How Are Limestone Tiles Made? Portuguese Flagstones

Laying a natural limestone floor in our plant room is the first of the final critical projects on our path to our heat pump installation in just a few days. But the tank needs a floor to sit on (and running water and electricity in the house which we currently don't have!) so it's all hands on deck to put the first of the finishing touches into our Portuguese stone house renovation.
A few months ago we took a trip to a stone yard and tile factory and fell in love with their beautiful stones (and excellent email communication skills!). We went back to film the process of the stones having their finishing touches applied. We had no idea what to expect but I'm glad we took the camera because it was a grand day out looking at some beautiful materials and some epic machinery.
www.makedogrow...

[@seamusfahey6165]

I did enjoy this video, but I'm not sure why you ask as we're content with watching you and Kylie dig holes in the ground for an hour and a half . In other words, content is important, but we watch because we like you guys. Simple as that. :)

[@EnglishMadeleine]

Agreed

[@earlray72]

Truly fascinating and well presented. Love your channel and everything on it!

[@flowersflowers473]

100% this!

[@carole4119]

My gosh..!! What a wonderful tour.! And just love your choosen tile..! Good job!

[@TheImanuelita]

Ditto :)

[@annhydeArtist]

Wow! Now that was an insight - I never expected such a Huge quarry! Thanks for adding the video, this viewer really enjoyed seeing it 👍👏

[@PedrocamaroSS]

I'm from that district area and there are way biger ones over there, even on google maps you can see how big they are

[@module79l28]

@@PedrocamaroSS - I was about to say the same. Quarries are everywhere in the Serra de Aire and Candeeiros Natural Park, were it not the biggest lime region in the country. 🙂

[@jokeschaap3505]

Kylie's "bye" make me always smile, sometimes laughing out loud!

[@jamowallace]

I’m impressed how clean and tidy the factory is! Beautiful product and enjoyed the video

[@MAKEDOGROW]

Probably one of the reasons we were also drawn to them when we first visited

[@douglaspearce1187]

Guy: "Are you excited about seeing the stones"? Kylie: "Yes, which is kind of a bit weird. " Nothing wrong with the Stones. Greatest rock n' roll band in the world. 😀

[@moiragoldsmith7052]

😄🤣🤣....loved the closing declarations! What an incredible place and yes their 'waste no want not' stone pieces are absolutely beautiful. Thanks for sharing! 💕

[@j.n.sloane]

Yes, we do find it just as fascinating as you do and thank you for sharing this journey. Saludos desde Asturias.

[@gaynor3976]

Thank you Kylie and Guy. I found the video very interesting and makes me appreciate all the time and effort that goes into making those beautiful tiles. Xxx

[@James-In-Exile]

Fascinating. The designs out of the 'waste' material look fantastic!

[@growingknowledge]

You guys never disappoint !

[@joconnor3567]

The background of your tile, where it came from, how it is created(finished tile) we’re outstanding. Your narration and video were also first class. Once again, the exposure and knowledge gained from the visitation to the quarry were quite entertaining and rewarding.

[@1whitecottagelife770]

I LOVE "how it's done " videos! No offense to your personal charm, but that's why I watch your videos

[@sue7190]

Thank you for that video. We have used Portuguese limestone in our cloakroom and i love it and was so delighted to find a whole slice of a trilobite, just like Kylie pointed out in the large slab. It was interesting to see the whole process. Excited to see the finished floor. Make sure you seal it thoroughly before use and reseal every couple of years and you will have a beautiful floor for life. We are choosing the limestone floor for our kitchen, dining roomand hall this week so i will look outfor a cream Portuguese limestone.❤

[@reannejarvis9464]

Wonderful tour. It’s nice to see a material processed.🇦🇺🎸⚡️🤘🏼🤘🏿💋❤️

[@Roger-gs5ew]

We do not appreciate often enough, how much work goes into producing the end product, so this video for me was a winner. Thank you for going back to capture the process. 👏🎬👏🎬👏

[@andreacrashe9894]

*Kia ora (hello) Kylie & Guy, thank you for taking us on a tour and showing us how it is all done and made. Most interesting indeed.*

[@kerrylynnparsons7879]

That was VERY interesting!!! 😎🎶❤️

[@davidswanson5669]

That site-wide water collection/filtration system was my favorite part.

[@psmburg6514]

Very much enjoyed the video. Natural stone is such an amazing product and I really liked the sculptures they made with the stones that otherwise be wasted. Thanks guys and keep up your marvelous work 🙌

[@nancibishof6462]

Your floor's stones are beautiful. Can't wait to see them installed.

[@robgullen]

Fascinating - I love seeing industrial processes . .

[@bryansarty3821]

Like you guys I could easily spend a day roaming around the pit, factory and showroom. VERY interesting episode! Thanks for taking us along!

