December 2007
Stone
The masonry industry stretches far and wide, but suppliers and design centers hear the same questions repeatedly. Masonry magazine collected a few frequently asked questions about natural thin stone from masons in Sacramento, Calif. Following is what two experts in this field, Liz Serven with Silverado Masory Design Center in Sacramento, and Beth Dewbre at Montana Rockworks in Kalispell, Mont., had to say:
A: There are many reasons to use this product. Natural stone:
- Never fades
- Requires zero maintenance
- Patinas with age
- Shows only natural stone if broken (instead of aggregate)
- Can be cut or hand split for perfect installation without exposing concrete
- Is permanent
- Is accepted by most architectural review committees
- Increases value of the building
- Has a story (topic of conversation)
- Is considered a status symbol.
A: It is graded by color and size, so the basic color possibilities within a pallet stay the same. However, as different formations are mined, some shifts in color are possible. The beauty is in the fact that each piece is an original, which means no two jobs will ever be identical.
A: Yes and no. Stone comes from all over the world. The material is natural, so you must go were the stone formations are, which are the United States and abroad.
A: Yes, it is.
A: As long as the material is installed correctly, there should not be a problem. One thing we find in installation is that not everyone adds adhesives, which must be done since the back of the stone is smooth.
A: No anchor is necessary; it is adhered.
A: Natural stone should weigh about 13.33 pounds per square foot.
A: Yes in most products and is sold by the linear foot.
A: Product can be found in most shapes and sizes, tumbled and non-tumbled. If you can get the shape you are looking for in a full-size rock, you can have it in a thin veneer stone. Therefore, both full thickness and thin veneer stone can be used on a job.
- Return to the feature story:
“Natural Stone Council: Mortar for an Industry”