Stone floors are practical and easy to maintain. They will continue to look good or even improve with age, and they will never need replacing. Except in a kitchen, the choice of stone will be made mainly on aesthetic grounds, and while there are many aspects to consider, two are of overriding importance.

Choose a stone appropriate to the context in which it will be laid, and a colour and pattern of laying that do not dominate the room. Lime- or sandstone is also elegant but not showy, discreetly modish with a simple glowing warmth. Probably the most ruggedly handsome, solid and sensible, with a strong feel of indigenous architecture, are slate and sandstones such as York stone, particularly when they are laid in large flags.

Did you know that a stone floor is proven to be healthier than carpets, eliminates the dust mites and adds value to your home?

Fireplace surrounds, mantels and hearths can be cut to size in bluestone, granite, marble, slate or limestone. The following length and width dimensions are required for a quote: hearth stone, header, left and right leg.