The process for selecting materials for a project is lengthy. This will usually take into account visual aesthetics, as well as the practicality and durability of any proposed product. With budget constraints to factor in often the value that any single purchase can bring to a property is carefully considered. If an existing material can be reused, restored or recycled then it can support the sustainability credentials of the build.
Being able to recognise the hidden charm of a worn limestone or marble floor can transform a project. Natural stone not only provides exquisite and unique beauty that transcends time, but it also wears with elegance. The value that restoration can bring is not only in the time and cost saving, but the uplift that it can bring to the entire room.
When Catherine White was working with her client to redesign their home, she was keen to see if the limestone floor could be rescued
“Repairing a floor as opposed to replacing it adds value to the project on many levels. Not only are we saving labour costs, reducing landfill and removing the time and cost of sourcing new materials, we are keeping a part of the client’s home.
People are sentimental. If we can keep an element of their interior and give it a fresh lease of life, we will. Stone finishes are the absolute perfect material for refurbishment.”
It is essential with this sort of project that the stone is assessed at the early stages of planning. This initial visit is used to review the current condition of the surface and discuss the feasibility of restoration. As part of this, we will often carry out a sample to indicate the expected result. On occasion, there will be small repair works that need to take place or that are recommend before our work can commence. In this instance, some broken tiles were replaced ahead of the floor renovation.
Being able to fit our work into a project at the right time is essential. We usually recommend that we should come in after any messy trades and major works have been completed. This avoids work boots and foot traffic as well tools and other equipment from being dragged across a newly restored floor.
The process to restore the floor in Catherine’s clients home took just one day to complete. An initial deep clean was carried out to lift the build up of dirt and remove the previous sealant. After the holes and cracks were hand filled and refinished, the surface was restored using a series of diamond pads to bring it back to its original condition.
It was a huge pleasure to work with Catherine and her team on this project. Liaising closely with Interior Designers to help them to give their clients’ stone a new lease of life is something that we are immensely proud of.
Both Catherine and her client were overjoyed with the results commenting:
“We are thrilled with the new floor for the kitchen. The client’s love how fresh it looks, ready for the next few decades of this families busy life.”
If you are interested in finding out if your stone can be restored then please contact jobs@athenastonecare.co.uk
Explore more of the project from Catherine White Interiors on Instagram.
Really happy, both with the quality of the worktop finish (ring marks, be gone!) and with the Athena Stonecare experience overall. Am sure we'll be using them again.
Our whole experience with Athena Stonecare was outstanding from quote to aftercare. We had our marble worktops and travertine floor restored. The settlement cracks on the floor have completely vanished. It has been a pleasure dealing with a firm who cares about it's customers, everyone involved was super polite and helpful. I would highly recommend.
Dave and his team did such a brilliant job restoring our limestone bathroom floors which someone used bleach on by accident. We thought they were ruined but Athena made them look like new again! I would highly recommend them and we will definitely use them for future cleaning and maintenance. Thank you Athena!
I would highly recommend Athena Stonecare, they have done an amazing job on our twenty year old limestone floors, they look better than they did new! Dave and his team were very professional, tidy, trustworthy and efficient.
Excellent, efficient and courteous service . My marble floor looks new and my bathroom walls look amazing. I’m really pleased with the work and the outcome. It only took one day to complete with minimum disruption. Would definitely recommend and will use again and again.
Dave and his partner fully deserve the five star rating. They did a perfect job, on time and on budget. The pool surround which, after 30 years of lime build-up, looked like mud, now, after Dave has worked his magic, looks beautiful again ,showing all the lovely colouring and striations. It’s a joy to see each morning.
