Frequently asked questions

De Lank granite is a silver-grey Cornish granite quarried at De Lank Quarry near St Breward on Bodmin Moor, north Cornwall. It is an igneous rock formed around 290 million years ago as molten rock cooled slowly underground, creating a hard, dense and durable natural stone with a medium to coarse crystalline texture. The granite contains minerals including quartz, feldspar and mica, giving it its distinctive silver-grey appearance and long-lasting performance. De Lank granite has been used for historic and contemporary building, paving, masonry and architectural projects, and the quarry has supplied Cornish granite for generations.

See also: The Stone/Heritage

Yes. De Lank granite can be used for house building, walling, extensions, garden walls, retaining walls and architectural masonry where a strong, durable Cornish granite is required. De Lank building stone is available in different walling styles, including rustic, random and semi-coursed stone. The most suitable option will depend on the appearance required, the wall type, the method of construction, the joint style and whether the project is traditional, contemporary or conservation-led. Granite is a dense and durable building stone, so correct design and construction are important. The wall build-up, foundations, ties, backing structure, drainage, pointing and structural requirements should be confirmed by the builder, architect or engineer for the specific project. De Lank Quarry can discuss suitable building stone options, approximate sizing, finish, availability and sample pieces before an order is placed.

See also: Walling Stone/Stone Calculators/The Stone

De Lank granite is quarried at De Lank Quarry near St Breward, on the western edge of Bodmin Moor in north Cornwall. The stone comes from the Bodmin Moor Granite, part of the wider Cornubian Batholith, and is a genuine Cornish granite with a clear single-quarry provenance. The De Lank quarry site is recognised for its important granite exposures and is associated with a geological Site of Special Scientific Interest. Because De Lank granite is extracted from one named quarry rather than blended from multiple sources, its origin is clear and consistent for building, paving, masonry and architectural projects.

See also: The Stone/Heritage

De Lank granite has a compressive strength of 219 MPa, a density of 2,644 kg/m³, and a water absorption rate of 0.20%. These figures place it well within the performance requirements for external paving (BS EN 1341), setts (BS EN 1342), and kerbs (BS EN 1340). Full test data and CE documentation are available on request.

British granite can offer advantages where provenance, transport distance, consistency and technical assurance are important. De Lank granite is quarried in Cornwall from a known single source, giving it clear quarry provenance and consistent supply from one named location. Imported granite may pass through several stages of quarrying, processing, shipping and trading before it reaches the UK, which can make origin, production route and technical consistency harder to verify. Carbon is another important consideration. Research into UK dimension stone found that UK-produced granite can have a much lower cradle-to-site carbon footprint than many long-distance imported stones, largely because transport makes a major contribution to the final footprint. De Lank granite is also a strong and durable natural stone, with technical performance data available for specification. It has been used in paving, masonry, building and architectural applications where long-term durability and performance are important. The most suitable granite will depend on the project specification, including appearance, finish, budget, performance data and availability. De Lank granite provides a British-sourced option with clear quarry provenance and technical information available for specification.

See also: Projects

Examples include the current Eddystone Lighthouse, Thames Embankment, Blackfriars Bridge, Putney Bridge, London Bridge, Tower Bridge, the New US Embassy in London, Chelsea Barracks, the Dorchester Hotel, New Scotland Yard, the Tate Gallery, the Royal Opera House, the Royal Academy of Arts, Portcullis House / New Parliamentary Building, Trafalgar Square, the Ministry of Defence Building in Whitehall, the Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Fountain, St Paul’s, the National Gallery, the Palace of Westminster, Westminster Cathedral, the London School of Economics, the Queen Mother Memorial, the Ronald Reagan Memorial, Buckingham Palace, St Ives Lifeboat Station, Broadmead Shopping Centre in Bristol, the Eden Project, Nansledan for the Duchy of Cornwall, Waitrose Truro and the Dyson Institute. De Lank granite has also been used in demanding tidal, urban and high-footfall settings, including bridges, embankments, paving, memorials and architectural masonry. This long record of use is one reason it continues to be specified for projects where durability, provenance and appearance are important.

