Natural stone
Limestone
Limestone is sedimentary rock, formed from compacted marine shells and sediments over tens of millions of years. It is gentler in tone than marble, warmer underfoot, and more forgiving of imperfection.
It is also more porous, which means it needs sealing more regularly and cannot tolerate the abrasive pad sequences that work on marble. The discipline of limestone restoration is restraint.
Services we offer for limestone
- Limestone honing, matt or satin finish for hallways, bathrooms and kitchens
- Stone polishing where a reflective finish is specified
- Deep cleaning to strip old wax, polish and failed sealer from period floors
- Sealing and impregnation, essential on limestone given its porosity
- Stain removal for acid, oil and tannin marks
Characteristics
- Softer and more porous than marble; needs gentler handling.
- Often contains visible fossils and shell fragments.
- Ages with a beautiful patina, rarely worth fully renewing in a period property.
- Behaviour varies widely between varieties (English, French, Portuguese).
Common issues
- Deep dirt in the porous surface, especially in high-traffic areas.
- Staining from oil, red wine and tannins.
- Hole filling required in older or aggressive stones.
- Salt efflorescence in ground-floor rooms with damp issues.
Care guidance
Seal within six weeks of installation and every 2–3 years after. Use pH-neutral cleaner only. Address spills immediately.
Got a limestone restoration project?
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