🚚 Delivery Information

We work hard to get your stone to you quickly and safely using our trusted transport partners.

• Delivery Times: 2–3 working days for the UK and Ireland. 5–7 working days for Europe.
• Delivery Window: Monday to Friday, 8:00 am to 5:30 pm.
• Crate Delivery Fees: From £99.00 per crate (up to 1,000kg).
• Sample Delivery Fees: £9.90 per parcel (up to 5kg).
• Important Note: Someone must be there to sign for the delivery. The driver will drop the crates at the nearest safe, flat area outside your property (like the kerbside or driveway).

🔄 Returns & Refunds Policy

Because marble is heavy and fragile, we have clear rules for cancellations and returns.

1. The Natural Stone Rule (Please Read)

Marble is a 100% natural product. Every single tile has unique colors, shades, and veining. These variations are not defects—they are the natural beauty of the stone. If you decide to return your tiles because you do not like the natural veining, it counts as a standard return, and you must pay for the return shipping.

2. How Long You Have to Decide

• Everyday Shoppers (B2C): You have a legal right to change your mind within 14 days of delivery. If you live in the EU, you can do this instantly by clicking the "Withdrawal / Cancel Order" button in your customer account.
• Days 15 to 30: Returns are only accepted if we officially approve it first, and the tiles must be in perfect, unopened pallets.
• Trade Customers (B2B): Trade and business accounts do not have an automatic right to return items for a change of mind.

3. Return Conditions

• Tiles must be completely unused, clean, and packed securely in their original crates or pallets.
• If you install the tiles or stick them down with adhesive, you have accepted them. We cannot accept returns or give refunds after installation.
• We cannot accept returns for custom-cut stone, clearance items, or opened boxes.

4. Return Shipping & Fees

• You pay for return shipping: You must arrange and pay for the heavy freight shipping back to our depot in Kilkeel. Shipping heavy stone pallets can be very expensive.
• Restocking Fees:Everyday Shoppers (Within 14 days): 0% fee.Everyday Shoppers (Days 15–30): 20% restocking fee.Trade Customers: 30% restocking fee.

📦 Need to start a return?

If you are an EU customer, click the Withdrawal Button in your account. Otherwise, get in touch with our team:

• Email: cs@intmarble.com
• Phone: 028 417 62221
• Address: International Marble Ltd, 67 Newcastle Street, Kilkeel, Co. Down, BT34 4AQ, United Kingdom

🏛️ IntMarble’s Ultimate UK Guide to Installing Natural Stone & Marble Tiles

Achieve a prestigious and long-lasting finish with our expert technical framework.

Installing premium natural stone requires adherence to British Standards (BS 5385). This guide provides UK homeowners, architects, and professional installers with the essential steps to ensure a flawless mineral application.

✅ Pre-Installation Technical Checklist

• Substrate Compatibility: Confirm that your substrate (concrete, screed, or backer board) and your adhesive/grout are engineered for natural stone.
• The "Mineral Signature" Inspection: Always inspect tiles for natural variations or defects before fixing. Installation confirms acceptance; claims cannot be processed after the stone is set.
• The Dry Run: Lay out tiles from multiple crates in a "mock-up" to balance colour shading and veining before applying adhesive.

🔧 Essential Professional Accessories

For an architectural-grade finish, we recommend the following professional-grade materials:

• Adhesive: High-performance, white thin-set (S1 or S2 class for flexible substrates).
• Grout: High-flexibility stone grout with a recommended 2–3mm joint.
• Protection: High-performance impregnating sealers and pH-neutral cleaning agents.
• Tools: Notched trowels, tile spacers, and wet-diamond bridge saws.

📋 General UK Installation Guidelines

1. Follow Industry Standards: Adhere strictly to The Tile Association (TTA) UK guidelines.
2. Mixing Strategy: Always mix tiles from at least 3–4 different boxes to ensure a natural, balanced distribution of veining.
3. Safety First: Wear appropriate PPE (gloves, eyewear, and protective clothing) when cutting or handling stone.
4. Adhesive Choice: Use white adhesives for light marbles (like Carrara) to prevent "shading" or staining of the stone from behind.