See also: Projects/Stone Range

Granite is one of the most durable materials known to construction. Stone used in the original Thames Embankment and the Eddystone Lighthouse has been in continuous service for over 140 years in some of the harshest conditions in Britain. Properly laid and maintained, De Lank granite paving, walling, and kerbs should outlast the structure they are part of.

Yes. De Lank granite is highly frost-resistant and is well suited to exposed external use in the UK and for export to other countries with harsh weather conditions. In technical terms, De Lank granite has a very low water absorption rate of 0.20%. This is important because frost damage happens when water enters a stone, freezes, expands and gradually weakens the material. The less water a stone absorbs, the less opportunity there is for freeze-thaw damage to occur. In simple terms, De Lank granite does not readily soak up water. That makes it extremely resistant to frost, ice and repeated winter weather. This is one of the reasons granite is so widely used for paving, kerbs, steps, walling and masonry in exposed locations. De Lank granite has a long record of use in demanding British conditions, including coastal, tidal, upland, urban and high-footfall environments. It has been used for lighthouses, bridges, embankments, public paving and major architectural projects where long-term durability is essential. Correct specification and installation still matter, especially for paving, steps and walling, but the stone itself is an extremely durable, low-absorption granite with excellent resistance to frost and freeze-thaw weathering.

See also: The Stone

We offer six standard finishes: dolly pointed (also known as brush hammered), flame textured, sawn, honed, polished, and hand punched. Each produces a different texture and visual character. The right finish depends on the application, the required slip resistance, and the aesthetic of the project.

See also: Stone Range/The Stone

Flame textured granite is produced by applying a high temperature torch to the sawn surface, which causes the crystals to burst and creates a rough, open texture. It is the standard specification for external paving where slip resistance is the priority and typically achieves a wet pendulum test value above 36. Sawn granite has a smooth, flat face with fine tool marks. It is appropriate for cladding, cills, lintels, and kerbs where a cleaner profile is needed, but is not recommended as a walking surface without an additional anti-slip treatment.

Flame textured is the standard for external horizontal paving. It provides an R11 anti-slip rating and maintains pendulum test values well above 36 in wet conditions. Our standard 400x400x40mm paving slab is supplied flame textured as default. Honed finishes are acceptable for sheltered or low footfall private settings. Polished granite should not be used for external walking surfaces.

Dolly pointing — also known as brush hammered — is a traditional hand-worked finish created with a pointed chisel, leaving a finely textured, slightly irregular surface with a natural appearance. Brush hammered is the more widely used term outside Cornwall; both describe the same process. It is commonly specified on heritage, conservation, and rural projects where a machine-finished look would be out of place, and is also well suited to matching existing granite structures.

Hand punched granite is worked with a heavy punch tool, creating a bold, irregular and tactile surface. It is more robust and coarser than dolly pointed, with greater shadow and movement across the face. It is used for walling, feature masonry, and boundary structures where a rugged, characterful finish is required. Widely seen in traditional Cornish farmsteads, harbour walls, and moorland field boundaries.

Yes. We can supply sample pieces in your chosen finish and product type. Contact us with your specification and we will advise on the most relevant samples to send. For larger or complex projects, a visit to the quarry can be arranged so you can see the stone in full production scale.

We supply granite paving slabs (standard 400x400x40mm, flame textured), walling stone (rubble, random, and coursed), setts and cobbles, window cills and lintels, kerbs and edging, and quoins. We also produce bespoke masonry to order. If a product is not listed on the site, contact us to discuss your requirement.

Granite paving starts from £95/m². Walling stone starts from £205 per bulk bag. Kerbs are priced per linear metre. Exact pricing depends on finish, product type, and quantity. See the Stone Range pages on this site for current prices, or contact us for a quote on volume orders.

