Central Milled Lead:
Leading Supplier of Premium Sand Cast Lead for Heritage and Restoration Projects Since 1987
We are the UK’s leading manufacturer and supplier of sand cast lead and have built a formidable reputation for quality, craftsmanship and heritage expertise. With decades of experience in the traditional production of lead sheet using time-honoured sand-casting techniques, Central Milled Lead continues to play a vital role in the preservation and restoration of some of the world’s most treasured historic buildings.
What is
Sand Cast Lead
Sand cast lead is produced by pouring molten lead onto a prepared bed of sand, resulting in a denser, more durable sheet with a natural texture and appearance that is highly prized for restoration work. This traditional method of production has remained largely unchanged for centuries, providing a finish and performance unmatched by modern milled alternatives in heritage applications.
The Sand-Casting Process:
A Time-Honoured Craft
At the heart of our operation is a production process rooted in tradition and refined through decades of expertise. Each sheet of sand cast lead is created through a series of precise, hands-on steps:
Sand Bed Preparation
The process begins with the creation of a casting bed made from fine, washed sand. This sand is carefully levelled and compacted by hand using wooden tools, a skill passed down through generations. Craftsmen use a wooden float or screed to ensure the surface is completely flat. The bed must be smooth, as any imperfection can imprint on the final lead sheet. The sand must also have the correct moisture content. If it is too dry, it will not hold its shape, and if too wet, it can steam and disrupt the casting.
Lead Melting
Lead ingots are melted in a purpose-built furnace at around 327°C, which is the melting point of lead. The molten metal is closely monitored for impurities, which are removed from the surface. It is essential to maintain a consistent temperature. If it is too hot, the lead can over-oxidise. If it is too cool, it may not spread evenly across the sand bed.
Casting the Lead
Once the molten lead reaches the right consistency, it is poured slowly and steadily from a ladle onto the sand bed. This stage requires both speed and control. The flow is guided carefully, and the lead is spread using a straight-edged wooden board known as a strickle to achieve the required thickness, typically between 1.8 mm and 6 mm. Since each casting is done by hand, no two sheets are exactly alike, which adds to their appeal for heritage restoration.
Cooling and Solidifying
The sand cast lead is then left to cool naturally in the ambient air. As it solidifies, it forms a dense, tightly grained structure that gives it excellent durability. Unlike rolled lead, which can be prone to stress fractures, sand cast lead solidifies with minimal mechanical interference, resulting in long-term stability.
Sheet Removal and Finishing
Once cooled, the sheet is carefully lifted from the sand bed and moved to a workbench for finishing. The edges are trimmed, and each sheet is inspected for thickness, surface quality and consistency. Any excess lead is collected and recycled. At this point, sheets can also be cut to bespoke sizes as required for each project.
Quality Assurance
Every sheet undergoes a final inspection to ensure it meets conservation standards and project specifications. Due to its handmade nature, each sheet bears subtle marks of its creation, which are considered a hallmark of authenticity and craftsmanship.
What are the benefits of
Sand Cast Lead
- Authentic Appearance – The traditional casting process gives each sheet a distinctive, historically accurate finish.
- Exceptional Durability – With a proven lifespan of over 100 years, sand cast lead is one of the most long-lasting materials used in construction.
- Heritage Approved – Recommended by English Heritage and Historic England for use in sensitive restoration projects.
- Custom Made – Sheets can be produced to bespoke sizes and thicknesses to suit specific project requirements.
Trusted supplier for
Heritage and Restoration
We are committed to producing sand cast lead of the highest quality and take pride in our contribution to the restoration of internationally renowned heritage landmarks, including:
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- Windsor Castle – As the oldest and largest occupied castle in the world, Windsor Castle demands only the finest materials for its upkeep. Central Milled Lead provided bespoke sand cast lead to support roofing and architectural restoration in line with Historic England’s rigorous conservation standards.
- Warwick Castle – A beacon of medieval architecture, Warwick Castle has undergone various restoration projects over the years. Our sand cast lead has been specified for its authenticity, strength and longevity, ensuring the preservation of this iconic site for generations to come.
- Notre-Dame Cathedral – Following the devastating fire in 2019, the restoration of Notre-Dame in Paris has required materials of the highest historical and structural integrity. Central Milled Lead was honoured to supply premium sand cast lead to support this global heritage restoration effort.
Why choose
Central Milled Lead
Choosing Central Milled Lead means placing your trust in a company with deep-rooted expertise, traditional values, and an unwavering commitment to quality. Here’s why architects, conservation specialists and heritage contractors continue to work with us:
Authenticity
Our sand cast lead is produced using time-honoured techniques that have remained virtually unchanged for centuries. This ensures each sheet offers the historically accurate appearance and texture required for sensitive restoration work on Grade I and Grade II listed buildings.
Experience and Craftsmanship
With over 40 years of specialist experience in lead casting, our team understands the intricacies of heritage projects. From the preparation of the sand bed to the final quality check, every stage of production is managed by skilled craftsmen who take pride in their work. This deep knowledge allows us to offer practical guidance and technical insight at every stage of a project.
Tailored Solutions
We understand that no two historic buildings are alike. That’s why we offer fully bespoke lead sheet production, tailored to the size, thickness and specifications of each project. Whether you require a one-off casting or a full suite of components, our flexible production capabilities mean we can meet your exact needs without compromise.
Support from Start to Finish
Our service extends beyond supply. From initial consultation through to delivery, we work closely with conservation architects, heritage consultants and contractors to ensure every aspect of your project runs smoothly. Our team is on hand to offer advice on best practices, material compatibility, installation techniques and regulatory compliance.