Frequently Asked Questions

FAQ

Welcome to the Sandridge Stone Frequently Asked Questions page — your go-to resource for detailed information about our handcrafted reconstituted stone products, architectural stonework, and bespoke stone masonry services. Whether you’re an architect, developer, builder or private homeowner, we know that choosing the right cast stone supplier is a key decision in any building or landscaping project. Here, we answer some of the most common queries we receive about our high-quality cast stone products, delivery processes, installation advice, and technical specifications — so you can move forward with confidence

What cleaning equipment do you use?

We use the industry-leading Thermatech specialist stone cleaning system. This generates super-heated water, which softens and removes dirt & grime without the need for very high pressure, which could cause lasting damage to the stone. Chemical poultices and nebular mist sprays are used where more prolonged treatment is required to remove some forms of staining and black carbon crust.

What materials do you use to fix the stone?

We use only time-honoured, traditional lime mortars, which allow the stone to breathe and compensate for any minor movement unlike cement-based mortars. Stainless steel fixtures ensure that there is no pressure exerted on the stone from rust expansion, which could cause it to crack & fail.

How do you select the stone for a particular job?

Bath and Portland limestones can be specified according to the location and client preferences and we are always happy to supply indicative samples for approval. Correct orientation of the natural bedding planes of the stone within the structure are critical to ensure the necessary strength and durability. We will also select harder beds of stone where the level of exposure to the elements requires it.

Can you make new stone appear the same as the old stone?

The short answer is no. We believe that replacement stone should stand out initially as a testament to the craft that has created it and allowed to gradually weather-in over a period of years. Attempts to speed up the ageing process and artificially weather limestones always result in an unsightly pastiche.

There are cracked stones on my property, will they need to be replaced?

Not necessarily. We employ pinning and grouting techniques that can make a stone such as a lintel above a window structurally sound and extend its like for many years. Where a stone does need replacing, its architectural detailing will be an exact like-for-like replacement of the original.

Some of the stones on my property appear badly corroded, can you repair them?

We believe that when it comes to heritage stonework, repair rather than replacement should always be the default start point. Using applications of special lime-based mortars, our team of Heritage Skills qualified stonemasons can often make good stones with might appear beyond repair and give them a new lease of life that may last for decades. Repairs will always be done in a way that I sympathetic to the historic context.

Some of the stones on my property are very complicated, will you be able to replicate them all?

Yes. We can recreate any shape of architectural stonework and our specialist stone carvers can do intricate details such as flowers or cut letters.

We hope our FAQs have helped clarify what sets Sandridge Stone apart as a trusted UK supplier of premium reconstituted cast stone. If you’re planning a heritage restoration, new build, or bespoke landscaping project and still have questions about our custom stone manufacturing, lead times, pricing, or fitting recommendations — our experienced team is always happy to help. Feel free to get in touch for tailored advice or a no-obligation quote. At Sandridge Stone, we’re committed to combining craftsmanship with reliability, delivering stunning architectural stonework across the UK.

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