FAQs

Care

  • Do I need to drain my fountain in Winter?
    Freezing conditions can cause serious damage to your water feature ~ in particular the electric pump. For this reason it is important that water features are properly prepared for the onset of severe winter weather. Although all Haddonstone water features are frost resistant, they still require protection from freezing water. Ideally, water should be drained off before winter every year and not replaced until spring when any risk of hard frost has passed. If you are unable to fully drain down a fountain other measures must be taken to ensure water does not freeze solid in the bowl. For example, during mild periods of frost, a tennis ball placed in a fountain bowl may prove sufficient. This is particularly important for Wall, Bowl and Trough fountains. Alternatively, smaller fountains can be emptied using a sponge before covering to prevent them filling with rainwater. The winter is also the ideal time to dismantle the pump for a thorough clean. Any limescale should be scrubbed off using a mild detergent. Pay particular attention to the impeller/rotor.
  • How can I clean my Haddonstone?
    Haddonstone is normally admired for the way in which it weathers naturally so that it is imperceptible from quarried stone. If you do wish to clean your Haddonstone, we recommend that you first try using a mild solution of water and washing up liquid – when used in conjunction with a soft brush this can achieve good results. The use of acid cleaners or harsh abrasive scouring should be avoided as this will break down the surface of the product and it will become more porous and could make the product more susceptible to permanent staining. Be aware that natural dyes in composts containing peat, coconut husk or coir can produce a brown staining which is very difficult to remove. Many fertilizers contain ferrous compounds that can cause rust stains. Cast-in fixings and reinforcement used during the standard Haddonstone production process are non-ferrous, usually stainless steel.
  • How can I take care of my Haddonstone?
    With careful handling, the Haddonstone cast stone 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 cast stone garden ornament should be watered only in the early morning or cool evening. Likewise, in freezing conditions, cast stone fountain bowls should be emptied. The cast stonework is less susceptible to the detrimental effects of weathering, which can damage the laminated structure of quarried stone or natural stone, and can be aesthetically more pleasing as it often matures and develops character much earlier.
  • Which compost should I use in my planter?
    We recommend using a multi-purpose organic compost with Haddonstone planters to avoid any potential staining issues. We have never experienced any problems or issues with staining when using this type of compost. You can also use ericaceous compost. We have several planters in our show gardens that contain ericaceous compost – Rhododendrons, Azaleas, Pieris & Skimmias are in these planters and there is no unsightly staining, nor is there any discolouring of the stone. We use only Durston’s ericaceous compost.
  • Can I keep fish in a Haddonstone Pool Surround?
    Before introducing fish of any type into a Haddonstone pool surround, please check with an aquatic specialist that it is safe to do so. Many Haddonstone pool surrounds and fountains contain a high percentage of limestone material. Whilst limestone is not toxic to fish, it can raise the water’s pH level, making it unsuitable for some species of fish.
  • Can I keep fish in a pond or pool surround with a Haddonstone fountain displayed in it?
    Before introducing fish of any type into a pond or pool surround with a Haddonstone fountain displayed in it, please be sure to check with an aquatic specialist that it is safe to do so. Many Haddonstone pool surrounds and fountains contain a high percentage of limestone material. Whilst limestone is not toxic to fish, it can raise the water’s pH level, making it unsuitable for some species of fish.