[@saa8458]

Great video. Loved the stone work at the end,sculptures and planters. They look amazing 😊

[@alshirley3444]

This is fabulous. Love the recycling aspect. I would love to see more of where you get your materials from because you’re picking some fabulous things

[@buildingdecorinspiration6397]

They are stunning tiles and garden assessories ❤ love it

[@tonivalenzuela8274]

What an informative vlog. Yes I found it super interesting. The quarry is amazing and to think how long they have been using it blows the mind, right? How cool you got to see your tiles being made. That is a forever story that you will tell. Thanks, can't wait to see them in place.

[@angelicapadro8433]

Really enjoyed this vlog. How interesting to see the final product you chose from its origins. The company also benefits from your Vlog. Free advertising. Impressed on how high tech and clean it is. Watched it twice. Can’t wait for next week to see it installed. Lots of love from Florida.

[@d.j.robinson9424]

So very cool walk through. It's not a finished video without Kylie saying bye..💚💚👍👍👏

[@klazyy641]

I can only imagine the Romans, etc, obtaining limestone from these quarries-----but that's just conjecture on my part. Personally, I found this episode mesmerizing not only because of the incredible age of the stones, but of how modern technology has been adapted for speed, convenience, and safety. I found this chapter of your journey to be informative and a courtesy to us, your viewers, who might never have seen or imagined such an endeavor located right there in the middle of Portugal. Who would have thunk it?

[@carlyet5909]

This reminds me of the Bermuda's Limestone Quarry. LImestone plays an integral part of building in Bermuda. Bermuda has a Portuguese community. I now understand more, how the Portuguese people have influenced a great deal of the home colors, designs and food. I love Portugal, the people, and the richness of the land. Thanks for sharing.

[@LaReynedEpee]

I've been lucky in a previous jobs to get some interesting visits to suppliers - a favourite was to see nineteenth century braiding machines made mainly of wood being used to braid cat6 network cables, because they were the perfect mechanism for the job. I enjoy seeing behind the scenes. Your tiles look very nice, by the way 😄

[@carolbulmer8253]

WOW! I love this! Thank you, Kylie and Guy. I am a Geology freak so anything to do with rocks interests me❤️❤️

[@user-mh9kg8er7x]

Great - this video complements the other stuff you show very nicely. Give us more in this genre please!

[@mannymota3442]

You ask if we liked this type of video - here's a resounding YES!

[@veraoliveira5059]

It is very conforting to see that we have good products made in our country. Thank you for showing them.

[@kikoempis]

Wow. Really interesting seeing all those processes. After seeing it, 33€/m2 seems really reasonable. Loved the big imperfect pots and stuff. Really cool. What a great way to give life to a "unusable" stone.

[@junco477]

Really enjoyed the limestone tour. Always interesting to see how things are made. Kudos to the company for figuring out ways to reduce waste. We take too much for granted the energy required to produce the things we consume and take for granted.

[@judyfisher8370]

Greetings from Oregon USA. Love all your videos. This one on the stone process was really great. Love learning this type of thing and also about other countries. Keep up your great work and videos.

[@leecrittall]

You guys could easily narrate documentaries. the voice is soothing , and those tiles are stunning , i cant wait to see the finished floor

[@derekr1113]

I had remarked that she had not shouted 'Bye' when you called out and she responded. All is good in the World now.

[@simonlewis6276]

The stone dust sediment is also recovered from the water and dried by some stone companies particularly in Italy .It looks like fine flour when dried and bagged .In it’s raw state it’s what you have been using in your lime Crete I would imagine .It makes an excellent filler and extender in a whole range of products like pollyfilla ,Some textured exterior coatings and paints and all kinds of rigid plastic laminates and also gap filler glues . If used in plastics it can act like a heat sink and increase the fire retardant properties of the finished plastic laminate . Cheers .

[@vickihoneycutt456]

What a cool experience! That the company would allow you to watch is just amazing. Loved the video, great job as usual.

[@susankay497]

And without hardhats!

[@halfabee]

I was working and staying in Belgium near Charleroi at a very nice establishment which was a cross between a hotel and rented apartments. Each apartment had a mezerein floor the mezerein was the bathroom and bedroom. Ground floor was a sitting room and kitchen. All meals could be purchased from the restaurant. Cooked in your own room or takeaways delivered. The whole establishment was a restored building with vaulted brick ceilings to reduce the fire hazard. I can not remember the original use of the building. The entire floor was covered in black slate tiles. The owner of the establishment informed me it was cheaper to purchase the tiles from China than the quarry 5 miles away!!

[@MAKEDOGROW]

Interestingly enough, LimePort export a very large amount of the stone blocks to China

[@rosannehart7325]

You can post anything and I will enjoy it. It is the two of you and your journey which is so interesting. Can’t wait for the big display

[@celiasnyman2885]

Absolutely fascinating. And may I comment, so clean!!!!!

