020 3005 2873
Portland Stone Courtyard Restoration & Cement Tile Floor Cleaning – Notting Hill, London
Project Overview
MGS Restoration Ltd were commissioned to undertake a combined programme of external stone cleaning and internal floor restoration at a private residential property in Notting Hill, London.
The project focused on restoring a beautiful Portland stone courtyard garden together with the adjoining kitchen and dining area, which featured traditional printed cement tiles.
Years of environmental exposure had left the external Portland stone heavily affected by algae and lichen growth, while internally the decorative cement tiles had become dull and heavily contaminated through everyday use.
Using our specialist DOFF Integra superheated steam cleaning system externally and carefully selected specialist cleaning products internally, MGS Restoration successfully revitalised both spaces, creating a seamless transition between the restored courtyard and the adjoining interior.
Project Details
Location: Notting Hill, London
Property Type: Private Residential Property
Services: Portland Stone Cleaning & Cement Tile Restoration
Materials: Portland Stone, Decorative Printed Cement Tiles
Project Type: Internal and External Floor Restoration


The Challenge
The external courtyard garden was constructed using high-quality Portland stone paving, a material commonly found throughout London's prestigious residential properties due to its durability and elegant appearance.
Over time, the stone had become heavily affected by:
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Green algae growth
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Lichen contamination
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Surface dirt and grime
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General weather-related staining
The biological growth had significantly darkened the paving and concealed much of the stone’s natural colour and texture.
Inside the adjoining kitchen and dining area, the decorative cement tile floor had also suffered from years of contamination and ingrained dirt.
Unlike natural stone, printed cement tiles require a specialist cleaning approach. Incorrect cleaning products can easily damage the decorative surface layer and cause premature wear to the pattern.
The challenge was to restore both areas safely while preserving the integrity and character of the original materials.
The Restoration Process
DOFF Cleaning of Portland Stone Courtyard
MGS Restoration carried out the external cleaning works using our specialist DOFF Integra superheated steam cleaning system.
The DOFF process uses:
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Low-pressure cleaning
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Superheated steam temperatures up to 150°C
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Minimal water saturation
This method is widely recognised as one of the safest and most effective systems for cleaning natural stone and heritage surfaces.
The superheated steam safely removed algae, lichen, dirt, and environmental contamination without damaging the Portland stone or eroding the surface.
As the cleaning progressed, the original colour and natural character of the stone were revealed once again.
Biological Growth Removal
Particular attention was given to areas affected by established lichen and algae growth.
The DOFF system effectively sterilised the stone surface while removing visible biological contamination, helping to improve the long-term cleanliness and appearance of the courtyard.
The result was a noticeably brighter and cleaner outdoor space ready for continued enjoyment throughout the year.
Specialist Cement Tile Cleaning
Internally, MGS Restoration undertook a deep cleaning programme to the decorative cement tile floor within the kitchen and dining area.
Because printed cement tiles are highly porous and feature a delicate decorative wear layer, specialist cleaning products were selected specifically for this type of flooring.
The cleaning process carefully drew out years of:
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Embedded dirt
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Surface grime
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Organic contamination
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Residual cleaning product buildup
without affecting the printed design or damaging the tile surface.
Surface Refinement and Protection
Following cleaning, the cement tile floor displayed significantly improved colour definition and pattern clarity.
The restored tiles now complement the adjoining courtyard area, creating a cohesive visual connection between the internal and external spaces.


Materials and Techniques Used
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DOFF Integra superheated steam cleaning system
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Specialist Portland stone cleaning techniques
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Algae and lichen removal treatments
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Heritage-sensitive stone cleaning methods
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Decorative cement tile cleaning systems
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Specialist pH-controlled floor cleaning products
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Deep extraction cleaning techniques
The Results
The completed restoration successfully transformed both the courtyard garden and adjoining kitchen diner.
Externally, the Portland stone paving was restored to a clean and natural appearance, free from algae, lichen, and environmental staining.
Internally, the decorative cement tile flooring regained its original character, with colours and patterns becoming far more visible following the removal of years of accumulated contamination.
Together, the works created a brighter, cleaner, and more welcoming living environment while preserving the integrity of both the natural stone and decorative floor finishes.


Portland Stone & Cement Tile Restoration in Notting Hill
This project demonstrates the importance of using the correct cleaning methods for different flooring materials.
By combining specialist Portland stone cleaning with carefully controlled cement tile restoration techniques, MGS Restoration Ltd successfully revitalised both the exterior and interior spaces while preserving the character and quality of the original materials.
Contact MGS Restoration
If your patio, courtyard, cement tile flooring, or natural stone surfaces require professional cleaning or restoration, our experienced team can help.
MGS Restoration Ltd provides specialist stone cleaning and restoration services across London, working with Portland stone, marble, terrazzo, limestone, decorative cement tiles, and other natural materials within residential, commercial, and heritage properties.
Contact us today to discuss your project or arrange a consultation.
Address
MGS Restoration ltd
167-169 Great Portland Street,
5th Floor,
London,
W1W 5PF
Phone
020 3005 2873
