FAQs

 

1. WHERE IS OUR STONE SOURCED FROM?

GMI are known for sourcing exquisite stone from around the globe We have strong links to selected quarries around the world to offer only the highest quality stone. We employ international and local inspectors and go to great lengths to source truly first-class products.

 

2. WHERE CAN I USE STONE TILES?

You can use stone for tops, sinks, shelves walls, floors and even ceilings. Stone is one of the most versatile natural products in the world. Whether you choose marble, limestone, travertine or even a quartz composite, it can be installed in a variety of ways to create a stylish look tailored to suit anyone’s taste and budget to choose the right stone to meet your lifestyle, functional and style requirements. Our team will help you select the suitable stone for the required application.

 

3. WHAT CAN BE USED FOR KITCHEN WORKTOPS?

Generally, Granites and Quartz Composites are the most practical options as they are extremely hard with low porosity. Limestone and marble and slate will etch after contact with acidic juices and leave a dull patch, despite sealing. On a honed surface this can be re-honed and re-sealed but the same may happen again. It is important to be able to live with this aspect before committing to a purchase and to clean any spillage at the earliest opportunity. Despite this advice, we sell many limestone and marble worktops as our clients love the look and feel of natural stone and its many practical advantages.

 

4. DO YOU ALSO INSTALL?

In addition to supply and manufacture service, our own handpicked and trained installers are part of the team that will ensure that your project will be delivered to the GMI standards in quality and detail.

 

5. SHOULD WE SEAL THE STONE.

We recommend that: All horizontal and wet internal stone surfaces are sealed using water based or --- based impregnators. This will help to give the immediate protection to the surface from staining from water and oil based liquids provided the surface is promptly cleaned. The amount of sealer to be used depends on the porosity of the stone
However, we do not recommend that external paving in sealed as this may trap moisture which can damage the surface when it freezes and expands.

 

6. HOW DO I LOOK AFTER MY STONE.

The maintenance section of the website gives full recommendations on how to maintain the stone surfaces. We also supply all the products required to maintain the stone.

 

7. ARE MY WALLS AND FLOORS SUITABLE TO TAKE STONE?

Our team will be happy to discuss and advise your construction team on the most suitable backgrounds for walls, floors and tops. We will also advise on the floor build up if you wish to use under-floor heating.

 

8. WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN LIMESTONE, MARBLE, GRANITE AND ONYX?

Limestone is a sedimentary rock found in abundance around the world which has been used in construction for millennia. Limestone forms when shells, sand, and mud are deposited at the bottom of oceans and lakes and over time solidify into rock. There are many different types of limestone, varying in colour, strength and porosity, amongst other things.
Travertine is also a sedimentary rock but its characteristic holes are formed when bubbles of carbon dioxide are trapped in the formation process.

Marble forms when sedimentary limestone is heated and squeezed by natural rock-forming processes so that the grains recrystallize.

Granite is formed deep in the earth’s mantle at extremely high temperatures and is a very hard, resistant stone made of crystallised minerals.

Onyx is formed in limestone caves by drip water, as stalagmites and stalactites. It is a very soft stone, and somewhat brittle. This beautiful stone is characterised by its translucency, and can actually be backlit for striking, dramatic effects.

 

9. DO YOU HAVE A PRICE LIST?

We have found it is not practical to publish a price list as there are so many variables with bespoke stonework. We are however more than happy to provide you with a competitive price on receipt of your drawings and details.