Some years ago, when midnight-black limestone paving first started to appear on the UK’s patios, it was considered the height of fashion. And its even finish and smooth surface made it popular, while this material is also very easy to cut.
These days, black limestone is certainly not as popular as it was. But, here, we look at some of the pros and cons so that you can make an informed decision – whether that’s to keep or remove dark limestone paving if you move somewhere which has it, or if you’re not sure whether to fit a patio with these slabs.We alslo take a look at how best to look after it.
Don’t fade away
Black limestone is at its blackest when you first fit it. But, over time, it can fade, partly thanks to the slightly acidic rain the UK experiences. And the colour can also start to go if you use acid-based cleaning products, or following prolonged exposure to direct sunlight. The black dulls due to a chemical reaction which takes place.
Equally, fading can occur in areas where there is heavy and regular foot traffic.
It’s true that all limestone fades to an extent. But with black varieties, the loss of hue is that much more noticeable.
Restoring faded black limestone
It can help if you buy your stone from a reputable seller in the first place. A sealant also protects your slabs from colour loss and other damage, such as algae and moss growth. Equally, frequent cleaning will help tackle these issues.
You could also consider using a specialist colour enhancer or intensifier.
Sealing the stone every few years is a good idea, although you may want to give your paving a couple of years’ exposure to the elements before you first apply it.
It’s also important to choose the right type of grouting, otherwise the stone can start to look patchy. As a word of warning, it’s not a great idea to work on grouting in hot weather. Black absorbs heat, so the grout can stick, and become very hard to move. The temperature of the black stones can almost double as heat sinks in to the paving.
Keeping it clean
Never use any acid-based cleaning products, and always test any new items on a small, discreet patch of limestone first. (Additionally, you need to follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Check whether the product is specifically for black limestone.)
For regular cleaning, sweep away surface dust and debris before going over the stone with a damp cloth or mop. Buff with a dry cloth afterwards.
Tough on stains
If you have some harder marks to shift, you can always try a stronger cleaning product. Again, be sure to do a patch test first.
Ask Royal Stone Care
Royal Stone Care covers homes and businesses, and specialises in limestone cleaning chip repair and restoration in London. We’re happy to chat to you about black varieties of this gorgeous stone – which can still look very striking in patios. And we’ll gladly help you to keep your paving looking its glorious best.
