Ideal for either a traditional or a contemporary style, slate work surfaces are an attractive addition to any room. Softer than most rocks, slate is perfect for a work surface due to its longevity when properly maintained. However, its softness means it’s susceptible to scuffs or scratches. Although scratches can add ‘character’, they might be inconvenient, too deep, or simply ruin the beautiful aesthetic of the work surface.
As slate work surfaces are exposed to direct contact and pressure, it becomes highly susceptible to scratches. There are a few simple and inexpensive techniques to remove scratches from slate work surfaces. Through minimally invasive techniques you can ensure that no further damage is done to your slate work surface, and the scratches are removed smoothly.
Smaller scratches can easily be repaired but others will require the care of a professional to guarantee that not only the scratches don’t become worse but you also don’t accidentally hurt yourself by handling power tools.
Mineral oil is made from petroleum, resulting as a by-product of the distillation process of petroleum to make gasoline. It’s odourless and colourless, and ideal to help remove scratches from slate work surfaces. You can typically find mineral oil in hardware stores.
Step 1: Clean the area with the scratches with a damp cloth to ensure all dirt and dust is removed. Let the area dry completely.
Step 2: Wipe the work surface with the mineral oil with a cloth, and allow the oil to flow into the scratches so that they turn into the original colour of the slate.
The mineral oil will only very slightly darken the slate’s colour, and this darkening effect will help to hide any small scuffs that the slate may have.
A stain pen can be found in the paint department in hardware stores, and it is used to match the scratch with the colour of the slate. These pens are similar to permanent markers, being available in a wide range of colours that allows you to easily match your slate. You can deliver a precise amount of stain to the area that you are working on to remove any existing scratches.
Step 1: Use a damp cloth to clean the area you’ll be treating and make sure that no dirt or dust is left. Allow it to dry thoroughly.
Step 2: Slowly wipe the pen on the scratch and wipe it gently, blending the scratched area with the slate work surface’s colour.
Sanding scratches down is an effective way of removing them. You should use a fine-grit sandpaper as it is ideal to sand scratches by spot sanding and concentrating on the problematic areas.
Step 1: Start with a lower grit number for honing and move up to a bigger grit, such as a 400-grit or a 600-grit, to slowly and gradually achieve a polished look that is consistent.
Step 2: Use a lower grit sandpaper for finishing, but ensure that the sanding is done gently, similar to how silver is polished. Rough sanding may leave deeper scratches than the ones that you are trying to remove.
Step 3: Wipe the dust away with a damp rag when finished.
A final tip is to use a stone sealant at the end of each treatment to ensure that the slate is sealed and that it has a protective coating capable of resisting scratches and scruffs. Allow the surface to dry completely before you use your work surface. Note: problematic areas may require the use of an electric polisher, which should be done by a qualified professional.
Slate is a stone that is typically very easy to work with and remove any scratches. As a beautiful and exquisite material, it gives you the perfect work surface. As slate and stone specialists, we always supply the best slate to guarantee you are completely satisfied with the result.
Get in touch with our team to find out more about our range of slate work surfaces and other products including natural slate flooring and slate roof tiles.
Peacock House can be found nestled in the coastal town of Aldeburgh, just outside Suffolk. This new build family dwelling is located in a residential area, compromising of generous two and three storey detached properties. UK Slate was extremely proud to collaborate on this prestigious project over several months with the main contractors, Builders by Design. This involved designing and manufacturing a range of bespoke products to suit the architect’s original vision and initial design concepts.
London based designers, Studio-P, and Zurich based architects, BHSF Arkiecten teamed up with UK Slate to work on the contemporary cluster of buildings. Made up of a collection of separate buildings the family home was focused and arranged around a sheltered main internal courtyard. The design reflected the owner’s versatile interests and their day to day activities and routines. Some of the separate rooms which reflect the stature of the building include an artist’s studio, office, sauna and a garage and forecourt which can fit three or more cars.
