Designing Buildings - User contributions [en]

Natural Stone for Interiors

2017-06-07T16:06:32Z

Stone Federation Great Britain:

= Introduction =

In the world of interior design, in a sector where aesthetics lead the way and individuality is a unique selling point, natural stone can be the ideal material.

Quarried and mined from the earth, bearing a unique characteristic that is the result of complex geological processes, natural stone offers the interior designer more than just a material, it offers a story.

[[File:Albion_Stone_Quarry.JPG|link=File:Albion_Stone_Quarry.JPG]]

No two pieces of natural stone will be exactly the same, and when embraced, this unique material can provide a wealth of options in both texture and colour.

= Characteristics =

Below are some of the characteristics natural stone has to offer the world of interior design:

=== Texture ===

From the fossils found in Portland stone to the natural, subtle layers of slate, texture is a strong selling point for interior spaces. The three-dimensional dynamic that a feature wall of unpolished, naturally-textured stone can provide can be stunning and definitely a trend that is on the increase.

Unlike many other materials the same piece of stone can be finished in a number of different ways to provide the texture best suited to the application. Flamed, honed, blasted, sanded, polished and line textured are all finishes that can give the same piece of stone a very different appearance.

=== Impact ===

The geological striations and natural colour streaks found in marble create a striking aesthetic used across the interiors world, from hotel lobbies and internal walls to floors and countertops. In a market where individuality is key, the unique visuals that natural stone can create are striking, bringing a strong identity to interior spaces of all description.

=== Durability ===

As a result of the geological processes, the thousands of years of compression, natural stone is an incredibly hard wearing material. You need only look at the centuries old, limestone clad streets of London, the granite paved streets of Aberdeen or the Clipsham rich buildings of Oxford to see evidence of the longevity of this natural material.

When it comes to choosing the right stone for the project in hand, it’s worth exploring the wealth of options that natural stone offers.

To start your search for the ideal material and company for your next natural stone project, go to [http://bit.ly/FindAMember http://bit.ly/FindAMember].

[[File:Hampstead_-_2016_Natural_Stone_Awards_Interiors_Winner.jpg|link=File:Hampstead_-_2016_Natural_Stone_Awards_Interiors_Winner.jpg]]

[http://bit.ly/NaturalStoneAwards The Natural Stone Awards] are run by Stone Federation and seek to celebrate the best examples of the use of natural stone across a wide range of applications including interiors.

The interiors category is a showcase for the successful use of natural stone in bathrooms, hotels, high-end apartments, churches and so on. The 2014 and 2016 Awards have seen a wide range of natural stones used in the successful projects stretching from British limestones through to Italian marbles.

The finished projects cover everything from the dramatic to the understated, but all have one thing in common, the designer or architects’ skill in choosing the perfect stone for the desired application.

= Find out more =

=== Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki ===

* 2016 Natural Stone Awards.
* Conservation.
* Defects in stonework.
* Lime mortar.
* Natural stone.
* Natural stone cladding
* Patio stone
* Pattern staining and soiling in stonework.

[[Category:Products_/_components]]

Defects in stonework

2017-06-07T16:05:55Z

Stone Federation Great Britain:

Stone is a natural but complex material. Within the general headings of sandstone and limestone there are many stone types, with different durability and weathering characteristics, and so the defects below are inevitably generalised.

= Pore structure =

The natural durability of stone can be affected by a number of factors; probably the most significant is pore structure. Pore structure is significant because it affects the amount of water entering and moving through the stone. Also, salts that may damage the stone can be transported by water and accumulate in the pores. The critical factor is not the total amount of space created by the pores but how they are structured.

Stones with low porosity will not allow much water penetration and are therefore less likely to suffer salt and/or frost attack. Stones with low porosity are therefore generally more durable.

Stone with high porosity will allow more water in but, if the pores are large, the water will tend to be able to evaporate reasonably quickly. However, if there is a large network of fine pores, capillary action will be high, but evaporation will be relatively low. In addition, a stone with large pores is less likely to suffer salt damage than one with small pores. This is because the larger space is more likely to be able to accommodate the expansion pressures of salt crystallisation.

= Incorrect bedding =

Sedimentary rocks are laid down in beds. Defects can arise if a stone block is incorrectly placed in a building in relation to its bedding plane.