[@tessasinclair6315]

Interesting content. Thank you for taking us through the process. 👌🏼🙃💞 I just couldn't stop picturing Obelix in the quarry 😂❤ Can't wait to see the finished floor! 🤗

[@Neilhuny]

That was fascinating! I really enjoyed watching it - as others have said, what a mahoosive hole the stone comes out of! And then converting natural lumps of rock to beautiful tiles, wall building stone or pieces of art is very impressive. I love what these guys are doing with the "waste" products and really hope they sell well for them - they have some great ideas. It's a company that deserves to do well

[@lizetteolsen3218]

It is remarkable watching innovations on stone from the days of antiquity to present day. Just amazing

[@jamesgrover2005]

Love the stones with holes

[@kebergify]

I am so impressed by those stone tiles! So beautiful and what a company!!! Can't wait to see them installed!!

[@cjames282]

Loved the video. I love how they are using the odd pieces to make planters and such! Thanks for sharing!

[@geerose3380]

It's fantastic to see how your tiles were cut. So, excited to see the finished product in your house.

[@DinSF]

Field trip, field trip! Loved the video and all the information. Anytime you can give more information or show where a product is from or other, that's makes for an interesting video. Look forward to your tile video and seeing what left over not wasted limestone product comes to the Homestead. We enjoy all your videos and hard work.

[@luisbernhard8667]

We watch you every week, your videos are compelling and down to earth honest. We enjoyed your quarry video and it ads variety, yiu should do more videos like that, it is nice to see where building materials come from. You guys work really hard, we hope you take adequate time for yourselves. Your work inspires me with my own projects. Thank you. Greetings from Miami.

[@sheilam4964]

This vid is absolutely amazing. One doesn't get to see the workings in a quarry nor the workings in a stone tile facility every day. I had no idea that those beautiful imperfections were so large. I wouldn't mind one or more of those sitting in my yard. The floor tiles you chose are very nice too. Good choice.

[@susankay497]

"..a small adventure..." Goodness! Your life is an adventure - one I am living through vicariously so, thanks for that. I love, love, love the field trip to the quarry. It's mind blowing to think of the physical labour involved before modern cutting tools and robotics. INCRIVEL 🤯

[@01AceAlpha]

33€ per metre seems very reasonable for an organic stone! With all the work that goes into harvesting and finishing. Incredible!

[@carlroge]

very cool, looking forward to the tiling :)

[@5Pauling5]

Loved this especially the recycling of their water!

[@rubytristan5125]

😊 love the video and the tile process. You guys are awesome and love that you are what you preach. Hugs to you both. Would love one of the lounges and planters. This would be great on the little patio outside your front door.

[@torrerobb2238]

Love your normal videos but this was a real treat seeing something different but local to you and going into the project.. really enjoyed it. look forward to next week and seeing the finished floor. Good luck in getting all the other projects finished and have a good week, Robb Torremolinos Spain 😊

[@asc3184]

Thank u for sharing yet another video. Ur notice and the beginning of this video made me think. How long have u two been non-stop at it? 4 projects concurrently? U definitely have a lot of self motivation and energy . I wish most people were like u guys on the matter of energy and self motivation in all aspects of their lifes. Again i admire ur determination. I really look forward to see ur videos. Watching ur patience and self learning process on the job helps me to try and be more patient. I look forward to ur next video.

[@MAKEDOGROW]

Yeah, it’s been non stop for a while. We do plan on taking a short break once the heat pump is in, plus the summer has just hit which tends to slow us down 😃

[@asc3184]

@MAKEDOGROW Working in the heat is hard. I know how hard summers can be in Portugal.

[@maryricketts8526]

VERY INTERESTING. Thank you. What a beautiful floor you'll have.

[@idafisher8327]

I look forward to your videos. It does not matter what you are doing. You two always bring me smiles and laugh. See you next video. Stay safe

[@desirepflugbeil8986]

I experienced this on the Greek Island where I lived. It is a marble mekka and the cutting and preparation of marble is exactly like you have seen. It brought back wonderful memories.

