Archive for the ‘Natural Stone Floors’ Category

Stone floors – replace or renovate?

By CS On December 10, 2019 No Comments

Because natural stone looks great and can last a long time, today many business premises and residential homes feature tiled stone floors. These floors may have dealt with the footfall from a few years or even a few centuries. Over time marble, limestone, slate and other natural stone floor tiles can become dirty, damaged and look past their best. When the situation gets really bad, you might think the only answer is to take up the tiles and replace them with a new floor altogether. But before you replace your stone floor at great expense, consider whether a specialist in stone floor cleaning and renovation can rescue your existing floor.

Natural stone floors – problems that can be put right

If it’s possible to renovate a stone floor it will usually be a far more cost-effective solution than taking up the old floor and putting in a new one.

Specialist stone floor cleaning and restoration can:

  • Remove ingrained grime from stone tiles
  • Smooth away lippage, where the stone floor tiles are uneven
  • Clean or refinish grout for a professional look
  • Neutralise algae or other outdoor hazards
  • Polish scratches out of the surface
  • Correct patches of discolouration

Check with a stone floor cleaning specialist first

If you think your stone floor will have to be replaced it is always worthwhile checking first. You might be surprised that stone floors that appear damaged, dirty or dull can be brought back to life in many cases. You can contact a stone floor cleaning specialist like Cornwell Services and we’ll quickly be able to determine whether we can renovate your stone floor instead.

Please contact Saul at Cornwell Services on 07738 022813. We’re a Hertfordshire-based business and we cover Hertfordshire, Essex, Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and north London.



Stone floor cleaning for new & old quarry tiles

By CS On November 11, 2019 No Comments

Cornwell Services clean and restore stone floors in modern and period properties. When we restored the historic quarry tile floor in the elegant dining room of a beautiful Georgian property in Hertfordshire, we also provided stone floor cleaning to bring other rooms up to standard. The homeowner was committed to restoring the period features of the property as sensitively as possible and we were very glad to play our part. All but one of the rooms we worked on had original quarry tiles with just one laid with modern quarry tiles. Regardless of age every room needed specialist stone floor cleaning.

Stone floor cleaning for quarry tiles

Dining room – putting right past mistakes with a quarry tile floor

The extreme age of the quarry tiles had led to them becoming porous, absorbing dirt. Efforts by previous homeowners to protect the tiles with sealants and wax had sealed in dirt and further harmed the condition of the floor. In order to restore the floor, Cornwell stripped it back to the bare quarry tiles and then carefully deep cleaned the floor before applying the correct protective seal. Our specialist floor cleaning process has returned these period quarry tiles to their original colour and charm. It will also protect them against future damage.

Lobby, utility & bathroom – restoring original quarry tile floors

Cleaning the quarry tiles in these rooms was a challenge, even for ourselves! The reason was that as well as a build-up of decades of dirt, these floors hadn’t been protected during renovation works to the property. As a consequence, the historic quarry tiles were covered in new paint spots and builder’s debris. By following our stone floor cleaning process, with the addition of a great deal of careful manual labour to put right what had gone wrong, we restored these wonderful quarry tiled floors to their beautiful best.

The front hall – preserving an historic quarry tile floor

In front entrance hall of the house the quarry tiles were coming to the end of their serviceable life. A good number of the tiles are flaking and breaking down. But the client was content to keep them for as long as practically possible, so with even greater gentleness than usually required we cleaned away decades of dirt with good results.

The side hall – cleaning modern quarry tiles

This room also had a quarry tile floor. But unlike other rooms, the floor was quite newly laid since the original floor was too badly damaged to be restored. Unfortunately, it had also become damaged by building work because it hadn’t been covered during renovations. Again, with thorough quarry tile cleaning, we were able to resolve the issue and restore these tiles to pristine condition.

When you need a specialist to clean or restore your stone floor please contact, Saul at Cornwell Services for your next stone floor cleaning project – just call 07738 022813.

We are based in Hertfordshire and provide stone floor cleaning and restoration across Hertfordshire, Essex, Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and north London.



Why do homeowners and firms choose stone floors?

By CS On October 2, 2019 No Comments

At Cornwell Services we’re in the business of cleaning and renovating stone flooring. But what makes tiled stone floors such a popular choice in the first place?

The enduring appeal of tiled stone flooring 

Put simply, the huge choice of styles, ease of maintenance and durability of stone floors has made them a wise choice in past centuries as well as in today’s modern homes and business premises.

Original stone floors found in period properties, whether quarry tiles, marble, brick, patterned Victorian tiles or flagstones, all pay testament to these attributes. This flooring will have been chosen for areas of a building to create an impressive entrance hall, to provide a practical non-slip, non-porous floor for kitchens and working zones, or to provide a robust surface in public areas that’s both hardwearing and elegant.

