Haddonstone is a unique form of cast limestone with a surface texture similar to portland stone. In a number of important ways Haddonstone is markedly superior, one of its greatest advantages being price, which, piece for piece, is normally significantly less than that of quarried stone.

Complementing the surface finish of our renowned dry-cast product is TecStone, a denser material with a smoother finish to meet demanding design and performance criteria.

Haddonstone recognises the exacting requirements of its customers, both private and professional, and an ongoing research and development programme ensures that the highest standards are maintained. The illustrations, technical information and data contained in this catalogue, to Haddonstone's best knowledge, were correct at the time of going to print. The right to change specifications at any time, without notice, is reserved as part of a policy of continuous development and improvement.

Haddonstone is a founder member of the United Kingdom Cast Stone Association (UKCSA). The Association defines strict levels of technical performance, which are set out in the UKCSA Technical Manual, with which all members comply. Haddonstone's minimum cube compressive strength at 28 days is greater than 35MPa, whilst TecStone's is greater than 45 MPa ~ both materials therefore exceed the requirements of the UKCSA specification and comply with the requirements of BS1217: 1997, BS5642: 1983 and BS EN 13198: 2003. In addition, TecStone exceeds the requirements of ASTM C1364 Standard Specification for Architectural Cast Stone. Furthermore, as part of Haddonstone's Quality Assurance procedures, the materials are regularly tested both in the company's own laboratory and by a recognised independent laboratory. Thus, customers may have every confidence that the quality and durability of both Haddonstone and TecStone materials will meet their needs.

With careful handling, the material itself needs no special maintenance as long as it is not exposed to extreme conditions. For example, it is recommended that in very hot weather a planted ornament should be watered only in the early morning or cool evening. Likewise, in freezing conditions, fountain bowls should be emptied. The stonework is less susceptible to the detrimental effects of weathering, which can damage the laminated structure of quarried stone, and can be aesthetically more pleasing as it often matures and develops character much earlier. Like quarried stone, Haddonstone can exhibit slight shade variations from piece to piece, reflecting the colour of the natural materials used in the production process. Customers should also be aware that natural dyes in composts containing coconut husk, coir and peat can produce a brown staining which is very difficult to remove.

When planters are used in interior settings, a liner should be used as planters are made with drainage holes and the material has natural porosity. When interior architectural stonework is used in public areas it is advisable to seal the surface of the stone with a clear sealer.

Efflorescence, also known as lime bloom, may appear as a white deposit on the surface of any product containing cement or limestone. This is temporary and will disappear as a result of normal weathering, or may be removed with a proprietary acid washing agent. Under certain exceptional conditions a hairline fissure may occur in the surface of the product, a characteristic of any material using a cementitious binder. In normal circumstances, this will have no effect on the structural integrity of the piece.

All cast-in fixings and reinforcement used by Haddonstone during the production process are non-ferrous, usually stainless steel.