The Selection and Installation of Natural Stone

Steve TurnerAMARESTONE

Contents

Uses of Stone

Selection of Stone

Installation

Underfloor Heating

Maintenance

Any Questions

Image: Magny French Limestone – History Museum Berlin

Uses of Natural Stone for Self BuildersFlooring

Wall coverings

Worktops and Vanities

Building Facades

Fire Surrounds

Staircases

Table tops

And more……

In every room, inside and out.

Image: French Ampilly Limestone quarry

Selection of StoneCE Certificate:

• Legal requirement since July 2013

What is a CE certificate? • Test results that prove the characteristics of

the stone

• Density/Porosity/Frost Resistance…..

Why is it important? • Demonstrates that the stone is fit for

purpose

Selection of StoneVariation:

• Ideally, visit the quarry or factory to see current production

• or

• See a range of samples/photos that demonstrate the variation

• One small sample may not be representative

Selection of Stone

Ensure sufficient quantity• Particularly if there’s a mix of sizes and/or

finishes – contingency for each variant

• It is cheaper to over order than to have a top-up order

Installation - SubstratesSand and Cement screed:

• Allow 1 day per 1mm of depth for drying time

• Bridge/repair any joins and use anti-fracture matting

Anhydrite (poured) Screed:• Must be dry – typically one day per 1mm depth

• Remove “crust: before tiling

Wooden floorboards/joists• Eliminate bounce

• Better to have two layers of cross-laid ply and

• Anti-fracture matting

Installation - Substrates

Substrates to Avoid:• Plaster board, plaster skim, painted

surfaces

• Chipboard flooring etc.

Wall substrates:• Check that the substrate can take the

weight!

• 20mm stone weighs up to 60 kgs/sqm

Wall Substrates Maximum Weight of Tiling per m²

Gypsum Plaster 20Kg/m²

Gypsum Plasterboard Direct (without a plaster skim)

32Kg/m²

Plywood (WBP) Up to 30Kg/m²

Lightweight Tilebacker Boards

Up to 40Kg/m²Dependant upon the type and thickness of the board. (Marmox over 60Kg/m²)

Glass reinforced Cement Sheets

Up to 50kg/m²Dependant upon the type and thickness of the board.

Gypsum Fibre boards Approximately 35-40Kg/m²

Installation – Adhesives & GroutsAdhesives:

• Minimum spec: rapid set, white (not grey) and flexible – S1 standard

• ALWAYS a full bed, NEVER dot and dab

• “Butter” the back of the tile

Grouts:• Always use a flexible grout

• Many colours available

• Grout is sealed

Installation – Anti-fracture MattingAnti-fracture matting:

• Also known as “de-coupling layer”

Pocketed plastic on separate backing

e.g. Ditra Mat• Waterproof

• 5mm thick

Non-woven fabric

e.g. Mapetex• 1mm thick

• Uses less adhesive

• Requires S2 adhesive to stick it down

Installation - Sequence

1. Lay the stone tiles/slabs

2. Clean with ph neutral detergent and rinse

3. Allow to dry and then seal

4. Allow to dry and then grout

5. Clean with ph neutral detergent and rinse

6. Allow to dry and then seal

7. Water drop test to see if more sealer needed

8. Wax if required

Underfloor HeatingConsiderations:

• Thermal expansion/contraction

• Anti-fracture matting to prevent cracking

Different types:• Wet – normally in screed

• Electric – in screed

• Electric – mat/cable

Test before starting the tiling.

Raise the temp gently – 1-2 degrees C per day

Maintenance - Sealing and WaxingSolvent or Water-based sealer?

Solvent based:• Longer lasting

• Stone MUST be dry

• Less environmentally friendly

Water based:• Can be applied to stone with “residual”

moisture

• Less fumes!

• Less drying time = quicker finish

Waxes• Gloss, satin, matt

Why use wax?• Ease of future maintenance

• Prolongs life of sealer

• Not for external or wet areas

Maintenance - Cleaning

Use ph Neutral Cleaner

Don’t use “supermarket” cleaners• Often contain bleaches or acids which can etch

• “Wash and Shine” contain wax/silicone which leave a residue

Good idea to use sealers and cleaners from same supplier

Thank You***

Questions?

See us on stand E99