We do not impose a rigid minimum for most product lines, though some bespoke items benefit from a reasonable production run. Walling stone is supplied in bulk bags. Paving and setts are priced and palletised per square metre. Contact us with your quantities and we will confirm what is feasible and most cost effective for your project.

Lead times depend on the product, finish, and volume. Standard paving and walling from current production stock is generally available within a few weeks. Bespoke items such as shaped cills, lintels, quoins, or non-standard dimensions are produced to order and typically require four to eight weeks from confirmation. Contact us early in the design stage to reserve production slots for larger projects.

Yes. De Lank supplies direct to architects, developers, self builders, landscapers, and main contractors. There is no merchant or distributor layer. You deal with the quarry directly, which means accurate lead time information, direct access to technical data, and the ability to specify exactly what you need.

Yes. We produce bespoke architectural masonry including shaped cills, lintels, quoins, steps, and coping stones to drawing. Provide your dimensions, section profiles, and finish requirements and we will quote accordingly. Early involvement in the design process is recommended to align stone sizes with quarry production.

Yes. Granite setts and cobbles are well suited to driveways and courtyard surfaces. They handle regular vehicle use without issue. For driveway use, a 100mm sett on a minimum 150mm compacted Type 1 sub-base is typically specified. Contact us to discuss quantities and layout options.

All our pricing is ex works from Cornwall. This means the stone is priced at the quarry gate and you or your haulier arrange collection and transport. We do not operate our own delivery fleet. For buyers without existing haulage arrangements, we can advise on suitable carriers familiar with the route from Bodmin Moor to your site.

Granite paving and setts are supplied on wooden pallets, strapped and wrapped. Walling stone is supplied in bulk bags of approximately one tonne. Kerbs and architectural masonry are banded and palleted. You will need a telehandler, forklift, or hiab crane to offload pallets on site. Level, firm ground near the delivery point is recommended.

A standard pallet of 400x400x40mm granite paving covers approximately 18 to 20m², depending on packing. We confirm exact coverage per pallet when you order so you can plan your site logistics accordingly.

Yes, we have supplied De Lank granite to international projects. Granite is dense and heavy, so sea freight is normally the most practical route for large volumes. Contact us with your destination and quantities and we will advise on logistics and pricing.

Yes. De Lank granite external paving products are supplied with the appropriate conformity marking and Declaration of Performance where required. The relevant product standards include BS EN 1341 for natural stone paving slabs, BS EN 1342 for natural stone setts, and BS EN 1343 for natural stone kerbs. These standards set out the performance requirements, test methods, evaluation of conformity and marking requirements for natural stone products used in external paving and road finishes. A Declaration of Performance is available for the relevant De Lank granite product type, giving specifiers, contractors and clients the technical information needed for compliant specification. For projects in Great Britain, CE marking continues to be recognised for construction products, and UKCA marking may also be used where applicable. For projects in the EU, CE marking remains the recognised conformity marking route for products covered by the relevant harmonised standards.

See also: The Stone

De Lank Quarry supplies a range of Cornish granite building stone for traditional and contemporary walling projects. Available building stone styles include rustic rubble stone, random facing stone and semi-coursed facing stone. Rustic stone gives a more irregular, traditional rubble appearance, while random facing stone provides a more buildable mix of shapes and sizes. Semi-coursed facing stone has a more regular square-to-rectangular shape and creates a cleaner, more contemporary walling style. De Lank building stone can be used for house building, garden walls, retaining walls, boundary walls, feature walls and internal or external cladding, depending on the project design and method of construction. As with all natural granite, colour, shape and texture will vary from piece to piece. This variation is part of the character of genuine Cornish granite and should be considered when selecting the most suitable walling style.

