• Does black limestone fade over time? Yes. Natural limestone will lighten to a charcoal grey due to UV exposure and cleaning. To maintain the deep "Midnight" black, you must apply a colour-enhancing sealer during installation.

• Is it heat-resistant for wood burners and open fires? Yes, as long as it is installed correctly. It is a dense, natural stone that handles heat well, but it should be "slumped" or bedded on a full lime-based mortar bed to allow for natural expansion and contraction without cracking.

• Will it scratch easily? Limestone is softer than granite. Dragging heavy stove parts or metal tools across the surface can leave white scratch marks. We recommend a "honed" or "riven" finish rather than a polished one to help hide minor wear and tear.

• Does it need to be sealed before installation? We recommend sealing the top and edges before the stove is fitted. This protects the stone from "fat spots" (oil/grease) and soot staining, which can be nearly impossible to remove from unsealed limestone.

• How do I clean it without stripping the color? Avoid acidic cleaners or harsh chemicals (like brick acid or bleach). Use only pH-neutral stone cleaners or warm soapy water to ensure the sealer and the black pigment remain intact.

• Can it be used as a single-piece hearth? For solid fuel fires (wood burners), building regulations often require the hearth to be "T-cut" or split into sections to allow for thermal expansion. Always check local building codes before installing as a single slab.

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