part, stain resistant. These sealers or protectors are invisible and so protect your floor without leaving a coating, the floor/walls will be further protected if you choose to use a stone wax such as Fila Satin / Matt.
Q: Will my stone floor scratch?
A: Even very hard stone will scratch - it is all part of the wearing process. Eventually the scratches will disappear into the general patina of the floor. One can argue that a five-year old floor will be even more attractive than a brand new one.
Q: How do I clean it?
A: Sweep the floor regularly. Wash as necessary with a mild soap such as Fila Detergeant. The French use Savon de Marseille, which is more normally used for washing woollens. The Norwegians use Green Soap. Regular washing with the right soap helps to keep the floor "healthy". For more comprehensive notes on protecting, cleaning & maintaining your stone floor see the notes in our Technical Data section on this website.
Q: How do I choose the right stone?
A: Usually it's a question of colour, tonal variation and markings. For a more formal room such as a hallway or conservatory you may not want a strongly-coloured stone so choose a more neutral one such as Portobello White Limestone or Crema Marfill Elite Brushed. For a kitchen with a lot of daylight, you may want to choose one of the darker stones such as Nuvalato Chairo or Dura Grey Honed.
Q: What size does the stone come in?
A: The most common sizes are 400 x 400 mm, 600 x 400m, 800 x 400mm and 600 x 600mm, though with a suitably large order Porsha will supply stone in any size right up to 900x900mm.
Q: How do I choose the size and shape of tile?
A: This will depend on the sort of room you have, formal or informal. For instance a square tile set out on the diagonal looks extremely good in a conservatory, with or without cabochons in each or every other corner. Rectangles or running lengths may look better in a country kitchen. As a rule of thumb: the bigger the room, the larger the stone tile should be , this will also minimize the amount of grout needed.
Q: How thick is the stone?
A: The usual thickness is 20mm, though we have many tiles at 12mm
Q: Is stone slippery underfoot?
A: No more so than any other surface such as linoleum, wood or ceramic. Stone or any other surface can be slippery if the floor is both dirty and wet .
Q: Can you lay stone on suspended wooden floors?
A: You can lay stone on any surface provided it is strong and rigid enough. You may need to reinforce the floor. Porsha Stone can advise on the most appropriate way of preparing your floor. You should also study the notes provided in our Technical Data section on this website
Q: What about steps?
A: We have supplied stone for many different types of steps and staircases, residential as well as commercial. Steps are usually 30, 40 or 50mm thick but as they are cut from slabs they can be of almost any thickness and can feature a variety of finished edges
Q: Is limestone and sandstone soft?
A: It is impossible to generalise about the strength of natural stone. Some limestone is soft, whilst most is very hard. The same is true of sandstone. That is why it is important to select the type of stone you require very carefully and seek advice from a specialist supplier such as Porsha stone from the outset.
Q: Where is Travertine Suitable for?
A: Travertine naturally comes from the quarry in a honey combed structure; Porsha Stone have never used anything only the first quality travertine’s from Italy, Iran and Turkey. During the honing and filling in the factory with epoxy resin, they fill the visible pits on the top surface, this is colour matched to the travertine, however when honed and filled travertine is fitted on floors with under floor heating it can cause the epoxy filler to pop out of the pits through time, these pits are very small and can be easily filled with epoxy again. The cause off this normally is moisture rising form the floor screed and after 2 – 3 years in a new house and the floor has been filled this should not be an on-going problem. Another natural occurrence with honed and filled travertine is that under the upper surface off the stone natural micro void areas may lie and stiletto heels or pointy chair legs exerting localised pressure can cause the surface to pop or dig out in an egg shell fashion. This aside travertine is a wonderful material we continue to use throughout our projects, but it is vital that one fully understands the natural characteristic of this stone. A point to note is that they honed and filled versions of Travertine are much more difficult to repair than the tumbled more rustic ones.
Stone Sizes and Patterns
Stone Tile Patterns
Mosaic Tile Patterns
Choosing the Right Stone
Porsha Stone offer a broad and exclusive range of stone tiles however not every stone works for everyone her are a few questions you should ask yourself before investing in your beautiful stone floor
Which Room are you installing Porsha Stone in?
Natural Stone is so versatile that it can be used in any room in your home but make sure that your choice not only fits your décor but also your lifestyle. Some of our stone tiles can also be used outdoors in your garden or patio
Which size of stone tile is required for my space?
At Porsha Stone we offer stone from the smallest mosaics, small stone, patterns and very large slabs, so there are no limits to your choice. Please note that large tiles often make an area look bigger. Also the bigger the slab the less grout you will use giving a more seamless finish.