Company Information

  • What happens if I have a complaint? Does Haddonstone have a Customer Services department?
    Haddonstone takes customer service very seriously, and we will do our best to approach all complaints quickly and professionally. Our UK Customer Service contact is Will Haxby who can be reached on 01604 770711 or via [email protected]  In the US, Haddonstone customers should contact our Colorado office via email: [email protected] 
  • What about Cookies? Does Haddonstone have a privacy policy?
    Cookies will be stored on your computer when you use the Haddonstone website. Cookies are small text files used by websites to assist your continued use of the website. The Haddonstone website primarily uses cookies in the online shop and will remember them when you visit this site in future. Haddonstone also uses cookies to generate generic statistics on the use of our website. This will allow us to provide our customers with additional enhanced features in the future. Haddonstone’s Privacy Policy ensures that we will never share or disclose any such information with any third parties. You can learn how to manage or delete any cookies that are already on your computer by visiting www.aboutcookies.org.  Please note that by deleting our cookies or disabling future cookies you may not be able to access certain areas or features of this website. If you have any specific concerns or for clarification please contact [email protected]
  • Does Haddonstone have an Environmental and Sustainability policy?
    Yes. Haddonstone is committed to an Environmental & Sustainability Management System which ensures that work activity processes do not make a significant impact on the environment. Best environment practice is adopted wherever possible. Consequently, Haddonstone undertakes the environmental management of finite, naturally occurring resources by balancing needs with future sustainability. Objectives include energy conservation; resource conservation; reducing pollution; waste reduction and recycling; and the minimisation of hazardous substance use. As a result, all environmental and sustainability aspects are identified and, where necessary, controlled to minimise or eliminate their effect on the environment. Haddonstone has recently been presented with the prestigious Gold Award (Building Materials) for Environmental Best Practice and Sustainable Development for its work providing custom cast stone for the restoration of Scarborough Spa in North Yorkshire. An International Green Apple Award is presented to those who set the standard in the environmental practice and sustainable development. Haddonstone last won a Green Apple Award in 2005 for its involvement in the restoration of Leazes Park in Newcastle.
  • Where can I see examples of Haddonstone? Does Haddonstone exhibit? Do you have show gardens?
    Haddonstone has beautiful show gardens and an interior showroom at East Haddon in Northamptonshire, England, where many of our cast stone designs can be viewed in their proper setting. Normally, the gardens and showroom are open to visitors from Monday to Friday – public holidays and Christmas period excepted – between the hours of 9am and 5pm when no appointment is necessary. Brown tourism signs guide visitors to the gardens from the A428. In addition, examples of Haddonstone, TecLite, TecStone and Technistone can be viewed at Pennine Stone Ltd, Askern Road, Carcroft, Doncaster DN6 8DE. In the USA, each Haddonstone office has a permanent showroom display. CO hours 8:00am – 4:30pm Map Haddonstone exhibits at many exhibitions around the world. To see where we are currently exhibiting, click here. Designs can also be viewed at Haddonstone stockists and distributors in the UK and worldwide.
  • How long has Haddonstone been trading?
    Haddonstone was founded way back in 1971 so we have nearly 50 years of trading history. Starting as a small cottage industry, it then expanded massively in the 1980s to become the established brand that is so well respected today. We are still family-owned – our current Managing Director being the son of the original founder! Read about the history of Haddonstone. Read our customer testimonials.
  • Does Haddonstone make any products overseas?
    Haddonstone has two manufacturing facilities – one in Northamptonshire where all products for the UK market are made and one in the USA where 95% of products for the US market are produced. Haddonstone is a proud member of the “British Made for Quality” scheme and exports worldwide.
  • What are the opening hours of the Northamptonshire Show Gardens and Manufactory?
    East Haddon Show Gardens – Open Monday-Thursday  9am – 5pm. Friday 8:30am – 4:00pm. Open first Saturday of the month April to September 11am to 4pm. Occasional weekend openings to raise money for the NGS charity. Northamptonshire Manufactory – Open Monday-Thursday 7.30am-4pm, Friday 7.30am-3.00pm. If collecting stonework, please arrange a time in advance.

Delivery

  • What happens with a delivery?
    In the UK, delivery is normally via a Haddonstone vehicle with tail-lift or fork-lift facilities. This usually enables us to deliver wherever the fork-lift can access. If access is restricted, delivery will be kerbside only. Delivery does not include siting or installation of the products, which is the sole responsibility of the client. Haddonstone has its own transport fleet of curtainside lorries all with tail-lift or fork lift facilities. This enables the company to deliver cast limestone products throughout mainland Britain from a central location close to the motorway network. At Haddonstone’s cast limestone manufactory near Northampton, pieces are carefully packed onto pallets before shrink wrapping ready for delivery and mechanical offloading on site. Heavier cast limestone pieces are delivered in sections for assembly on site. UK mainland delivery for garden ornaments and interior stonework is charged at 10% of order value (minimum charge £46 inc VAT). Delivery time is typically 2 – 4 weeks, although we will always endeavour to meet specific date requirements. Alternatively, by prior arrangement, items may be collected from our Northamptonshire manufactory. Haddonstone (USA) Ltd services its customers by offering crate and freight options ex-warehouse by Haddonstone truck or common carrier dependent on location, as well as containers or trucks floor loaded with shrink wrapped pallets direct to site.

