FAQs

For all orders placed before 11:00 you should receive this the next working day if requested. Please note that if any stock needs picking this will delay delivery slightly, you should receive your order within 5 working days.

Yes, at the checkout please specify a specific date you would like delivery.

Deliveries will be made via an external pallet line service. This would be a kerbside delivery; unfortunately delivery drivers will be unable to carry the slabs through to the garden.

We would suggest not booking a landscaper until you have received your delivery as we can’t always guarantee morning delivery.

• All flags need to be laid on a full mortar bed, with no gaps or voids beneath.
• Do not “Dot & Dab” any stone or concrete product.
• Mortar to be mixed to the ratio of 5:1 sharp sand and cement.  Light coloured paving could suffer from discolouration, so we would recommend a silver sand and white cement.
• Full mortar bed to be a 35mm-55mm depth.
• Check levels constantly while you work.
• BEWARE Natural stone is laid with the narrowest surface facing the ground, making an inverted ‘V’ joint.
• When laying Natural Stone, the jointing gap will typically be 10mm measured at the upper face, depending on the laying pattern selected and the finish on the flags edge.
• On concrete paving, the gap between slabs should be sufficient enough to allow a key for the jointing mix.    NB:  Some manufactured paving has a sloping side, making a ‘V’ joint.  The base of these slabs must not be touching.
• There are many different ways to join your paving.  Using a building sand and cement mix to the ratio of 3:1 is the traditional technique.  There are a number of resin/polymeric based brush in products on the market that are just as effective.
• If you decide to butt joint Natural Stone this can potentially cause a number of issues once the stone is laid like spalling where the stone starts to chip due to direct contact with other slabs and it also encourages delamination where the stone starts to chip and flake
• Brush of any excess mortar or grouting from the stone before it dries taking care not to stain the surface.
• Refrain from using a new patio for the first 24-36 hours, so the mortar can set.  After 3-5 days, the patio should be ready for full use.

We recommend installing your porcelain paving on a wet mortar bed of 6:1 sand/grit and cement mix.

It is recommended to coat the back of each porcelain tile with slurry primer. The slurry primer acts as an additional adhesive agent that will help the tile to form a stronger bond bridge between the wet bed and the paving.

When laying the paving, to avoid edges from chipping, we recommend you do not butt joint the tiles, it is also recommended to use tile spacers, which will aid you to form consistent spacing throughout.

When cutting, it is recommended to have a continuous water flow applied. This is to reduce the chance of cracking the tile. A suitable good quality diamond cutting blade is advised.

We recommend keeping a record of the ‘batch colour code’ of porcelain in case any further stock is required. This can be found on the box the porcelain is packed in. It may not always be possible to source the same batch colour code at a later date.

We would recommend ordering an additional 10% extra to cover for any wastage, will also mean you won’t need to reorder any more slabs which could result in it coming from a different batch.

When using multiple packs, open all packs and randomly select flags from each pack to blend colour variances.

We do split packs on our porcelain ranges, please note that if this is required it may delay delivery a little while for this to happen.

On the product page for the item you are interested in the m2 is provided..

Please fill out on the contact us page any samples you require, with details of the product and your address to send these out to.

Yes we currently have a showroom in Leicester and Tunbridge Wells with more due to open across the country:

Roman Stone, Desford Lane, Kirby Muxloe, Leicester, LE9 2BR

Roman Stone, Lamberts Road, North Farm Industrial Estate, Tunbridge Wells, TN2 3EH

Although samples are able to give a good indication of a product in particular with natural stone, no two batches are identical as it’s a natural product.

This would likely be efflorescence. Roman Stone cannot accept any liability for the temporary effects of the natural phenomenon of efflorescence. This can occur in both concrete products with a high cement content and some types of Natural Stone. This white powdery like substance is extremely common on both un-laid and laid concrete products. It ranges from a mild bloom which gives the appearance of colour loss to large white blotches on the surface. Its appearance can be very spasmodic and unpredictable, but is not detrimental to the performance of the concrete. It can also show itself as streaks or a mottled or spotted effect. Although most commonly associated with concrete paving products, efflorescence can also affect natural stone when it is laid on a full mortar bed. Limestone products can be particularly susceptible. This is a temporary phenomenon caused by the chemical reaction between water and cement, which will weather out naturally and does not damage the paving. There are many efflorescence removers available for purchase on the market, but we recommend it is left to weather out naturally to avoid any damage to the surface of the paving. Efflorescence is not a fault of the manufactured or natural stone. In products manufactured in the UK a waterproofer has been put in the concrete blocks which should reduce the effects of this, however it still can occur.

This will all depend on your needs on the look of the garden that you want to go for. Porcelain is more durable and is easier to maintain which often results in the cost usually being higher, however if your garden suits a more classic or rustic look then concrete or natural stone may be the best option for you.

Sealants will often change the look of the paved area and it is the owner’s choice whether to do this. We suggest you take the advice of your installer. If the decision is taken to seal we advise that the area should be clean and perfectly dry before the commencement of sealing.

To keep your patio in its best condition, regularly sweep and clean normal garden detritus immediately to prevent staining. DO NOT use harsh acid base chemical cleaners or power washers to clean decorative paving. Sufficient cleaning can be achieved by the occasional wash with mild soapy water and thorough rinsing.

Do not use any form of salt, especially rock salt to de-ice paving. This may cause immediate and irreparable damage and regular application of salts will undoubtedly cause long term breakdown of the concrete. Porcelain is frost proof so there should be no need for de-icing.

Yes. You can return your delivery within 14 days of delivery however we would only accept full unopened packs. There would be a handling and return charge to cover the cost of £200 per crate.

Yes. Please contact us as soon as possible at [email protected] as soon as this comes to light. Please take as many photos possible as early as possible to show the damage or fault.