Which Type of Stone?
There are often misconceptions that certain types of stone are ‘better’ or ‘more hard-wearing’ than other types. This is generally not the case. For example once a limestone which is naturally more porous than a marble is sealed correctly it will be as easy to maintain as the marble. The right stone choice is the foundation for your interior so find a stone that suites your look and will fit in well with your lifestyle.
What Colour do I Put on my floor?
With the porsha stone collection the choice is endless! Some Natural stones have extreme colours coming through making them rich and lively, while others have very little colour or vein making them quiet and calming. With the more movement and vein in the stone you get a surface where you simply don’t see the dirt! With natural materials variation is an inherent characteristic. Each stone has its own personality and we advise that you view as much of each stone as possible.
Which finish of stone?
When you enter the world of natural stone the choice of finishes can be overwhelming. With stone you can really get your desired finish to fit your style and look. Always view as many finishes as you can so you can really narrow down the perfect combination between finish and where you are going with your look. It is very important to think about the style or era of the property which you are doing.
Do you need to seal all porsha stone?
Yes. All natural stones are porous to varying degrees and therefore need to be thoroughly sealed during the fixing process to prevent staining etc. Please go to the Sealing section for more detailed information.
Sealing your Porsha Stone
Ensure the adhesive and grout is dry (it normally takes approx. 24 hours for this to occur but this is however dependent on the site conditions i.e., temperature/heating available). Wash the floor with a neutral detergent or Stone Soap to remove all residues from laying and grouting, and vacuum with a wet vac. Buff the floor (with a lint free cloth) or white pad on a buffing machine until it is totally dry and clean.
Put sealer directly onto stone and allow it to soak into and penetrate the stone for approx. 1 minute, although this is dependent on the porosity of the stone. Wipe off excess sealer if necessary.
After 2-3 hours, repeat the above process.
1 litre of sealer covers approximately 25- 30 yd2 although this is dependent on the porosity of the stone being sealed.
If you are applying a wax coat FILA SATIN OR FILA MATT, you must impregnate seal as above. After impregnation ,this must be brushed on first away from yourself and then towards yourself to provide an even coating.
Installation
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Maintenance
We believe and know that Natural Stones beauty, elegance and pure uniqueness will last a lifetime if it is cared for properly and initially treated after installation with the correct sealers. Like all things in life the best type of Maintenance is Preventative Maintenance. For regular cleaning of all natural stone surfaces you must use a Neutral PH cleaner therefore never use bleach, fairy liquid or harmful detergents, we recommend Fila Detergent. You should avoid using products that contain abrasive cleaners, cleansers (dry or soft) or any ammonia-based cleaners on any stone. These products will dull its luster. Also, do not use retail grout cleaners, scouring powders or bathroom tub and tile cleaners on your stone. Additionally, it’s best to take care when moving heavy objects across your stone floor to avoid scratching or chipping. Get a small army to help you move that dining room table. Cover furniture and table legs with protectors to guard your floor against damage. For large areas of natural stone we recommend a steam cleaner used periodically or a commercial wet vac hover. Every stain has an antidote when it comes to Natural stone please see below.
| Problem | Solution |
|---|---|
|
Wine |
Baking Soda |
|
Tea |
Bleach, household cleaners,hydrogen peroxide |
|
Coffee |
Baking Soda, bleach, household cleaners, hydrogen peroxide |
|
Blood |
Baking Soda, bleach, household cleaners |
|
Chewing Gum |
Ice cubes, paint remover |
|
Dyes |
Bleach |
|
Fats |
Detergent, baking soda |
|
Vegetable Oil |
Lithofin Wexa |
|
Wax |
Lithofin Wexa |
|
Grease |
Detergent, plaster of paris, sal soda |
|
Nail Polish |
Bleach, nail polish remover |
|
Lipstick |
Bleach, household cleaners, hydrogen peroxide |
|
Ink |
Baking Soda |
|
Rust |
Baking soda, scouring powder |
|
General Soiling |
Lithofin Easy Care Cleaner or Power Clean |
|
Stubborn Stains |
Lithofin Wexa |
|
Removing Sealants |
Lithofin Stain Away |
Placing Your Order
Placing your Order
All materials featured on this website are normally stocked to a high level in our warehouse in Kesh Northern Ireland. If a product is out of stock we can normally give estimated lead times. Our 'Special Offers' range is strictly 'whilst stocks last'.
Unfortunately Porsha Stone cannot be held responsible for delays caused by ocean or road Shipping, a short supply of raw materials or severe weather conditions, as these are beyond our control.