Modern buildings favour stone floors too, for their contemporary aesthetic. Travertine, sandstone, porcelain and slate can help create stunning living and working spaces. Flooring using a single material throughout can help to add to the feeling of space. Whilst a clever use of different stone floor tiles can effectively zone open plan living areas or public areas. Stone floors are suitable for underfloor heating too, allowing a comfortable home or productive commercial premises without radiators taking up valuable wall-space.

Minimum maintenance – stone floor cleaning

With modern properties, a bit of care and some expert stone floor cleaning can ensure that floors continue to provide the functionality and aesthetic style that property owners require. At Cornwell Services we’re called in to ‘fix’ stone floor problems that occur at modern properties. For example, the marble surround to a Hertfordshire swimming pool had become marked with algae and we were able to bring it back to its former beauty by undertaking specialist stone floor cleaning which involved removal of algae, deep cleaning and sealing. From here a little regular maintenance each year will ensure the stone floor remains clean and safe underfoot.

We often have the pleasure of cleaning or renovating the historic flooring surfaces in period properties, whether these are private homes or company premises. For example, we’ve renovated the quarry tile floors in a Georgian property near Hitchin through specialist deep cleaning and sealing. Business owner, Saul Cornwell, takes great pride in drawing upon his technical knowledge and taking the steps required to restore these period features so that the beauty of natural stone floors that’s been diminished by the passage of time can be seen once more.

Whether you’ve chosen a stone floor for your building or become the owner or manager of a natural stone floor with your period property, Saul at Cornwell Services is on hand for specialist stone floor cleaning – just call 07738 022813.

Cornwell Services are a Hertfordshire-based business and we take on renovation projects and regular maintenance of stone floors across Hertfordshire as well as in Essex, Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and north London.



How to clean a tiled stone floor?

By CS On August 19, 2019 No Comments

Nothing beats the beauty of a natural stone floor, be it travertine, marble, terracotta, slate, limestone or sandstone. The elegance and durability of stone tiles make them a popular design choice for both residential and commercial properties in the Home Counties. But like all good things it takes a little work to keep stone in good condition. So, what can you do to stop the stone floor in your home or business becoming ingrained with dirt, making it unsightly or unsafe? Thankfully, with the right approach and some expert care most stone floors can be returned to their stunning best and kept that way. Here are some tips from Cornwell Services.

Stone floor cleaning – what to do

Do ensure your natural stone floor is swept and vacuumed frequently so that dirt and grit aren’t allowed to build up and damage the tiles’ surface.

Do take care that the floor is mopped with a damp mop and not a soaking wet one!

Do ensure that specialist stone cleaning products are used as this won’t leave a residue or damage the seal on your tiles.

Do make sure that any accidental spills are cleared up immediately to help to preserve the stone floor.

Do make use of a specialist stone cleaning service since trained professionals have the expertise, equipment and cleaning products to clean, seal and maintain the finish of your stone floor.

Natural stone floors – what to avoid

Don’t allow the floor to be mopped with any cleaner that’s acidic since this will damage natural stone like travertine, marble and limestone. Take care because commonly available tile and grout cleaners often contain acid in the form of lemon juice or vinegar and general cleaning staff may be unaware of this fact.

Don’t allow the use of abrasive cleaners as they can scratch and mark stone tiles.

Don’t allow the use of a vacuum cleaner which has worn or missing wheels when removing dust and dirt, since this can harm the stone’s surface.

Specialist cleaning to restore stone floors

Typically, homeowners and commercial property managers will need specialist help to rescue natural stone floors where the tiles and grout have become dirty and stained over time. Specialist stone floor cleaning technicians like Cornwell Services, know how to approach different types of stone floors and renovate them. These are three approaches a specialist might use:

  • Restorative refinishing, including diamond stone polishing for smooth marble floors, and cleaning and repairing grout lines
  • Aggressive cleaning with high performance chemicals or poultices to remove paint, adhesives, mould, mildew and ingrained dirt
  • Deep cleaning with steam pressure to restore natural colour and condition

Once the stone tiles and grout lines are returned to their natural colours, the stone floor can be resealed by your specialist with a coating that makes it resistant to water, oil, bacteria and dirt. At Cornwell Services we select impregnating or topical sealers dependant on the type of stone and its condition.

Once thoroughly clean and resealed, a six-monthly cleaning routine, using pH neutral products, followed by a top-up seal will normally be sufficient to keep travertine, terracotta and any other stone floor in excellent condition.

Budget-friendly stone cleaning routines

With regular specialist cleaning, you’ll be able to secure better value for money. That’s because regular cleaning will ensure that stone floors can retain their cleanliness, safety and aesthetic appeal for longer. This in turn means that you need less serious intervention resulting in less disruption and a lower cost.