See also: Walling Stone/The Stone

Technical test data is available for De Lank granite to support specification, design and compliance requirements. Available information includes compressive strength, density, water absorption, flexural strength, freeze-thaw resistance, abrasion resistance, slip/skid resistance, breaking load, dimensional tolerances and petrographic description, depending on the product type and intended use. Published De Lank granite data includes a compressive strength of 219 MPa, density of 2,644 kg/m³ and water absorption of 0.20%. These figures demonstrate the stone’s high strength, low absorption and suitability for demanding external applications. For external paving products, the relevant product standards include BS EN 1341 for natural stone paving slabs, BS EN 1342 for natural stone setts and BS EN 1343 for natural stone kerbs. Supporting test methods may include compressive strength, flexural strength, water absorption, density and porosity, freeze-thaw resistance, abrasion resistance and slip/skid resistance. Declarations of Performance and relevant test certificates can be supplied for the appropriate De Lank granite product type. These documents can be provided to architects, structural engineers, contractors and specifiers for NBS specification, tender documentation, structural calculations, project approval and compliance records. Please contact De Lank Quarry if you require test data for a specific product, finish, thickness, loading condition or application.

See also: The Stone

The correct sub-base and bedding specification for De Lank granite paving depends on the project, ground conditions, slab size and thickness, expected loading, drainage requirements and whether the area is pedestrian, domestic vehicle or commercial vehicle use. As a dense, low-absorption granite, De Lank paving should be installed on a properly designed and prepared construction build-up. This will normally include a suitable compacted sub-base or engineered base, appropriate falls for drainage, full and even bedding support, correct jointing, edge restraint and, where required, a suitable bonding slurry or primer system compatible with dense natural stone. We do not recommend relying on a single generic build-up for all projects. A garden path, private terrace, driveway, public square and vehicle crossover may all require different specifications. The design should follow the relevant parts of BS 7533 and should be confirmed by the project architect, engineer, landscape contractor or paving specialist. For project-specific advice, please contact De Lank Quarry with details of the paving size, thickness, finish, intended use, loading, ground conditions and proposed installation method.

See also: Paving/Kerbs and Edging

The required thickness of De Lank granite paving depends on the size of the paving units, the intended use, the laying method, the bedding and base construction, and the level of loading the surface will receive. As a general guide, thinner paving may be suitable for pedestrian terraces, paths and lightly used external areas, while thicker paving is normally required where vehicles, delivery traffic, commercial use or public-realm loading is expected. Large-format slabs, steps, ramps and areas subject to point loading may also require additional design consideration. De Lank Quarry can supply granite paving in standard and non-standard thicknesses to suit different project requirements. The correct thickness should be confirmed as part of the overall paving design, taking account of the proposed build-up, support, jointing, edge restraint, loading and relevant standards, including BS 7533 and BS EN 1341 where applicable. For project-specific advice, please contact De Lank Quarry with the paving size, finish, thickness being considered, intended use, expected loading and proposed installation method.

See also: Paving/Kerbs and Edging/Setts and Cobbles

Yes. De Lank granite is well suited to public realm, streetscape, conservation and highway schemes where durability, appearance and long service life are important. Cornish granite has been used in British public realm and infrastructure projects for hundreds of years, and De Lank granite has a long record of use in demanding urban, coastal, tidal and high-footfall environments. Examples include Thames Embankment, Blackfriars Bridge, Putney Bridge, London Bridge, Tower Bridge, Trafalgar Square, Thames Pathway, Padstow Harbour Steps and many other public projects. De Lank granite can be supplied as paving, setts, kerbs, steps, channels, copings and bespoke masonry for external works. Relevant product standards include BS EN 1341 for natural stone paving slabs, BS EN 1342 for natural stone setts and BS EN 1343 for natural stone kerbs. Technical information, Declarations of Performance and relevant test data can be supplied for specification, procurement and project approval. The final paving or highway design should be confirmed by the project architect, engineer, local authority, landscape architect or highways consultant.