We reserve the right to discontinue items as and when circumstances necessitate. New stones from around the globe, together with new finishing techniques are constantly being sourced and added to our range. Porsha Stone can generally obtain any stone, size and finish, so please let us know if there is something specific you require that you have not seen in our range. These items can normally be made available in 3-8 weeks depending on finish and availability.
Your Quotation
For Porsha stone to quote on a selected stone we need the square meterage required or plans or dimensions that we can work from. A wastage factor should be taken into account for each project prior to ordering. This is normally 10% which should allow for cuts to walls and any minor tile imperfections. Please let us know if you need us to add this on. We would advise the use of our recommended ancillary products such as adhesives, grouts, water-proofing systems and sealers. These products are tried and tested to work with our stones and can ultimately advise on their use and any problems which may arise. If you require a quote for ancillary products please let us know which substrates you are fixing onto and if under-floor heating is being used etc. We can quote on the correct products for the application. Please go to the Installation & Sealing section for more detailed information.
Porsha Stone does operate a ‘no returns policy’ and cannot be held responsible for any shortfalls or surplus goods supplied as quantities are recommendations and estimates only, therefore please double check your quotes with measure onsite carefully before your order is placed. It is always best to get the appointed installer to check the measurements.
Prior to placing your order, availability of the goods should be stock checked to help coincide with your delivery date requirements. In order to reserve stocks full payment is required with your order.
'Special Offer' lines must be delivered within one month from order placement and normal stocked lines within two months of palcing the other otherwise their will be a stocking charge.
Delivery
Once an order has been placed goods can normally be dispatched within 3-5 working days, providing the material is in stock. A specific day will be arranged to suit you, to ensure that a responsible person will be available on the site to inspect the goods and sign the delivery note.
Our nationwide delivery service is fast and reliable and can arrange an export service on request. When we quote you on a specific product and quantity we can then confirm an accurate delivery charge. All prices are ex-warehouse Kesh Northern Ireland and are subject to VAT at the current rate.
All orders will be delivered on a large lorry so it is important that any restricted access details are advised prior to delivery. The load will be placed, at the driver’s discretion, to the nearest safest point to the property; this may be on the drive or pavement. The delivery driver cannot help handle the goods, so please arrange for somebody to help or oversee the offload. Most nationwide deliveries are between the hours of 9.00 am and 5.00 pm. An additional charge will be made for a stipulated morning or afternoon delivery. Care needs to be taken when unpacking all stone tiles as spacers may need to be removed from the packaging before the tiles are lifted out. Tiles should always be stacked and stored vertically (on edge) but not on a hard surface as this causes unnecessary edge chipping, best to lay a hardboard sheet and place the stones tiles on these rather than the concrete floor. All orders must be examined on delivery and any shortages, damages or other discrepancies must be notified in writing within 48 hours.
Collections can be made from our Kesh warehouse by prior arrangement. We normally require 1-2 days notice and request that a suitable vehicle (one that can accept mechanical loading) is used. Collected goods are transported at the individual's own risk.
We hold a fitting is acceptance policy therefore after installation this is viewed as acceptance of goods supplied, which means any claims after this stage will not be accepted.
Useful Contacts
FILA
Fila Surface Care Products Limited
PO Box 160
Ludlow
SY8 9BR
Tel: +44 1584 877286
Email: info@filachim.com
Web: www.filachim.com
BOTAMENT
MC Building Chemicals
Castleblayney
Co. Monaghan
Phone: +353 42 / 9 75 15 20
Fax: +353 42 / 9 74 62 22
Web: www.botament.pl
ARDEX UK LIMITED
Homefield Road,
Haverhill,
Suffolk,
CB9 8QP,
UK
Tel: +44 (0)1440 714939
Fax: +44 (0)1440 716667
Email: info@ardex.co.uk
Web: www.ardex.co.uk
DYCON LTD
Kilcoole Industrial,
Estate,
Kilcoole,
Co. Wicklow,
Ireland
Tel: +353 (0) 1 287 5738
Fax: +353 (0) 1 287 7182
Email: sales@dycon.ie
Web: www.dycon.ie
Terms & Conditions
TERMS & CONDITIONS
1: DEFINITIONS
In the following and any other conditions included in the contract, the expressions listed below shall have the meanings shown: -
Expression Meaning
The seller: Porsha Stone Limited, its staff and its Authorized representatives.
The Customer: (You) whoever places with us the order for the goods.
Goods: The item fitting the description in your order.
Price: That quoted in your order plus any applicable Value Added Tax.
Force Majeure: Any circumstances beyond our reasonable control, such as accidents, flood, fire or other natural disasters, and unlawful industrial disputes.
Contract: The agreement between us and you made by our acceptance of your order.