When placed in a wall the stone should generally lie in its natural bedding position. This is, the layers should run horizontally, in the manner in which the stone was originally formed. The stone is stronger in this position and is also less vulnerable to defects. If the stone is face bedded (the layers are vertical), it is more vulnerable to damage through crystallisation of salts and/or frost action. This is because the mechanical actions involved find it relatively easy to push off the bedding layers as there is no restraint from the adjoining stones.

However, copings and cills are usually edge bedded because they are exposed on their top side. With a string course, the corners of a coping or carved stone, no solution will be entirely satisfactory. In theses situations attention to protective detailing will be particularly important.

[[File:Stonework-incorrect-bedding.jpg|link=File:Stonework-incorrect-bedding.jpg]]

The damaged stone (shown above) has been incorrectly laid. It has been face bedded and has started to delaminate. Failure occurs over time through the wetting and drying cycle, possibly exacerbated by frost attack.

The laying of stone in a face-bedded manner is not uncommon. It may have happened through ignorance of the consequence, or through difficulty in determining the layering pattern – it is easy to distinguish with some stones but less so with others.

In his 1753 book of observations on Salisbury Cathedral, architect Francis Price (Surveyor and clerk of the cathedral) wrote:

[[File:Franic-Price-extract.png|link=File:Franic-Price-extract.png]]

The main columns of Salisbury Cathedral are made up of several parts, all of them naturally bedded for strength. The size (height) of each stone is often determined by the depth of the stone seam. The ornamental shafts (the dark pillars), often made from Purbeck marble, a soft limestone which can be polished, are edge bedded. This is because the seams are not very deep and edge bedding allows a single shaft to be made without any joints. As Francis Prices states, this affects the strength of the shaft; if they were loadbearing, the shafts would probably split.

[[File:Salisbury-cathedral-columns.png|link=File:Salisbury-cathedral-columns.png]]

= Salt crystallisation =

This involves salts in solution passing into the stonework and entering pores of the limestone or sandstone. There are a number of salts which can cause problems and they may come from a variety of sources. Sources may include building material such as concrete, brick or mortar, as well as soil and the air. As stone dries out, salt is deposited at the surface (efflorescence) or within the stone.

Crystallisation within the pores will exert pressure, often resulting in damage. The possibility, and extent, of the damage will be related to the type of stone, the type of salt, and the characteristics of the pores – mainly their size and their arrangement.

[[File:Stonework-salt-crystallisation.jpg|link=File:Stonework-salt-crystallisation.jpg]]

The curved pattern staining shown above is caused by different rates of evaporation.

The potential for damage is increased because of the repetitive nature of the mechanical action caused by the cycle of re-dissolving and re-crystallising. The damage usually shows as a powdering of the surface. In some cases, it can look more dramatic by causing splits in the stone as the mechanical expansion works against an existing weakness, such as incorrect bedding or a fissure.

Because some of the salts will absorb water from the air (i.e. they are hygroscopic) they will cause damage even if there is no direct wetting from the more obvious sources such as rain, rising damp or plumbing and drainage faults. The relative humidity at which they absorb water will vary with the salt, but for some it will be below the normal level for an occupied building.

In coastal areas there will be a potent combination of salts from the seas and a high relative humidity. Also road salt can enter into the pores of stonework if the stone is at or close to pavement level.

= Limestone run-off =

The soluble salts produced by the reaction between acid rain and the calcium carbonate in limestone can cause problems in adjacent materials. When the soluble salts are formed they may run off say, a limestone coping, onto a brick or sandstone element below. As these salts crystallise they can cause decay in materials that would otherwise not be particularly vulnerable. The salts involved may also cause lime staining similar to that described the ‘Defects in brickwork’ article.

= Frost attack =

Frost will tend to be a problem in those areas which get both excessively wet and are subject to freezing. The vulnerable areas are described in the ‘Defects in brickwork’ article, but it is worth noting that frost damage is not very common in sheltered plain walls, except at below the damp proof course level. As with brickwork, pore structure is a significant factor in determining susceptibility to frost attack and the process of attack is the same with brickwork.

Where it does occur, frost damage can dislodge quite large pieces of stone either in vulnerable areas, such as parapets or coping, or where the stone has been damaged by other agents.

= Contour scaling =

Contour scaling occurs in sandstone and is thought to be the result of the pores of the stone being blocked with calcium sulfate. This seems to happen even when it is not calcareous sandstone. The effect is a breaking away of a rather thick crust from the face of the stone.

The effect produced by contour scaling resembles that caused by incorrect bedding, but it occurs irrespective of the way the bed lies. It is thought that the damage is caused by differential reaction of that part of the surface material with the blocked pores compared to the underlying body of stone when subjected to thermal and moisture movement stresses.