See also: Paving/Setts and Cobbles/Kerbs and Edging

De Lank granite paving does not normally need sealing for durability, frost resistance or structural protection. The stone is extremely dense and has a very low water absorption rate of 0.20%, meaning it does not readily take in water. This is one of the reasons De Lank granite performs so well in exposed external paving, steps, kerbs and public-realm applications. Sealing should be understood mainly as a stain-management option, not as something required to make the granite suitable for outside use. A breathable penetrating sealer may help reduce the risk of surface staining from oils, food spillages, leaves, organic matter, tannins or other contaminants, particularly in domestic patios, outdoor dining areas, commercial seating areas or lighter honed finishes. For most external flame-textured De Lank granite paving, sealing is generally unnecessary. The stone is already highly durable, frost-resistant and suitable for long-term external use without a sealer. Regular sweeping, sensible cleaning and correct installation are usually more important than sealing. If a sealer is being considered, it should be a suitable breathable penetrating sealer designed for dense natural stone. Surface coatings or glossy sealers should be avoided unless specifically designed for the application, as they can alter the appearance, affect slip resistance, require ongoing maintenance or wear unevenly over time. Any sealer should always be tested on a spare piece or discreet area first, as it may slightly change the colour, tone or surface appearance of the granite. The need for sealing will depend on the finish, location, expected staining risk, maintenance regime and client preference.

See also: Paving/Kerbs and Edging/Setts and Cobbles

Yes. De Lank granite can be an excellent choice for the repair, restoration or extension of listed buildings and historic structures, particularly where the existing stone is De Lank granite, Cornish granite or a similar silver-grey granite. De Lank should not be seen only as a local Cornish or South West building stone. It has been supplied for important buildings, bridges, monuments, paving schemes and public works across London, the wider UK and overseas for more than 200 years. Historic and modern examples include Thames Embankment, Tower Bridge, Trafalgar Square, Buckingham Palace, the Palace of Westminster, the National Gallery, Westminster Cathedral, the Diana Memorial Fountain and the Eddystone Lighthouse. For conservation work, the aim is normally to use a replacement stone that is compatible with the original fabric in appearance, mineralogy, strength, porosity, weathering behaviour and long-term durability. Historic England guidance explains that successful stone replacement depends on selecting compatible materials that closely replicate the original stone’s chemical, physical and mineralogical properties. Where De Lank granite was used originally, new stone from the same quarry is often the most appropriate way to achieve a sympathetic match. Where the original source is uncertain, De Lank may still be suitable, but the match should be assessed against the existing stone, the required finish and the conservation requirements of the project. De Lank Quarry can supply sample pieces, discuss suitable finishes and provide technical information to support architects, conservation officers, stonemasons, structural engineers and specifiers. For listed buildings, scheduled monuments and formal heritage work, early discussion with the architect, conservation officer or heritage consultant is recommended before any repair or replacement stone is ordered.

See also: Paving/Stone Range/Walling Stone

De Lank granite is a silver-grey Cornish granite with a long history of use in historic buildings, bridges, monuments, paving schemes and public-realm projects across the UK and overseas. Where the original stonework was built using De Lank granite, new material from the same quarry is often one of the best options for sympathetic repair, replacement or extension work. Granite is an extremely durable natural stone, and De Lank granite weathers very slowly compared with many softer building stones. This means historic De Lank stonework often retains much of its original character, strength and silver-grey appearance, even after many decades of exposure. The closeness of the match will depend on the age and condition of the existing stone, its exposure, the original finish, the jointing, the cleaning history and whether the structure was originally built with De Lank granite or another similar granite. A freshly cut, sawn or dressed piece will usually appear cleaner and brighter at first, before naturally weathering in over time. For conservation, restoration and extension work, De Lank Quarry can supply sample pieces and discuss suitable finish options to help achieve the closest practical match. For listed buildings, scheduled monuments and formal heritage projects, early discussion with the architect, conservation officer or heritage consultant is recommended before replacement stone is ordered.

