Mon - Fri 09:00-17:00 Sat / Sun / BH : Closed
01283 357532 sales@hardstuffltd.co.uk
Anslow Business Park Anslow DE13 9QX
Premium Slate Selection Service Update
In May 2025, we introduced our Brazilian black slate slab selection service for customers looking for cleaner, plainer slabs without paying the significantly higher price of Italian slate. After more than a year of carefully testing the service, we have made the decision to stop offering a separate premium selection.
WHY ARE WE MAKING THIS CHANGE?
Brazilian slate is an entirely natural product. Colour, texture, markings and surface character can vary considerably from one slab to another. After individually inspecting incoming crates, we have found that, on average:
• 20% of slabs could be classed as premium
• 65% fall within our standard selection
• 15% are classed as economical
These percentages can change depending on the area and level of the quarry from which the slate has been extracted. The cleanest and plainest slabs generally come from only a small proportion of the quarry, which means that a consistent supply of complete crates containing only premium slabs cannot be guaranteed.
BEING FAIR TO EVERY CUSTOMER
The main issue is fairness. To create one premium-selected crate, we may need to open four or five standard crates and remove the cleanest slabs from each one. This leaves the remaining crates without the natural proportion of premium slabs that customers purchasing our standard selection should reasonably receive. We do not believe this is a fair or sustainable way to supply the product.
WHAT WILL HAPPEN GOING FORWARD?
We will continue to open incoming crates and inspect every slab individually. Slabs that fall within our economical selection will be removed and sold separately, while the remaining crates will contain a naturally balanced mixture of standard and premium-quality slabs.
PREMIUM SLABS ARE NOT DISAPPEARING.
Where cleaner and plainer slabs naturally occur, they will remain within our standard selection rather than being removed to create separate premium crates. Our standard selection will continue to offer a carefully inspected and balanced mixture of Brazilian slate while ensuring every customer is treated fairly.
Brazilian slate remains a naturally varied material. Product photographs and selection guides demonstrate the range of colours, textures and markings that may be present but cannot guarantee that every slab will look identical. Please refer to our Brazilian slate selection guides for further examples, or contact our team to discuss the most suitable selection for your project.
2pc Pairs Now Cut To Size Option....
PRODUCT UPDATE – 2pc Pairs
We've decided to offer an alternative to our 2pc pairs with a cut-to-size option.
We originally introduced the 2pc pairs because customers wanted two matching pieces cut from the same slab, ensuring a consistent colour and texture across both halves of the hearth. We later added the 2pc sets — complete with front hearth edge finishing — hoping to phase the pairs out, but we still occasionally get requests for them.
Introduced 2pc Sets
https://hardstuffltd.co.uk/order/standard-2pc-riven-slate-hearth-sets-20mm/
So moving forwards, rather than stocking both options, we'll now offer a cut-to-size alternative: a single slab cut into two matching pieces to suit your requirements. Because both pieces come from the same slab, you still get the matching colour and grain that made the pairs popular.
Example 1
1 x 1200×900 cut to
1200×381 + 1200×516 (less 3mm blade)
Example 2
1 x 1350×900 cut to
1350×450 + 1350×447 (less 3mm blade)
There is a charge for this service of
£10.00 per linear metre + vat
Coming Soon: New Brazilian Riven Slate Shapes
With these latest additions, our Brazilian Riven Slate range will now span nine distinct shapes — giving you more choice than ever to find the perfect fit for any fireplace or installation.
We're excited to announce five new shapes joining the range. Each piece is cut and finished to the same high standard as our existing slate hearths, now in versatile new designs to suit a wider variety of fireplace openings and installations.
New shapes:
Small Arc Square - NOW IN STOCK
Medium Arc Square - NOW IN STOCK
Medium Arc Rectangle - NOW IN STOCK
Circles - Coming Soon
The arc-cut fronts give a softer, more contemporary look, while the circular hearths offer a striking centrepiece option — all retaining the natural riven texture and character Brazilian slate is known for.
NOW IN STOCK
Premium Black Honed Granite Slabs
NOW IN STOCK: Premium Honed Black Granite Slabs
We're pleased to announce the arrival of our new range of premium honed black granite slabs. Each slab arrives pre-finished with 3 edges beveled and honed, delivering a clean, refined look straight out of the crate — no further finishing required.
Available sizes:
900×900×20mm From £78.70 each
1200×900×20mm From £104.93 each
1500×900×20mm From £131.17 each
1500×1200×20mm From £190.54 each
+ vat
Ideal for hearths and high-end interior installations.
