Placing Your Order
Placing your order and stock availability
All materials featured in this brochure are normally stocked to a high level in our UK warehousing in Monmouth. If a product is out of stock we can normally give estimated lead times. Mandarin Stone can generally obtain any stone, size and finish, so please let us know if there is something specific you require that you have not seen in our range. These items can normally be made available in 4-10 weeks. Unfortunately Mandarin Stone cannot be held responsible for delays caused by ocean shipping, a short supply of raw materials or severe weather conditions, or any other circumstances beyond our control. We reserve the right to discontinue items as and when circumstances necessitate. New stones, together with new finishing techniques are constantly being sourced and added to our range. All prices in this brochure are ex-warehouse Monmouth UK and are subject to VAT at the current rate. Prices can change without prior notice. Our quotations and invoices normally show individual tile prices and details, therefore, the calculated square metre prices are intended as a guide only. In order to quote on a selected stone we require the square meterage, plans or dimensions. A wastage factor should be taken into account for each project prior to ordering. This is normally 10% which should allow for cuts to walls and any minor tile imperfections. We would advise the use of our recommended ancillary products such as adhesives, grouts, water-proofing systems and sealants. We know that these products work with our stones and can ultimately advise on their use and any problems which may arise. If a quotation is required for ancillary products please let us know the substrates you are fixing onto, if under-floor heating is being used and any other information which may affect the installation. We can quote on the correct products for the application. Please go to the Installation & Sealing section for more detailed information.
We operate a ‘no returns policy’ and cannot be held responsible for surplus goods, as quantities are estimates only. Therefore, please check your quotation carefully before your order is placed. At the point of order, availability of goods should be checked to help coincide with your delivery date requirements. In order to reserve your stone, full payment is required with your order. We accept all forms of payment but require cleared funds before your goods are dispatched.
Deliveries and Collections
Our nationwide delivery service is competitively priced, fast and reliable and we can arrange an export service on request. All deliveries are chargeable and are based on the weight of your order. Once an order has been placed goods can normally be dispatched within seven working days. A specific delivery date will be arranged to suit you. Most deliveries are between the hours of 9.00 am and 5.00 pm, Monday – Friday except Bank Holidays. An additional charge will be made for a specific morning, afternoon or timed delivery. Most orders are packed in either wooden crates or pallets. They will be delivered on a large lorry so it is important that any restricted access details are advised prior to your delivery. The stone will be placed, at the driver’s discretion, to the nearest safest point to the property; this may be on the drive or kerbside. The delivery driver cannot help handle the goods, so it is essential for you to arrange for a responsible individual to be present. All orders must be examined on delivery and any shortages, damages or other discrepancies must be noted on the delivery note and reported within the specified time period (see Terms and Conditions). Your delivery may have extra or broken tiles which are additional to your ordered quantity. These are normally left in to brace the other tiles and will be noted on your delivery note. Care needs to be taken when unpacking all stone tiles as spacers may need to be removed from the packaging before the tiles are lifted out. Tiles should always be stacked and stored vertically (on edge) but not on a hard surface as this causes unnecessary edge chipping. Collections can be made from our Monmouth warehouse by prior arrangement. Please ensure that a suitable vehicle is used whereby goods can be mechanically loaded. Collected goods are transported at the individual’s own risk.
Questions and Answers: Give your home the finish it deserves
Mandarin Stone have been helping people to choose the right stone for their projects for more than seventeen years. We have a wealth of knowledge and experience to share with our customers – here are some of the questions we are often asked:
Where can I use stone tiles?
Stone tiles can be potentially used for any residential or commercial project, but do check your substrate prior to fixing to enable us to advise you on installation procedures. Taking the inside out, driveways, terraces and gardens can also be paved or cobbled.
Which tiles can be used on the floors and which on the walls?
Many of our stone tiles can be installed on both floors and walls. The underlying substrates should be checked prior to installation for their suitability. Bear in mind most of our stone becomes thicker and heavier when the tile sizes are larger.
Which size tile should I choose?
The choice is yours! Mandarin Stone offer stone from the smallest mosaics to very large slabs, so there are no limits to your choice. Please note that large tiles often make an area look bigger and rectangular format tiles tend to give a room a direction whereas a square format tiles will not. Also consider laying square tiles ‘on the diagonal’ to make a room space look larger.
Is a certain type of stone better for an intended area than others?
There are often misconceptions that certain types of stone are ‘better’ or ‘more hardwearing’ than others. This is generally not the case. The look of the stone you want is essentially more important than the type.
What type of finish should I choose?
The style of the property or the 'look' you are trying to create should reflect your decision here. A smooth ‘honed’ stone or a ‘polished’ stone can create a modern or classic feel. Whereas a ‘riven’ slate or an ‘antique’ stone will give a more traditional or rustic look.
What colour should I choose?
Natural stone offers a wide spectrum of colour shades so the choice is endless! From stones that are reasonably plain and uniform to others that offer extensive tonal variation. Like any other material the lighter, plainer stones tend to be less forgiving for cleaning purposes than those that are a slightly darker and more mottled in shade.
Will my tiles need sealing?
Yes, all natural stones are porous to varying degrees and therefore need to be thoroughly sealed during the fixing process to prevent staining etc. Please go to the Installation & Sealing information for more details.