Order: Your request for the goods.
2. GENERAL
2.1: These are the only conditions that shall apply to the contract. Any variations to them must be agreed in writing.
2.2: Accuracy of description - We shall only be liable to supply the goods that are described accurately on your order.
3: PRICES
Unless otherwise stated our quoted prices include Value Added Tax (VAT) and any other government duty or tax applicable. All prices are subject to revision at any time in the event of an increase in costs caused by circumstances beyond our control and we reserve the right to charge the revised prices for the goods affected by the increase and remaining to be delivered.
4: PAYMENT
4.1: Unless otherwise stated on your order or otherwise agreed in writing, payment of all sums due from you pursuant to the contract shall be made in full by you without any deduction whatsoever on delivery of the goods. Interest on overdue invoices shall accrue from the date payment is due from day to day until payment at a rate of 4% above Bank of England base rate in force at the time both before and after any judgment.
4.2: Payment by agreed account holders unless otherwise stated on your order or otherwise agreed in writing of all sums due shall be made in full without deduction whatsoever no later than the end of the calendar month following the month of delivery of the goods. Interest on overdue invoices shall accrue from the date payment is due from day to day until payment at a rate of 2.5% per month both before and after any judgment.
4.5: It is understood and agreed by the customer that the obligation in respect of payment contained in Clauses 4.1 and 4.2 is a fundamental obligation and that failure to make any payment within 7 days of payment falling due shall entitle the seller without prejudice to its other rights and remedies to:
4.3.1 Treat the contract as repudiated by the customer and/or
4.3.2 Withhold delivery of any subsequent installment of the goods and/or
4.3.3 Withhold delivery of any other relevant goods and/or
4.3.4 Appropriate any payment made by the customer to such of the goods or other relevant goods supplied to the customer by the seller as the seller may thinks fit.
5. DEPOSIT
A minimum of 50% deposit is required before any order can be placed or goods reserved for delivery.
6. DELIVERY
6.1: Any period or date for delivery stated in the contract is an estimate only and the seller shall not be liable to the customer for any delay howsoever caused. Neither the time of dispatch nor of delivery shall be the essence, however, the seller shall endeavor to deliver as stated in the contract and the customer shall make all arrangements necessary to take delivery of the goods then tendered for delivery.
6.2: A failure buy the seller to make an installment delivery will not entitle the customer to repudiate the contract.
6.3: If the customer fails to take delivery of the goods by not collecting or accepting them or fails to give the seller adequate delivery instructions before the time stated for delivery then, without prejudice to any other right or remedy, the seller may at it’s option store the goods until actual delivery and charge the customer for the reasonable costs of storage and insurance for sell the goods at the best price readily obtainable and (after deducting all reasonable storage, insurance and selling expenses) charge the customer for any shortfall below the price on the contract.
7: RISK
All risk passes to the customer when they are delivered to the customer.
8: TITLE
8.1: Notwithstanding the earlier passing of risk, title in the goods shall remain with the seller and shall not pass to the customer until the amount paid under the contract in respect of the goods shall have been paid in full.
8.2: Until title passes, the customer shall hold the goods as bailer for the seller and shall store or mark them so that they can at all times be identified as the property of the seller.
8.3: The seller shall be entitled to maintain an action for the price of any of the goods notwithstanding tat title has not passed to the customer.
9: CLAIMS
9.1: Claims for shortfall must be made in writing to the seller within three working days of receipt of the goods by the customer.
9.2: Claims for deficits or damage must be made in writing to the seller within seven days of receipt of the goods by the customer. Unless otherwise stated, goods delivered will not be accepted for return without the prior written consent of the seller. The seller reserves the right to charge a handling charge. In any event, the seller shall not accept returns otherwise than in full boxes.
9.3: No claim against the seller shall be considered unless notice is given in accordance with the foregoing provisions of this clause.
9.4: In no circumstances shall the liability of the seller to the customer under this clause exceed the invoice value of the goods.
10: FORCE MAJEURE
The seller shall not be liable for any failure in the performance of any of its obligations under the contract caused by factors outside its contract.
11: GENERAL
The parties hereto agree that the limitations and exclusions incorporated herein are reasonable in all circumstances under which the contract is to be performed, but without prejudice thereto, it is hereby agreed that if any such limitation or exclusion would be operation of law, be judged to be voice (whether in respect of a person dealing as a customer or not) as going beyond what is reasonable on the protection of the seller’s interest but would be valid if part of the wording was deleted or the extent or scope thereof reduced, the said limitations and exclusions shall apply with such modification as may be necessary to make them valid and effective.
12.The contract shall be governed by the law of The N’Ireland Courts.