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The stone industry is undergoing significant changes in 2025, driven by technological advancements, shifting market demands, and global economic trends.

Here are some key developments shaping the industry this year:

 

1. Technological Innovations

The adoption of cutting-edge technologies are revolutionizing the stone industry. Automation and robots are increasingly being used in quarrying and processing, improving efficiency and reducing labour costs for raw extraction. Advanced software for design and simulation is enabling more precise and creative stone applications in architecture and interior design, such as marble table tennis tables and beds!

 

2. Sustainability and Eco-Friendly Practices 

With growing environmental awareness, the stone industry is focusing more on sustainable practices and re-use of materials. Companies are investing in eco-friendly quarrying methods, recycling waste materials, and using renewable energy sources. There is a growing trend for previously installed stone to be removed and re-calibrated and re-installed, or crushed and mixed into Terrazzo.

 

 

3. Innovative Stone Finishes

Design trends in 2025 are pushing the boundaries of stone finishes. New techniques for texturing and treating stone surfaces are creating unique and visually appealing products. From matte to glossy finishes and everything in between, the variety of stone treatments available is expanding, offering more options for architects and designers. This trend is driven by the demand for personalized and distinctive designs in both residential and commercial spaces.

 

4. Global Market Trends

Shipping challenges and inflation are still having a negative impact when compared to 2-3 years ago. The length of time to get goods to site has generally increased, along with the cost. Further global economic aspects such as trade policies, tariffs and geopolitical have a limited impact on supply chain prices.

 

5. Design Trends

As 2025 approaches, there’s a noticeable shift happening in interior design, one that blends sustainability with luxury. Stone is becoming more specified than in previous years for residential, commercial and hospitality schemes. The rise of dark and moody stones are going to take centre stage. You will see more deep blacks, charcoal greys, and rich browns dominating the stone world, paired with metallic accents and luxurious fittings to create stunning spaces. More effort is being focused on wow features and incorporating book-matched elevations in bathrooms for instance.

 

6. Product Innovations

As competition grows and more companies come into the stone world, there are more product innovations than ever before to drive efficiency whilst also bringing the ‘wow’ factors that interior designers are looking for. Stone factories are pre-bonding mosaics to large panels to reduce time on site, looking at ways to make cladding thinner so that higher yields can be obtained from raw material, and many more innovative solutions.

 

Conclusion

The stone industry in 2025 is undergoing a dynamic transformation, influenced by technological innovations, sustainability efforts, and evolving market trends. As companies continue to adapt to these changes, the industry is poised for growth and innovation. Here at Ashfield, we are looking forward to a year of growth and exciting new product developments.

I think we would all agree that the effects of the Coronavirus pandemic turned 2020 into an unforgettable year for all Sectors of Society, and unquestionably those in the Construction industry.

 

With monthly construction output dropping by a record 40.7% in April last year, as construction sites across the country were shut down, it was certainly not how we had envisaged the year proceeding.  However, thanks to the support from our Client teams – who followed Government guidance in introducing strict onsite social distancing, staggered start times, and regular Covid tests for all workers – it was with relief, and renewed energy from our team, that we saw Project Sites start to reopen in April/May.

 

As confirmed by the ONS (Office for National Statistics), the phenomenal decline in April was followed by monthly growth of 8.2% in May, with further growth in June (21.8%) and July (17.2%). However, the unprecedented impacts of the pandemic to the Construction sector can be clearly recognised when this level of monthly growth is compared to February 2020 – only 3 months earlier, before the industry was hit in full force, the level of output was up by almost 40%. Whilst this trend of monthly growth continued through the Autumn of 2020, it was at a remarkably slower rate, falling once again in December by 2.9%, largely due to a lack of new construction work opening up and the imposition of new lockdowns.

 

So how does it look for the Construction industry going forwards? Whilst growth of 0.9% was recorded in January, at Ashfield we anticipate a slow but sustained level of growth to be maintained in 2021, taking us into 2022 before we start to see pre-Covid levels of growth across the industry.

 

Reflecting on 2020, it’s fair to say that many lessons were learnt, and despite the challenges Covid brought to everyone, everywhere – both in business and our personal lives – we are pleased to report that Ashfield Stone has emerged a stronger team, with a firm order book for this year and going into 2022.

Delivering a stunning result

Ashfield Stone is pleased to have been appointed by Berkeley Homes to deliver the stone and tiling package at 9 Millbank in Westminster. Works commence in late summer and continue for 1 year on-site. Our installation teams are looking forward to delivering a stunning result on this flagship residence, steeped in history.

Congratulations to our hard-working team at Wood Wharf E1 and E2 for hitting practical completion prior to Christmas!

The installation of the granite and marble to the residential E1 and E2 towers at Wood Wharf, Canary Wharf has been steadily progressing over the last 4 months, and the finished result is fantastic.