The property itself is surrounded by an abundance of plant life, greenery, floral arrangements and shrubbery, appearing as an inverted ‘hortus conclusus’ (enclosed garden) and concealing the other side of natural beauty to the interiors. Almost all neighbouring dwellings are private and recessed from the road, allowing the greener surroundings to become a particularly outstanding feature of the area.
In order to not disturb the symmetry of greenery and buildings, the proposed design distributes the program over three separate structures, as opposed to one simple development. Considering this, the design needed to reflect and embrace the desire for high quality, while corresponding to the owner’s need for sufficient space.
The single storey compound divides the site into three different areas: the driveway, the main courtyard and the ‘wild’ garden to the right of the property. The lush greenery separates and defines the general framework within and the driveway becomes the entrance into a completely different world. The courtyard hosts a contemporary water feature, creating a centrepiece amongst the green surroundings. The proportion, arrangement and balance of natural and artificial features create the perfect composition, fashioning its subtle and elegant style, making it truly one of a kind.
The palette of materials used were born from a blend of inspiration from nature with the traditional domestic and functional designs of East Anglia. This was created by including charred timber cladding, knapped flint, timber flooring and natural slate. The combination of the two styles formed a modern, yet traditional, and ‘cosy’ feel. A hand-crafted hearth and fire surround stands proud as a central contemporary focal point in the main dining/living area, whereas a more traditional design flourishes in the studio building, forming an expedient and comfortable library area.
Award-Nominated Designs
The RIBA: Royal Institute of British Architects have recognised the professional and prestigious designs, engineering and collaboration which has gone into Peacock House. The project was also shortlisted for the RIBA 2017 Regional Awards.
RIBA East regional director Louise Todd said: “The jury had a really difficult task in selecting the winners, which says a lot for the strength of the shortlist and the creativity of the architects involved”
“These buildings all demonstrate that by engaging with an architect, clients can achieve remarkable buildings that improve our communities and enhance people’s lives”
When working on a building, one of the most important considerations to make is the preservation of its original aesthetic, so that the historical essence of the building is not lost. The visual components of a building are sometimes what make it so different when compared to others, a quality that also makes it unique and special – and if the building is listed, then this is even more necessary since a major change can make it lose its status.
So, when carrying out new work, such as building extensions or modifications, it’s crucial to keep in mind that the old and the new should look the same, as if they were done by the same architects and designers.
Take flooring for example. When replacing the original flooring in a traditional building, it is of paramount importance for the new floor to reflect the colour, texture and finish of the old stone. Many traditional buildings in the UK may have used flooring from local sources when originally constructed, which may no longer be available or accessible today. Many native slate quarries are still operational today, e.g. Welsh or Cumbrian sources, however you may find your project’s budget will become strained by the cost of these premium materials.
But worry not! There are many cost effective alternatives to these materials that area visually sympathetic and available in a range of finishes, making it even easier to match the original.
Our Ravendale and Elterdale flooring ranges are available in a tumbled finish, which would be excellently suited to flooring projects that aim to be authentic to the worn, aged appearance of old flag stones. The gently chipped and rounded edges resembling a floor which has tolerated decades of wear and tear. The Ravendale and Elterdale colours provide cost effective alternatives to Welsh Dark Blue Grey and Cumbrian Green slates respectively.
In order to preserve the original aesthetic, architects and builders should first understand what the heart of the design is, so as to be able to adapt to each building’s needs to maintain its integrity. Once established, a project that intends to preserve the aesthetic instead of a complete renovation should change as little as possible. Major structural modifications should be avoided, as they would completely alter the design.
This means that any changes, internal or external, should be minimal and absolutely necessary. If your flooring project does not entail the removal of the entire flooring surface in a given space but instead patchwork where flooring may be damaged, then it would be advised that like for like materials are sourced prior to the removal of any original flooring. This would also allow for planning around possibly long availability lead times.
However as mentioned earlier, the original flooring that you seek to partially replace may have been sourced from a quarry no longer in operation at all. These are the sort of queries that require answers prior to any restoration project.
It is clear that the only way to guarantee the preservation of a building’s aesthetic while conducting new work is through tailored solutions. It’s important to remember that there is generally not a one size fits all remedy, and that detailed research and design are the key to success.