See also: The Stone/Projects/Heritage

The stone itself does not require special permission, but works to a listed building, scheduled monument or property in a conservation area may require consent before any work is carried out. For listed buildings, Listed Building Consent is normally required for demolition, alteration or extension where the work could affect the building’s character as a building of special architectural or historic interest. This can include repairs, replacement stone, extensions, changes to openings, cleaning, repointing or alterations to external and internal fabric, depending on the nature of the building and the proposed work. Planning permission may also be required separately, particularly for extensions, changes of use, new structures or works affecting the wider site. If the property is in a conservation area, additional planning controls may apply, especially for demolition, external alterations, boundaries, trees or works covered by an Article 4 Direction. De Lank Quarry can supply material information, sample pieces, technical data and stone specifications to support architects, conservation officers, heritage consultants, planning applications and listed building consent applications. The need for consent should always be confirmed with the relevant local planning authority, conservation officer or professional adviser before stone is ordered or work begins.

See also: Walling Stone/Paving/The Stone

Yes, De Lank stone can be used for dry stone walling, but the most suitable product will depend on the type of wall, the required appearance and the method of construction. De Lank granite rubble and random walling stone are more commonly used for traditional mortared and pointed walling. However, a locally recognised product known as hedging stone may be available on request and is better suited to dry stone walling, Cornish hedging and similar traditional wall-building applications. Because dry stone walls rely on the shape, size mix and interlock of the stone rather than mortar, it is important to choose material that suits the build method. De Lank Quarry can discuss the intended wall type, face style, size requirements and availability before recommending the most appropriate stone.

See also: Walling Stone/Stone Calculators/Quoins

British stone is among the most sustainable building materials available. De Lank granite has a significantly lower embodied carbon than imported equivalents. Research comparing UK dimension stone with stone processed in China shows reductions of up to 75% in carbon terms when using local stone. Granite is also permanent. It does not require replacement, will not degrade under UV exposure, does not need painting or chemical treatment, and at end of life can be reused or recycled without energy-intensive processing.

De Lank holds planning consent to 2050 with 429,000 tonnes of consented reserves. This gives long term supply certainty for large projects, frameworks, or schemes that require phased delivery over many years. Unlike stone sourced through a trading intermediary, you are dealing directly with the quarry and can confirm supply availability at any stage.

The quarry sits within a designated Site of Special Scientific Interest for its geological significance, which means operations are subject to Natural England oversight and statutory controls. The quarry has operated continuously for over 260 years within this landscape without conflict with its protected status. Active quarrying also maintains the geological exposure that gives the SSSI its scientific value. We follow all environmental conditions attached to our planning consent.

Granite does not degrade, so it can be reused in full. Reclaimed granite setts, kerbs, and paving from Victorian-era streets are still actively sold and relaid today. Where stone is broken or unsuitable for direct reuse, crushed granite serves as aggregate for roads, drainage layers, and other civil engineering uses. There is effectively no waste from granite at end of life.

Locally sourced natural stone contributes positively to BREEAM Mat 03 (responsible sourcing) and Mat 05 (designing for durability). De Lank granite's British provenance, CE certification, full traceability, and low transport carbon all support responsible sourcing declarations. We can supply the documentation required for BREEAM assessments on request.

Granite is widely regarded as one of the strongest and most durable natural stones used for outdoor paving in the UK. It is dense, hard-wearing, frost-resistant and well suited to demanding external environments. De Lank granite has published technical data showing a compressive strength of 219 MPa, density of 2,644 kg/m³ and very low water absorption of 0.20%. These figures demonstrate the stone’s high strength, low porosity and excellent resistance to weathering. For paving, strength should not be judged by compressive strength alone. The correct stone thickness, slab size, bedding, jointing, edge restraint, flexural strength, breaking load, abrasion resistance and slip/skid resistance all contribute to the performance of the finished surface. De Lank granite has a long record of use in high-footfall and demanding external settings, including public realm, bridges, embankments, steps, kerbs and paving schemes. It is a strong choice where long-term durability, frost resistance and proven performance are important. The final paving specification should always be selected to suit the project, expected loading, finish, installation method and relevant standards, including BS EN 1341 and BS 7533 where applicable.