🏠 Product Suitability & Application Matrix

• Bathroom Walls & Floors: ✔ Optimized (Satin or Polished)
• Kitchen Splashbacks & Floors: ✔ Optimized (Sealing Mandatory)
• Shower Walls & Wet Rooms: ✔ Optimized (Verify Slip Ratings)
• Underfloor Heating: ✔ Optimized (Excellent Thermal Mass)
• External Patios & Gardens: ✘ Not Advised (Prone to frost damage)

📄 Downloadable UK Resources

• [Download: IntMarble Professional Installation Guide PDF]
• [Download: Stone Care & Long-Term Maintenance Manual]

🚨 Important Disclaimer & Variation Note

Natural stone is a geological masterpiece; every tile is unique. Expect variations in veining, crystallization, and shading. This guide serves as a helpful resource for the UK market. IntMarble accepts no liability for installation issues. For project-specific requirements, always consult a qualified UK Tile Professional.

📞 Need Expert Architectural Advice?

Contact our technical team for tailored recommendations on slip ratings and substrate preparation:

• Phone: 028 4176 2221
• Email: cs@intmarble.com
• Address: International Marble Ltd, 67 Newcastle Street, Kilkeel, Newry, BT34 4AQ

🏛️ The Geological Fingerprint: Understanding Natural Stone Variations at IntMarble

Every Slab is a Masterpiece of Earth’s History

At IntMarble, we specialize in the distribution of premium natural stones—metamorphic works of art that have taken millions of years to form. Because our stone is quarried from the earth rather than manufactured in a factory, no two pieces are ever identical. This natural mineralogical diversity is what defines a luxury interior.

🎨 Why Does Natural Variation Occur?

Natural stone is a product of intense heat, pressure, and mineral shifts within the Earth’s crust. These geological processes create the distinct characteristics you see in our collection:

• Chromatic Shifts: Variations in background color tone from white to soft grey or cream.
• Veining Dynamics: Unique patterns ranging from bold, dramatic "brecciated" veins to subtle, linear movements.
• Mineral Crystallization: Natural "fossils" or crystal clusters that reflect light differently across the surface.
• Tactile Texture: Slight variations in how the stone accepts a Honed or Polished finish.

While our high-resolution imagery and physical samples provide a professional benchmark, they represent only a snapshot of a stone's infinite character.

📋 The IntMarble "Dry-Run" Protocol

To achieve the most balanced and aesthetic result in your project, we advocate for the Batch Calibration process. Before any adhesive is applied, we highly advise all clients and installers to:

1. Unpack the Entire Order: Remove tiles or slabs from all crates simultaneously.
2. Dry-Lay the Layout: Arrange the pieces on a clean floor to "mix" the veining and shading.
3. Approve the Flow: Ensure the transition between tiles creates a cohesive, natural rhythm across the room.

🚨 Professional Disclaimer & Quality Standards

It is essential to recognize that natural variations, mineral pits, or veining shifts are not flaws—they are the authentic signature of genuine Italian and international marble.

• Acceptance of Goods: In line with UK stone industry standards, installation constitutes acceptance of the material. * Claims Policy: Once the stone is fixed with adhesive, claims regarding color, shading, or veining cannot be processed. Please review our [Returns & Exchange Policy] prior to finalizing your purchase.

🤝 Your Satisfaction is Our Architectural Mission

At IntMarble, we are committed to helping you select the perfect stone for your legacy project. Our expert team is available to discuss slip ratings, variation levels, and installation best practices.

Connect with our stone specialists today:

• UK Technical Line: 028 4176 2221
• Expert Email: cs@intmarble.com
• Boutique Showroom: 67 Newcastle Street, Kilkeel, Newry, BT34 4AQ