If you require any advice or guidance with regard to a restoration project, please do not hesitate to contact our staff, their expertise will guide you through the process of your project. You can also find us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and Google+, so head on over and check out our projects in more detail.
Picking the perfect type of natural stone for a building is important, as it will determine the overall aesthetic. However, this is not the only important decision you have to make. Choosing the right supplier is equally crucial – if not, you risk ending up with something you’re not entirely satisfied with, and service to match.
Choosing the right supplier will offer you peace of mind, then, but the question arises: how can you select the perfect supplier for your project?
One of the first considerations to make is the cost of the product. Your choice of supplier will depend on many factors, but this one is perhaps the one on everyone’s minds when they make their decision. Both parties want to get the best deal possible, which doesn’t necessarily mean a low price.
While price might be the first thing that pops up in a negotiation, quality is, undoubtedly, one of the most important elements to consider – perhaps even the most important. Choosing a supplier you can trust doesn’t just mean someone who can deliver on time. It also means someone who can give you the quality you want.
The material should be of the highest quality possible, so you need to pick a supplier that understands what that means. Your supplier needs to have a high level of industry knowledge, so that you can get natural stone with the best geological composition, appearance, colour and texture to suit your needs.
That and, of course, knowing where your stone comes from. Being able to trust your supplier when it comes to the source of the stone is important, as it can affect your final decision. After all, different quarries will have different types of products – even though they’re all slate, for instance, some tiles or slabs will be best suited for outdoor applications or areas with high-foot traffic, while other types might be better for creating bespoke products, such as hearths and placemats.
Slate is a beautiful, versatile stone that can be used for a wide range of applications and in a large number of locations, whether indoors or outdoors. With so many choices at your disposal, choosing a supplier that can help you narrow them down and provide you with the perfect slate for your project becomes essential.
Contact us today or give us a call on 015395 59289 to learn more about how your team of experts can help you!
Natural stone adds a natural style and sophisticated aesthetic to any home. However, as we approach the colder months, we here at UK Slate know that it can feel impossible to keep warm. Stone has a natural habit of being a bit chilly in winter, due to its high thermal conductivity, however, this is something that can be used to your advantage with some smart thinking.
So, what is the best way to warm up the slate throughout your home to enjoy it year-round?
Under floor heating is one of the most cost effective heating solutions on the market today. Depending on the size of your home and your energy use, which fluctuates throughout the year, you could save as much as 50% of your heating bill. A staggering saving even when compared to the initial costs to install.
Stone naturally transfers heat effectively and efficiently. This means that your floors will stay warm throughout winter, gently heating the rest of your home. Heat rises, so having the source of your heat on the ground floor will increase its effectiveness.
The warmth from the fire will transfer to the slate flooring. It will not concentrate in one area as you may fear, as the heat will spread through the conducting nature of natural stone. This means you will have a toasty floor whenever you light the fire, lasting for hours – which is bound to happen almost daily during the winter months.
Ultimately, using slate and other natural stones does not mean you will have cold toes this winter. Simply plan ahead and you can enjoy your natural flooring all year round!
If you would like more information about our bespoke slate products and how they can improve the aesthetic of your home or business, you can contact us at any time on 015395 59289 to speak with our friendly team. To keep up to date with all of our latest news and updates you can also follow us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and Google+.
A garden can be the addition to your house that makes it feel like a home. An evening spent in your garden, post-barbecue, surrounded by family and friends can feel like the perfect evening again and again in the right space. Perfecting that space can be a great hobby, especially for those with a green thumb, or a great project for new and old homes alike.
Deciding you want the perfect garden path is easy, working out just how to create it is the hard part. But, there are a few simple style choices that you can follow in order to create an aesthetic that will make your garden the height of modern design. Slate is the perfect way to achieve this move to the modern and create a garden you can be proud of.
The most modern and long-lasting type of pathway that you can possibly use is of course slate. It will survive rain or shine, the occasional flood and even a flurry of snow without batting its stony façade. This natural material is the height of modern design and can bring the sharp and attractive lines of your interior design into your outside space as well.
