Natural stone and finishes compared
The right stone depends on where the piece goes and how hard it's used. Here's how the main options compare.
| Stone | What it's like | Good for | Inside or out |
|---|---|---|---|
| York stone | A hard sandstone, buff to grey-blue. Grippy underfoot and weathers well. | Steps, copings, sills, paving | Both |
| Limestone | Fine and even, in pale creams and greys. Carves cleanly and holds a crisp moulding. | Sills, heads, surrounds, interior floors | Both |
| Granite | Very hard and dense. Resists staining and heavy wear. | Worktops, kerbs, busy steps | Both |
| Slate | Dark and fine-grained. Splits naturally along its layers. | Hearths, sills, copings | Both |
| Marble | Veined and takes a high polish. Softer, so best kept indoors. | Surrounds, vanity tops, interiors | Inside |
Not sure which to choose? Pick Not sure in the quote builder, say where the piece is going, and we'll suggest one.
Finishes
The finish is the surface left on the stone. Faces that show can have a different finish from faces that don't.