See also: Paving/Setts and Cobbles

You can buy British granite direct from De Lank Quarry in Cornwall, a working Cornish granite quarry near St Breward on Bodmin Moor. De Lank supplies silver-grey granite for private homes, commercial projects, public realm schemes, conservation work and architectural masonry. Customers, architects, builders, landscapers, contractors and specifiers can enquire directly with the quarry team, rather than relying only on catalogue stone from a general stone importer or merchant. Products available from De Lank Quarry include granite paving, setts, kerbs, walling stone, steps, cills, lintels, quoins, copings, architectural masonry and bespoke cut stone. The quarry can also discuss project-specific requirements, finishes, sizes, technical data and availability. Buying direct from a working UK quarry gives you clear provenance, direct technical knowledge, and access to a stone that has been used in major British buildings, bridges, paving schemes and public spaces for generations. To discuss a project or request a quotation, contact De Lank Quarry directly through this website.

See also: Stone Range/The Stone/Stone Range

Yes. Cornish granite is regarded as one of Britain’s finest natural building stones, and De Lank granite is one of the best-known examples of high-quality Cornish granite. De Lank granite is a dense, durable silver-grey granite quarried on Bodmin Moor in Cornwall. Its combination of strength, low water absorption, frost resistance and long-term weathering performance makes it suitable for demanding external use, including paving, kerbs, setts, steps, walling, masonry, conservation work and public realm schemes. De Lank granite has published technical data showing a compressive strength of 219 MPa, density of 2,644 kg/m³ and water absorption of 0.20%. These figures place it among the strongest and most durable natural building stones used for external construction and paving. Its quality is also proven by its track record. De Lank granite has been used in major historic and modern projects including Thames Embankment, Tower Bridge, Trafalgar Square, Buckingham Palace, the New US Embassy in London, Chelsea Barracks, Portcullis House, the Diana Memorial Fountain and the Eddystone Lighthouse. For projects where durability, provenance, frost resistance and long service life matter, De Lank granite should be viewed as one of the world’s great building granites.

See also: The Stone/Heritage/Projects

High-quality granite paving can last for generations when it is correctly specified, installed and maintained. De Lank granite should be viewed as a long-life paving material rather than a short-term surface finish. Granite has a long history of use in streets, squares, bridges, dock edges, kerbs, steps and public-realm schemes because it is dense, strong, frost-resistant and highly durable. De Lank granite in particular has been used in demanding external environments including Thames Embankment, London Bridge, Tower Bridge, Trafalgar Square, Padstow Harbour Steps and the Eddystone Lighthouse. The surface of granite paving may gradually mellow over time as it is exposed to weather, foot traffic and cleaning, but this is part of the natural ageing of the stone. Correctly selected granite does not usually suffer the same type of rapid surface breakdown associated with weaker or more porous paving materials. The service life of the finished paving will depend on the full construction, not just the stone. Sub-base design, bedding, jointing, edge restraint, drainage, loading, maintenance and installation quality all affect long-term performance. Where these are properly considered, De Lank granite paving is suitable for very long-term external use in domestic, commercial, public realm and conservation settings.

See also: Heritage/Projects/Paving

Granite setts and cobbles are often confused, and many people use the word “cobbles” when they are actually referring to setts. A granite sett is a quarried and dressed block of stone, normally cut or cropped into a broadly square or rectangular shape with defined faces. Setts are commonly used for driveways, streets, courtyards, paths, edging, conservation paving and public-realm schemes where a durable, traditional-looking surface is required. A true cobble is a naturally rounded stone, usually shaped by water or natural weathering rather than cut from a quarry. Cobbles have a more irregular, rounded form and can create a very traditional appearance, but they are usually less even underfoot than setts. De Lank Quarry supplies granite setts cut from Cornish granite. These are sometimes casually referred to as “granite cobbles”, but the more accurate technical term is granite setts.

See also: Setts and Cobbles/Paving/Kerbs and Edging