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For all those who’ve never been, our London team is based in the heart of the City at 141 Moorgate which serves as a central hub from where we serve our clients.

Check out this rapid fly through to see what goes on behind closed doors!

Natural stone surfaces of all types, whether it be granite countertops, marble floors, or limestone landscape stone all bring elegance and durability to both residential and commercial spaces. But without proper care their natural beauty can quickly be compromised.
One often overlooked but critical step in stone installation and maintenance is the application of a sealer.
Here’s why sealing natural stone is more than just a finishing touch – it’s a smart investment:

 

 

Stain Resistance
Natural stone is porous to varying degrees and the more porous it is, the more susceptible it will be to staining. Without the application of a sealer, it can absorb spills like wine, oil, or coffee, leading to permanent staining of the stone

Moisture Protection
This is especially important in locations such as bathrooms, outdoor areas, swimming pools and spas. Water ingress can cause damage to the stone by causing the leaching of minerals that are present in both the stone and water. It will also help protect your stone against mold and algae build up.

Extended Lifespan
A high quality impregnating sealer reduces wear and tear as it will help preserve the stone’s structural integrity and appearance over time.

Lower Maintenance
Sealed surfaces are much easier to clean as the porosity of the stone (it’s ability to absorb dirt and other materials) will be significantly reduced. Always be sure to remove any spills ASAP though!

Preserved Aesthetics
A good quality sealer will not only keep your stone looking fresh, some types of sealer will enhance the colour of your stone and you can choose between gloss or matt finish types to suit own preferences.

Top Tips
• We recommend you deep clean and reapply sealer on your natural stone finish every 1 or 2 years depending on how much use the area has had. You can find useful links below for some of our preferred products.
• Always carry out a small test area in an inconspicuous location before applying the sealer to an entire area just in case your stone reacts adversely to the chosen sealer.

Our Favourites
• Eco Friendly Sealer – https://www.lithofin.com/en-gb/products/ceramics-and-natural-stone/lithofin-stainstop-w
• Specialised Outdoor Cleaner – https://www.lithofin.com/en-gb/products/natural-and-artificial-stone/lithofin-mn-outdoor-cleaner
• General Stone Cleaning and Maintenance – https://www.lithofin.com/en-gb/products/ceramics-and-natural-stone/lithofin-easy-care

 

New Contract Win! The Westbury Hotel, St Regis, Mayfair.

 

Ashfield Stone have secured the bathroom stone, mosaics and waterproofing package at the iconic, grand 5* Westbury Hotel .Situated in affluent Mayfair, once completed it will become the first UK hotel for St Regis Hotels & Resorts.

 

We have been working extensively with the client team (Cola Holdings), designers (Richmond international) and Blue Sky Building over the past 3 years, including completion of mock up rooms and extensive stone selection and design support. We’re excited as we now start the installation to 195 rooms.

 

The hotel was originally constructed as the first 5* American Hotel in London and opened in 1955. The building is undergoing an extensive redevelopment and enhancement to provide 195 hotel rooms and suites, a new front of house reception, signature restaurant, jazz bar and lounges, conference facilities and fitness centre.

 

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.