= Expansion of metals and Wall tie failure =

Iron and steel cramps have been used as fixing devices in stonework for many centuries. With these metal fixings, rust can expand and fracture the stone. Additionally, stone cavity walls may suffer from the cavity wall tie problems mention in the ‘Wall tie failure’ article.

= Extraction and dressing =

Stone can be damaged in the quarry if it is extracted by the use of explosives which may cause internal fractures. Damage can also be caused by excessive tooling of the surface of the stone.

== Organic growths ==

Plants and lesser organic growth on stone are common. Sometimes they are seen as adding to the charm of stone; sometimes they are regarded as unsightly. The different perspective depends to some extent on context – thought of as detracting a classically designed building for example, or, in other situations, valued as part of the patina of age.

== Lichens ==

Lichens are a symbiotic association of fungi and algae. They are hardy in the sense that they are able to derive sustenance from a number of sources: the fungi element seeks out water and salts and the algae element manufactures food by photosynthesis. Lichens can produce acids which may etch into the surface of stones such as limestones or calcareous sandstones. Finely carved stonework may be particularly vulnerable. The fine rootlets of some lichens may cause minor mechanical damage. The potential for damage is reduced by the fact that lichens are extremely sensitive to air pollution.

== Algae ==

Algae are a common form of vegetation on buildings. They prefer conditions where damp, warmth and light are available as they manufacture food by photosynthesis. They are usually green in colour, but can be red, brown or blue. Like lichens their acidic secretions can damage stone. They also collect both water and dirt and can affect the transpiration rate of walls.

== Mosses ==

Mosses can at ‘sponges’ and retain moisture; perhaps enough in a concentrated area to cause frost attack. Like algae their presence will tend to indicate excessive dampness. They can secrete acids which may cause etching in some stones. They have also been known to develop enough to cause rot damage to very soft stones.

== Fungi ==

Often mistaken as plants, fungi are eukaryotic organisms; they are not plants or animal. Fungi were responsible for the evolution of all plant life on earth’s land surface. Fungi can grow on stone if they can find a food source. They cannot manufacture their own food unlike plants. Fungi can produce acids and therefore possibly contribute to the decay of limestones.

= Higher plants =

The biological growths mentioned above could create the conditions for other plants to grow, which may be more damaging to buildings. Biological growths do this by retaining moisture and by providing humus when they die. Clearly any plant or tree could potentially seed and grow in stonework. Some may cause damage, some may not. For example:

== Ivy ==

The roots of ivy can cause mechanical damage. Usually the damage is to mortar joints that they have lodged in, but the fine rootlets can split stone if they penetrate through crevices.

== Virginia creeper ==

This is usually harmless as the plant merely attaches itself to the wall by suckers rather than through a root system.

== Bacteria ==

Bacteria are thought to be able to affect decay but from a practical viewpoint the damage caused is generally insignificant. Bacteria cause damage by either staining or adding to the production of chemicals that then attack stone. An example is by oxidising sulfurous acid in polluted atmospheres thus forming sulphuric acid.

= Birds and bees =

Birds can damage stone (or brick) in two ways; they can cause mechanical damage by pecking for salt or grit. They can also cause decay in limestone and calcareous sandstone because their droppings release acid. Starling and pigeons are the main culprits.

Mason bees (sometimes referred to as masonry bees or mortar bees) can cause small amounts of damage as they bore into soft stone and brick to make a nest.

= Acid rain =

A significant cause of damage is the interaction between limestone and the products of pollution in the form of acid rain. Acid rain is produced by industrial and domestic activities and, increasingly, by road traffic. Acid rain is a generic term which includes other weather conditions, e.g. fogs, mist etc.

There is a popular impression that damage to limestone through acid rain is rather like the process involved in dissolving an antacid tablet in water. In reality, although acid rain can directly dissolve stonework, this action is relatively insignificant compared to the reaction between the acidic rainwater and the calcium carbonate in limestone.

The major problem is the production of soluble gypsum. The primary way in which this occurs is when sulphur gases go into solution with rainwater and form sulphurous acid (H2SO3). Sulfurous acid then combines with oxygen from the air. The resultant sulphuric acid reacts with the calcium carbonate (CaCO3), which is the main constituent of limestone, and forms calcium sulfate (CaSO4). The calcium sulfate takes up water and crystallises as gypsum (CaSO4·2H2O). The resulting pattern of decay of the limestone is determined, essentially, by its exposure.

