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.
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.
We used Athena to refurbish a 20 year old limestone floor and granite worktops. The floor was very scratched and damaged in a few places, and the granite needed some TLC. David and Terry spent a full day working on both and we're delighted with the results. Its saved us a very expensive and messy job in having the floor replaced. They worked professionally and tidily and gave us some really helpful advice about other stonework we are considering. We would definitely recommend!
"Outstanding results, it’s like having a brand new floor. Dave & his team managed to clean & lighten the 40+ years old sandstones from dark grey to beige. They were so effective, discreet & organised on their 2 days work and very patient with my numerous questions."
We truly appreciate you accommodating this for us on such short notice. You’re just the best team for the job, and your knowledge on the subject is incredible.
I had a double sink marble surround which was in really bad shape, Athena Stonecare got it back to practically new. I’d had a few different companies give me quotes and these guys were the most professional and competitive on their price. Really pleased.