General

Ordering

  • How can I order Haddonstone architectural products? Can you price up an architect’s drawing?
    Haddonstone has Architectural Sales teams in both Northamptonshire and Pueblo, CO who would be pleased to help with any architectural cast stone requirements. We can work from submitted architectural drawings or CAD disks, offering technical and practical advice where possible.
  • How can I order Haddonstone garden ornaments?
    If you are ordering a garden ornament, you have the choice of:

    1. Placing an order online via this website.
    2. Telephoning our Ornamental Sales department on 01604 770711 (UK, Europe and rest of world), 856 931 7011 (NJ) or 719 948 4554 (CO).
    3. Contacting one of our distributors or stockists.

Pumps

Technical

The material

  • How long does Haddonstone take to weather?
    The special qualities of the Haddonstone material ensure a relatively rapid weathering of garden ornaments. The speed of weathering is dependent on location and climate.  The process of weathering can be encouraged by the application of either yoghurt, manure or water! Alternatively, if you want to achieve the instant aged look, then New Formula StoneAge is designed to give new stone the look of the weathered antique. Available as an antique grey concentrate, New Formula StoneAge is a water-based formulation. It should be mixed with distilled or de-ionised water before being applied by spray or brush. Supplied in 237ml (8 fl oz) containers.
  • What is the difference between Haddonstone, TecStone and TecLite?
    Haddonstone is a unique form of cast limestone with a surface texture similar to quarried 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. Haddonstone is normally referred to as being a dry cast or semi-dry cast stone as the material is hand compacted into the moulds by craftsmen at our manufactories. Standard Haddonstone colors are Portland 01, Bath 02 and Terracotta 04 TecStone is a denser material with a smoother finish to meet demanding design and performance criteria. TecStone is manufactured using a unique wet cast production technique.  TecStone is used in certain standard designs and custom designs ranging from columns and paving to fountains and statuary and can also be successfully used alongside designs manufactured in dry cast Haddonstone and fibre-reinforced TecLite. Where a Haddonstone design is supplied in TecStone as standard, the product code is prefixed by the letters G or H (eg HE600). Standard TecStone colors are Portland 01, Bath 02, Terracotta 04, Coade 05 and Slate 06. TecLite is a lightweight material with a high strength to weight ratio which is ideal for new build, retro fit and self build applications including timber frame projects. Although TecLite closely resembles traditional cast stone and quarried stone in appearance, the use of thin wall construction and GRC or GFRC (Glass Fibre Reinforced Concrete) technology means the component weight is reduced by approximately two thirds when compared with similar Haddonstone pieces making it popular for projects where component weight is an issue. TecLite products can be used in conjunction with standard Haddonstone architectural components as the colors are complementary. Consequently, users can incorporate both Haddonstone and light weight TecLite cast stone architectural components in the same project with absolute confidence. TecLite products can be used to achieve the same crisp detailing normally only associated with Haddonstone designs. Where a Haddonstone design is supplied in TecLite as standard, the product code is prefixed by the letters TL (eg TLHA540). Standard TecLite colors are Portland 01, Bath 02, Terracotta 04, Coade 05 and Slate 06.
  • My new bird bath appears to have a “Crazing” effect. Is this normal?
    Please be advised that when your new bird bath is wet you may detect a visible ‘crazing effect’.  Crazing is a perfectly harmless, natural phenomenon that appears on the surface of newly cast stone products when wet.  Crazing is temporary, and when your bird bath has dried out after several weeks it will disappear, leaving no visible trace. Crazing is an aesthetic occurrence that is not detrimental to the structural integrity of your bird bath.  Our extremely robust bird baths are made from our revolutionary Teclite material, which contains glass fibres that provide additional strength. For your peace of mind, all of our cast stone designs are frost proof and are sold with a five year guarantee.

Warranty

  • How long is Haddonstone guaranteed for?
    Haddonstone offers a 5 year warranty on all cast stone garden ornaments purchased direct from the company on production of the product’s original invoice or order acknowledgement. This warranty applies in the unlikely event that a product fails, due to a design or production fault. This warranty does not apply if Haddonstone assembly recommendations have not been followed or if a problem arises as a consequence of the actions of the client or a third party. Contact your nearest Haddonstone office for the full terms of this warranty which does not affect your statutory rights.

Speak to our team

Whether you’re working on a private residential or large commercial project, or if you are interested in home and garden products, our friendly and expert team are happy to discuss your requirements.

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