Cotswold self-binding limestone is a natural material quarried from selected limestone and graded to approximately 6mm to fines.The fines content is the naturally occurring marl which acts as the self-setting agent when the material is watered and rolled/ compacted.
The material should be typically laid to 40mm at the final compacted depth, and will cover 10m2 per tonne [ 8.5m2 per 850kg bag ]
Self-binding limestones are natural limestones which are processed and graded for use typically in pathways, cycle tracks, seating areas, and bridleways.Cotswold self-binding limestone should not be laid flat, as it is not a free-draining material and requires a fall or a camber.
Cotswold self-binding limestone should be laid onto a compacted quarried MOT Type 1 sub-base. The depth of MOT subbase should be of sufficient strength and stability to carry the proposed traffic but normally to a minimum 150mm. This must also be fully compacted and laid with the fall/ cross necessary for effective drainage. It is normal practise to spread the self-binding limestone onto the prepared foundation using a flat board or the back of a rake. The material should be spread out to a depth of approximately 60mm in order to achieve a finished compacted thickness of 40mm.
The surface must then be rolled using a roller of similar type to that used for compacting the foundation with the vibratory action of the roller switched on and the area should be continually rolled until fullest compaction is achieved, ensure that cambers and falls are maintained to enable water to be shed. An adequate fall would be 1 in 55 for a pathway and a minimum of 1 in 40 for much wider walkways and courtyards. The same gradient should apply when installing the Type 1 sub-base.
Once a uniform appearance has been achieved the second stage of installation can be undertaken using a water roller, where water is automatically sprayed onto the drum of the roller to ensure a film of water covers the roller. DO NOT direct a hose directly onto the self binding limestone as this will wash out the necessary fines which are required for the material to bind. The object of water rolling this material is to float sufficient fines to the top surface of the gravel to obtain a well-bonded finish.
CCSQ
Based in Caernarfon, North Wales. CCSQ extract and process plum coloured welsh slate for use in landscaping.
Alexandra and Moel Tryfan Quarries
Roofing was produced in 3 steam-powered mills and was connected to the port of Caernarfon by the North Wales Narrow Gauge Railway, which opened in 1877, where slate could be exported by boat or transferred onto the London and North Western Railway for transport to other UK destinations. Roofing slate production ceased into the 1960s. The slate is of the Cambrian geological era – dated at between 480 and 550 million years old. It is fine-grained in texture and is mainly plum coloured with occasional green inclusions. Today’s workings are on a much-reduced scale from the peak of activity in the 1880s but a range of aggregates, rockery stone, walling and features such as monoliths are produced from the slate tips remaining as the relics of the original roofing slate workings. These products find many uses in home and garden projects from paths and driveways to retaining walls, raised beds and individual standing stones; an enhancement to any garden or landscaped area.
Location
Located in Gwynedd, North West Wales the quarries are located some 5 miles to the south-east of Caernarfon and a similar distance to the west of the tourist destinations of Llanberis and Snowdonia National Park. These 2 quarries that became conjoined during the latter part of the 19th Century were established in the era of peak roofing slate production circa 1860 and at their peak in the 1880’s employed some 200 people.
Kerbside Delivery
All orders for tiles, aggregates and paving are packed onto a pallet, and or normally in a wooden crate, wire frame case, or bag. By placing the order and accepting our delivery conditions, you are confirming that the delivery information you provide meets our third-party haulier conditions.
For further details, please visit our delivery page. If you have any doubts, please contact us for further details.
Cancellations, Returns & Support:
At Stone & Surfaces Direct, we take pride in delivering high-quality products and a service you can trust. We understand that sometimes things don’t go as planned — whether it’s a change of mind, a delivery issue, or a product fault — and we’re here to help. Below you’ll find clear information about our policies on cancellations, returns, refunds, and how we handle damaged or faulty goods. We aim to make the process as straightforward as possible, while ensuring fairness and transparency for all our customers.
If you have any questions at any stage, please contact our customer support team.
Order Cancellation Policy:
You may cancel your order, but you must notify us within 12 hours of order placement via phone or email as orders are typically sent out next working day.
Once cancellation is confirmed, a full refund will be issued within 14 days. If your order has already been despatched or delivered, our standard returns policy will apply.
⚠️ Orders cannot be halted once despatched, as they travel through the courier’s network to a local depot closest to you days before your designated delivery date.
Please note:
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Bespoke or custom orders are non-refundable and cannot be cancelled once confirmed.
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We recommend retaining any surplus material, as natural stone and slate may vary in tone and texture, and exact matches are not guaranteed on reorders.
Returns & Refunds Policy:
You may return goods in their original, undamaged condition for a refund of the purchase price, minus return shipping and any applicable delivery surcharge based on your postcode.
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The standard return shipping fee is £60 per pallet, with additional charges possible for remote or high-cost areas.
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Returns must be requested within 7 days of receiving your order.
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Products must be securely repalletised and protected to prevent damage during transit.
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Goods must be in resaleable condition — unused, undamaged, and properly packaged.
Refunds will be processed within 14 days of us receiving and inspecting the returned items.
Important Notes:
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For non-aggregate orders (e.g. paving, tiles, bespoke stone), a restocking fee may apply. This covers the cost of handling, inspection, and reintegration into stock.
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Returns that do not meet our return conditions may be rejected or subject to deductions from the refund.
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We are under no obligation to accept returns submitted outside the 7-day return window.
Damaged/Faulty Goods:
If your goods arrive damaged or faulty, please contact us immediately, providing:
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A clear description of the issue
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Photographic evidence of the damage or defect
Once we’ve reviewed your claim, we will:
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Arrange collection if necessary.
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Investigate the issue promptly.
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Work with you to resolve the matter as efficiently as possible.
For approved returns:
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Goods must be repackaged in their original packaging, including any accessories.
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Items should be securely repalletised and made accessible at the original delivery point for our third-party haulier to collect.
📦 If original packaging is no longer available, ensure the goods are well protected to avoid further damage during transit.
✅ If there is a genuine quality issue, we will do everything we can to find a suitable solution, including offering a replacement where possible.
For non-aggregate orders (e.g. paving, tiles, bespoke stone), please note we do recommend that a minimum of 5% is allowed within your order for potential breakages that may occur within the delivery process. While in most circumstances these can be used for custom cuts and applications, we will, within this criteria, provide replacements free-of-charge where appropriate to enable customers to complete their projects.
Refunds or replacements will be processed within 14 days of receiving and inspecting the returned items. Please note that we may apply a deduction if goods have been handled in a way that would not be permitted in a retail setting.
For any queries or to initiate a cancellation, return, or claim for damaged goods, please contact our customer service team using the details provided in your order confirmation or visit our Contact Us page.