Of course, you do not have to limit yourself to a simple and linear pathway. Aggregate is an amazing way to create the same effect of a path whilst moving away from the rigidity of a set pathway, instead you can enjoy the flowing elegance of a pathway that can snake its way throughout the garden in whatever way you desire. Aggregate can also be used for a number of features, including driveways, ponds and different types of water features.
Making an aggregate path is all well and good, but for those of you who spend quality time in the garden soaking up the Great British weather, then paving presents an alternative to aggregates in any outdoor dining space. Navigating an aggregate path in bare feet, while entertaining for family and friends alike, may leave you wondering why you did not consider our Ravendale and Elterdale paving ranges. Our paving has a light riven texture that is both durable and practical for wheeling the BBQ, making it ideal for areas in your garden where you expect heavy foot or wheel traffic. Available in colours that do not fade, our paving range will reinvigorate any neglected path, BBQ or sitting area, making those extra special evenings with family and friends feel more comforting and luxurious.
While enjoying the tranquillity of your garden from the comfort of a paved sitting area, it is hard not to notice the old garden shed slowly receding into the brambles at the bottom of the garden. As the last frontier of the garden left to conquer,our walling provides an easy way to revitalise existing cladding and blockwork sheds. Available in Pillared Blue and Rustic, our walling range can cater for modernisers and traditional tastes that are bound to breathe new life into any outbuilding.
Gardens are a place to express yourself, whether through a colourful flower bed, a water feature or even a garden gnome! However none of the above can ever truly satisfy your individualism like a personalised slate garden ornament. ‘The Apple’, crafted by James Parker was made with our Vermont Structural Slate. A feature similarly personalized would attract attention, while at the same time, making any garden the envy of your family and friends.
Summer is drawing to a close, but that doesn’t mean the light’s about to go out. In fact, now is the perfect time to start thinking about preparing your home for cooler autumn and winter nights. We’re not talking about buying up draught excluders and woolly jumpers.
To really give your home a unique focal point, why not consider a bespoke slate hearth.
Home, as they say, is where the hearth is. And there are plenty of reasons to consider installing a beautiful slate standalone hearth or fireplace in your home.
A real flame fire, whether it be solid fuel or gas flame, are always the focal point of a room. A cosy place for family and friends to get together, relax, and unwind. The fireplace and Hearth are an integral part of creating the look and feel of this important part of the house.
The use of slate here really puts a focus on that natural, rustic aesthetic. But that doesn’t mean you need a retro-inspired home (although if you do, that’s no problem). The true beauty of slate is its sheer adaptability, fitting almost every style of home you could imagine – including yours. With its natural formation, it certainly has its place in rustic homes. However, once cut and polished, slate fits seamlessly into modern dwellings, bringing that countryside feel into the heart of any home.
Every slate hearth we supply is crafted to perfection. Such care over how your hearth is created is crucial to maintain a quality in keeping with the rest of your home. We’ve always cared so much because we know that you care deeply. That’s why we’ve placed a real commitment on quality, designing a hearth tailored to you.
Our experienced staff work closely with you, discussing your dreams for the perfect fireplace and assisting in making that dream a reality. These hand-crafted natural slate hearths will be created by time served craftsmen to match your room’s theme and overall style, effortlessly fitting in your home.
We’re conscious that the one-size-fits-all approach just doesn’t work when considering how best to make your rooms pop. So if you’re in need of a fireplace, we can deliver; if you’re looking for a standalone slate hearth, that’s great. And that also includes a range of fuelling options that are right for you.
But perhaps the most important factor when choosing a slate hearth is it’ll really warm your home. It’ll look stunning all year ‘round, of course, and people won’t be able to stop talking about it, but at the end of the day, when the night grows dark and the chill sets in, you’ll look forward to coming home to see those licking flames and feel that soothing heat.
We’d love to hear your thoughts and ideas on designing your very own bespoke slate hearth, and making your home even more attractive. So please get in touch online or call us on 015395 59289.
