Due to the inherent characteristics of light-coloured natural stone and the nature of the machine-cutting and packaging process, the following risks may arise. We strongly recommend that you read the following points carefully before purchasing any machine-cut or light-coloured paving stone.
1. Basic Nature and Packaging Limitations
Natural stone paving is among the most cost-effective and price lowest collection in all stone industry. To keep pricing competitive, the processes involved in its production, packaging, and delivery are not as refined as those for high-end products like kitchen worktops (The average price of stone countertops ranges from £100 to £150 per square metre, with packaging and transportation making up approximately 70% of the total cost.). Minor surface marks or light contamination during packing, transit and handling are common and should be considered normal. This is because paving-grade natural stone is not intended to be treated or judged as a piece of fine furniture or decorative craftsmanship. What you're buying is paving stone designed to be walked on outside — not kitchen worktop material or a decorative, art-grade surface.
2. Common Surface Contamination and Cleaning Method
Paving slabs are typically stacked on wooden pallets without individual protective wrapping. During transport or site handling, some surface marks or stains may appear. These can usually be easily removed with specialist natural stone cleaners, which are readily available on the UK market. Plain water is rarely sufficient.
3. Potential Contamination During Installation
Even if the slabs arrive clean, contamination may still occur during installation—from cement, mortar, soil, or dust. We strongly recommend keeping a stone cleaner on site during the entire laying process. This is a practical and essential tool for maintaining the surface appearance, especially for light-coloured stones.
4. Post-Installation Weathering and Surface Changes
After installation, all natural paving stone—particularly lighter colours—will naturally develop some surface discolouration or staining due to foot traffic, rain, and environmental moisture. This is a normal result of the material's porosity. As such, minor contamination seen before installation should not be a cause for concern, since all natural stone will weather and mature with use.
5. Minor Edge Chipping is Acceptable
Small chips along the edges, particularly on the underside, are common in machine-cut paving and fall within industry-accepted tolerances. These areas are often trimmed or hidden during installation and do not affect the finished look. Such imperfections are not considered defects.
6. Tolerance in Thickness
Natural stone is cut using large diamond saws, and occasional minor blade vibration may cause slight thickness variations across slabs. We ensure a tolerance of ±2mm, which is fully within accepted standards for paving-grade stone. In large batches, it is also considered acceptable that a few slabs may have one edge slightly thinner than the rest.
7. If You Require Flawless Slabs, Similar in Appearance and Finish to Kitchen Worktops
We sincerely recommend visiting your local paving stones store. With the shopkeeper's permission, you may handpick each slab individually. Avoid buy from online store of paving stones
Please note that in such cases, the price is often double—or even more to reflect the extra effort and the bespoke nature of the service. However, considering the added attention and the assurance of selecting exactly what you want, such a purchase may be well worth it. As long as both parties agree, you are free to choose only the most perfect pieces.