Cornwell Services provide domestic and commercial stone floor cleaning services in Hertfordshire, Essex, Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and south-east England.

Contact Saul at Cornwell Services on 07738 022813 to find out more about our specialist stone floor cleaning service or to talk through your stone floor restoration requirements.



Getting The Best From Your Marble

By saul123 On May 17, 2018 No Comments

Marble is a natural stone that can be used throughout your home, for flooring, wall tiling, and work tops. However with time and use marble loses its initial shiny new look. Here are some tips that will ensure that your marble flooring remains sparkling and bright.

Do not let spills become stains – any liquid, be it a  soft drink or alcoholic beverage spillage can leave a permanent stain on your marble flooring and work tops.  Since acidic liquids can permeate the surface of the marble easily, it is therefore necessary to wipe off any such liquid immediately with warm water and a soft cloth.

Marble flooring although it is strong, is susceptible to even minor scratches and chipping. Moving furniture it is always advisable to lift rather than drag to prevent scratches and we always recommend when walking around in your home you wear slippers. Even the smallest pieces of grit on your outdoor shoes can create deep scratches in your marble flooring.

Maintain your marble, by regular vacuuming and mopping with a neutral stone cleaner. In bathrooms be very careful with your toilet cleaners etc as they will etch the marble surface and leave unsightly marks. Have the surfaces regularly maintained by a professional. We will deep clean your marble, re-seal it and restore its natural shine. Keeping it looking beautiful for years.

The best way to keep your marble looking great is to join our maintenance programme, you pay an agreed monthly amount and we visit once, or twice a year (depending on your usage and needs) and keep you floor looking spectacular. Give us a call if you would like to know more on 07738 022813. We work hard to ensure that you are equipped to deal with daily cleaning and routine maintenance. This will allow your marble tiled floor to look its best, all of the time!



Making Sure I keep Up To Date!

By saul123 On February 19, 2018 No Comments

I always feel it is absolutely essential to keep up to date with stone floor cleaning training. When it comes to stone cleaning and restoration, companies are always bringing out new and innovative ways to get the best results possible.

Therefore, I spent Thursday and Friday last week learning the latest and best techniques, to get the best results when I’m working on people’s floors. The video shows some of the work we were doing and gives you an idea of the processes required depending on your flooring.

We looked at advanced marble polishing techniques and cement polishing among other things.

These two elements of stone restoration can be particularly challenging. Different stone types provide varying intricacies and it is therefore important that you are well stocked with well-rounded knowledge. Ongoing training and experience provide this opportunity and everything we learn, we are able to bring new and innovative processes and ideas to our work.

Other elements of our trade that we are always investing in are the new product formulations and cleaning machinery. To complete any stone restoration project successfully it is vital that all of these elements are considered and used. Knowledge of the trade, correct machinery and ideal products are the formula to success.

Have you got a natural stone floor that needs restoration? We are stone restoration specialists and serve all areas throughout Hertfordshire. Whether you are looking for a marble polishing specialist, or a general stone cleaning expert, Cornwell Services are able to provide a second-to-none service to restore your stone floors.

We try to make it easy for our clients to make contact with us; we will answer all questions in a timely manner and endeavour to get back to enquiries immediately. We offer support throughout the process through to completion of the stone floor restoration work and beyond. Call today on 07738 022813.



Restore or Replace?

By saul123 On January 17, 2018 No Comments

Whilst restoring a limestone kitchen floor for a client last week she tentatively mentioned she also had a boot room! On further investigation it would seem that living in the country owning two large dogs and being a horse rider the boot room was the family route into and out of the house!

The door was kept firmly closed so that no one would see the very dirty floor. It turns out I hadn’t been asked to clean it because it was felt to be ‘beyond’ it and the decision to replace it with new flooring had been made.

Cleaning Limestone:


After seeing the results I had achieved with the rest of the limestone flooring my opinion was sought regarding the boot room. I had no doubt I could achieve a good result saving my client  money as well as the upheaval of having a new floor fitted and moving fitted units etc.

As you can see from the picture, the floor came up remarkably well considering the wear and tear it receives! And we have added it to our 6 monthly maintenance clean visits to keep it looking its best.

Cleaning Maintenance Visits:

We will visit every 6 months and give the floor a really thorough cleaning and reseal to help prevent stains and dirt getting into the limestone. However, it is equally important that it is mopped regularly with a good natural stone floor cleaner. We recommend our specialised stone cleaner for your regular cleaning, which leaves no residue and won’t damage the seal. It is available from us at £12 for a litre bottle.

Having the correct stone cleaning products to hand makes the job easy and straight forward. If you are faced with a challenging routine or are unsure of what products to use it is unlikely that you will stick to the routine. Being confident with your product choice means that you are able to complete the task confidently. Call Cornwell Services today on 07738 022813.



