This sedimentary rock originates from soft sandy deposits settling underwater. Compression over millions of years cements the sediment, fossils and other sedimentary structures, providing clues to the environment in which the stones formed. Limestone can be quite soft and porous, but treated correctly it can be durable and hardwearing and is used on many projects for domestic and commercial flooring and cladding. The properties of each type of stone vary considerably and our experts can advise whether a specified material will perform to the required standard.