[@layna8924]

HELLO KYLIE & GUY...INTERESTING...WOULD LOVE TO WANDER THRU THE QUARRY ITSELF...THERE'S A WHOLE BACK-STORY TO HOW THESE QUARRIES HAVE COME TO BE, BUT, THAT'S FOR ANOTHER TIME...THANKS FOR TAKING US ALONG FOR THE DAY...ALL THE BEST...🙏;)

[@jasondeeley797]

Missed you yesterday, got my fix now, see you both next week for tile fun 😂

[@alicekenworthy9603]

Thanks so much Guy for sharing your tour to this absolutely amazing factory …. Can’t wait to see how the stone floor enhances the room !!!! Excellent choice of stone ! Durban SA 🇿🇦

[@izzy8386]

Thanks for taking us on the limestone tour, loved it. Very cool! 👍🏼

[@annmcnamara8]

I really enjoyed the tour on how the tiles are made amazing Thanks for sharing

[@craiglongshaw8126]

Excellent video, we have recently purchased an old farm in central Portugal and these sorts of videos will be invaluable when we start to renovate. Thank you

[@teresaquintinha7361]

I don't know that factory but I know others in Alentejo. I think fascinating to see from where a floor comes from and how it's done. The factory was amazingly clean and tidy-up. Perfect for you😊

[@alasdairhamilton1574]

Impressive, love the rejected holes stonework ❤.👍🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@sgrvtl7183]

Beautiful Quarry! What a treat, as always leave it up to You Two to show us yet another great video! Excited to see the next step~!

[@caroles5258]

Love those planters with the holes in them.

[@carolkar5687]

Interesting to see the process....you appreciate the hard work more.

[@steveventer2317]

What an interesting and well-edited video! More of these would be VERY welcome!

[@veeb4078]

I love learning about all these types of materials. Thank you for the tour. Hopefully more to come. Information is knowledge!

[@gillianbrewer9607]

Wow. That was really interesting. But at 76, you are never to old to be educated, on what goes on in other parts of the world. From Nelson. NZ

[@darklady6987]

thanx for the video, it's always nice to know where your goods are comming from and seeing it made in front of you makes it special.

[@katebygrave]

I am pleased that you found what you wanted there. It was so interesting and impressive to say. I am also pleased that they are looking at ways to reduce waste!

[@BeverleyAnn-rh2lv]

Loved this video. I'm impressed by Limeport & their innovative methodology ❤. I'm a great supporter of what can be produced naturally. This Earth is truly abundant and what pleasure this flooring will bring and actually 33€ m2 for this quality and process is reasonable. More videos like this are inspirational ❤ Thank you G&K

[@doreenlayden-os5sv]

This vlog was fascinating. I can’t wait to see your completed floor.

[@annehallett289]

What a brilliant video, so interesting and informative.

[@davidallen7745]

Very interesting. Thanks for sharing with us all 👍

[@jomme78]

yes please to vids like this every now and then, as they give great showcases to local firms and products, and mabe will help somone else in they'r decition prosseses as well, keep up the good work and do remember to take breaks from the work sometimes too, much love from the far north

[@PortugalaGals]

Thanks for the tour of that impressive factory. I can see why and how you spent so many happy hours there.

[@jeniferpollonais6546]

That was a very educational video. I thoroughly enjoyed it. Thank you so much for that. We take our natural stone so much for granted, not realizing the lengthy process it has to go through before it sits beautifully in our homes and business places! ❤

[@gracegomes2632]

Loved it! What a great process in water conservation and utilizing the otherwise not usable stones! Loved your choice!

[@lindawhite5006]

I thoroughly enjoyed your video! I'm so impressed at how they take soil that nature has solidified and make something beautiful, durable and lasting! Thank you for taking your time and sharing with us. 🇺🇸

[@DieNona82]

Such wonderful tiles! I love this natural products . Thanks for showing us !!

[@rnggall9640]

Fascinating! I could have watched another few minutes of that! I love your field trips.

[@AlexAlex-gj4jd]

Hello from Seattle at 2:58 am! I'm loving the field trip so far!

[@UrbanWhiteBuffaloFarm]

Hey Y'all, What a Brilliant video, so much fun seeing and watching the material, machines and workers. I loved the recycling of water as a fabulous savings of rescourses not wasted due to some forward thinking. I would encourage you to make any more videos like this there may be a narrower band of viewers that finish the video but the ones like me absolutely love tham and will watch all of them. Peace and blessings have a very safe summer bye for now

[@barrystone426]

Great really loved seeing the full process

[@glenyscallaghan1195]

It was quite fascinating to see the process. I look forward to seeing the finished job ,.⭐️⭐️👏👏👏👏❤❤

[@veroniquemora2683]

Très très intéressante visite dans cette carrière de pierre. !!! Merci Tank you!! Hâte de voir le résultat dans votre maison ! 🌻🌻🌞

[@ijursic]

I appreciate and approve of limestone. Beautiful.

[@kimsparks7871]

Thank you for this kind of video, even though I enjoy all your videos. I love hearing about how things are made, how they start out, etc. I actually think we should be taught about all the things produced in the area we live and how it comes to be. It is so important. That to me is a true education😃.

[@kevinjohn725]

You both work so hard but the finishing of the house will be amazing and so worth it.. Looking forward to next week's video. Kev in Manchester