Why Stone Floors?

By saul123 On July 22, 2015 No Comments

It is widely accepted that stone flooring has a history steeped in popularity and that this is increasing as the years go on. It is an obvious statement to make but the below information will offer evidence of why this is the case;

A great looking flooring; as stone floors can complement just about any room in any home or business. There are huge variations with regards to tile type, tile size, tile design and stone finish. This means that they are evidently unique.

Tile Design HertfordshireExtremely long-lasting; if you are furnished with the correct maintenance information on how best to care for your stone floor tiles, it will last forever. Stone in its composition is an incredibly strong material.

They can be used inside and outside; different variations of stone can be used inside a home and some can be used for exterior installations. These are required to be slip-resistant but smart use can cleverly connect spaces within a property; such as inside to outside or between rooms. This will inevitably create the illusion of space.

They can be used with underfloor heating; this is a luxurious option for clients wishing to have this form of heating. Stone conducts heat very well so can offer a brilliant solution to the cooler feel of natural stone flooring.

They can create a healthier home environment; dust, mould, toxins and allergens that infiltrate other floor coverings cannot saturate stone floors. This means that reduced toxins and allergens in the air offers a cleaner and improved air quality where stone floors are fitted.

Another element that puts stone in high regard is the fact that it can be skilfully restored. We offer stone restoration and stone polishing services for all types of natural stone floors and tiled flooring.

We enjoy keeping our clients and potential customers informed so invite you to call for more information on 07738022813.



Tiled Floor Restoration East Finchley

By saul123 On January 12, 2015 No Comments

This is a job that we completed in East Finchley, North London. The tiled floor had been neglected and was very dirty after building work had been completed on this home.

Stone Tiles North London Stone Tiles East FinchleyThere are often factors such as these which lead to the requirement of stone cleaning and restoration. Another influencing reason is long-standing incorrect care. This can add to the deterioration of the stone tiles.

Our client was considering changing the floor but was relieved to hear that it could be fully restored with our tailored stone restoration services.

The dirt was fully stripped alongside all the built up grime and old sealant. This takes the tile back to a natural state in preparation to apply several coats of a top-quality stone sealant. This allows the quarry tiled floor to repel liquid damages, whilst being able to breathe.

Tiled Floor North London Tiled Floor East FinchleyThis lovely Victorian tiled floor, once fully restored looked stunning. It was a real feature for this beautiful home. It was restored to its former glory and provides a positive statement for every visitor. It reflected the love and care the owners have for this charming London property.

It was appropriate to leave our clients with detailed information of the best products to regularly clean their restored tiles. This ensures that they are kept looking at their best and that they are left best equipped to repel every day wear and tear.

Stone Cleaning Advice –

  • Blot up any liquid spills immediately
  • Use best-available stone cleaning products with a non-abrasive cloth or mop
  • Ensure the surface is fully rinsed and dried after cleaning
  • Place a mat near the door entrance to trap dirt particles
  • Make sure your stone tiles are appropriately sealed

If you would like to find out any further information on cleaning floor tiles please call us on 07738022813. We pride ourselves on offering detail to leave our clients well-informed on how best to deal with their tiled floor.



Slate Cleaning Barnett North London

By saul123 On December 4, 2013 No Comments

This series of images shows an example of a slate cleaning job we completed in Barnett, North London. It displays the stages of slate restoration from start to finish and shows the incredible results that can be achieved.

Slate Cleaning North LondonSlate Restoration Barnett

The before images show how incredibly dirty these slate tiles were prior to our visit. The tiles were ingrained with grime and dirt and you could no longer see the beautiful tones of the tiles through it. Before contacting Cornwell Services, this customer thought that they would have to take up the stone floor and have it replaced.

Slate Tiles North LondonSlate Floor Hertfordshire

We used a powerful stripping agent that worked to remove the grease and previous seal. This process takes the tiles back to bare stone and provides a fresh surface for the restoration process.

Slate Flooring HertfordshireSlate Hertfordshire

When the slate floor was dry we applied two coats of a topical seal that left a satin finish. This protects the floor from spills and dirt whilst works to enhance the natural colours of the slate.

This image shows the process as it was completed; this part of the process is fascinating and really does show visible improvement.

Slate sealer North LondonRestoring Slate North London

The slate floor tiles were left clean, restored and like-new. Natural slate is a striking stone and is brilliant for areas of your home where there is high foot traffic. They have a natural slip resistance and are hard-wearing.

Slate Floor TIles North LondonIf you would like information on cleaning slate tiles or the options that are available to restore your slate flooring please contact Cornwell Services on 07738022813.

We will arrange an inspection of your stone flooring; from this point we will give you a written quotation discussing the scope of works and the cost to complete it.

We work hard to provide you with information and advice to make sure that the end result is tailored to your requirements.

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