* On exposed areas of the building rainwater will wash away the gypsum. Gypsum is slightly soluble in water but more soluble in acidic water or rain that contains common salt – as might be the case in a marine environment. There is a gradual weathering away of the stone, although the visual effect can, from a distance, look like cleaning or renewal.
* In sheltered areas of the building a relatively impermeable skin will start to form. The skin can be up to 12mm thick and in polluted urban environments it will contain dirt from the atmosphere. The skin may stay in place for a long period (this might be affected by the characteristics of the particular stone), or it may form blisters that burst to reveal a powdery decayed interior. Crystallisation and re-crystallisation may also occur underneath this skin creating large areas of damage. In sheltered areas damage to magnesium sulfate will often be found forming crystals. This crystallisation often results in relatively deep caverns of decay in the stone, which are revealed when the skin breaks down. This is sometimes referred to as cavitation.

Although durable sandstones that are cemented by a quarts matrix are inert and therefore resistant to sulphur based gases, those sandstones which are cemented together by a calcium carbonate matrix (calcareous sandstones) can be severely damaged by chemical reaction with acid rain. The reaction between the calcium carbonate and the acidic gases is the same as described above, that is, sulphurous gases in solution react with calcium carbonate to produce relatively soluble calcium sulfate. However, as in this case the cementing matrix is being attacked, it releases large amounts of otherwise stable quartz crystals. The damage is often worst than in limestone placed in a similar environment.

Dirt on stone buildings may cause problems because it can contain soluble salts. The dirt comes from particulate air pollutants which are ‘cemented’ onto a limestone wall by the gypsum produced from chemical attack. The particulates may be derived from various animal, mineral or vegetable sources but the most common are tar, diesel residue, oil, and carbon deposits. As stated previously the gypsum, and therefore the dirt, will be removed by rain on exposed surfaces of limestone, but it will remain on sheltered surfaces. However, with sandstone the particles become ‘bonded’ to the stone’s surfaces and will not be easily washed away by the rain.

= Poor repair / conservation techniques =

== Incorrect pointing ==

As with brickwork, an inappropriate mortar mix can cause problems in both the mortar and the stone itself. The main problem is usually related to having too strong a mortar. Because a strong (dense) mortar allows less evaporation, any moisture in the wall will have to evaporate through the stone. This may increase the likelihood and severity of salt related defects. Additionally, stronger mortars are relatively brittle and may be susceptible to shrinkage cracking. This may increase the likelihood of rain penetration, which in turn may increase the potential for salt related defects and frost attack.

[[File:Ribbon-pointing.jpg|link=File:Ribbon-pointing.jpg]]

An example of ribbon pointing. Shrinkage of mortar allows water penetration. The rainwater cannot shed efficiently and dense pointing impedes evaporation. In freezing conditions ice forming in joints can force pointing away from the wall.

Making the joining stand proud of the face of rubble stonework is another common mistake. This is sometimes known as ribbon pointing. Ribbon pointing is usually formed with a very strong mortar. Aesthetically, it is wrong because it is so dominant – the impression is often of a mortar wall with stone inserts. Technically, the ribbon pointing performs poorly because it shrinks and allows water ingress, it acts as a ledge for retaining water, and it is brittle and so cracks and falls away easily.

== Failure of protective coatings ==

Coatings are often applied to stone to protect it. They are usually applied in order to:

* Prevent water penetration.
* Prevent stone decay.

Additionally, given the number of bay windows where the stonework is painted, some coatings are presumably added because they are judged to improve the look of the stone. While there may theoretically be good reason for applying a silicone based water treatment to stone (i.e. where penetrating damp is occurring), they should not be used to try to arrest the effects of stone decay. This is because the water takes longer to evaporate when a coating is applied and salt crystals are often trapped behind the treatment, causing greater damage to the stone. Eventually, the forces exerted by the salts will break down the coating.

Extensive damage can occur where bitumen based solutions are applied. Theses are a particular problem as they are very effective in preventing the stone from ‘breathing’.

= Find out more =

=== Related articles on designing Buildings Wiki ===

* Blockwork.
* Brick.
* Condensation.
* Cracking and building movement.
* Cracking in buildings.
* Dabs.
* Damp.
* Defects in brickwork.
* Defects in dot and dab.
* Efflorescence.
* Ground heave.
* Interstitial condensation.
* Lime mortar.
* Natural stone.
* Natural stone cladding.
* Parge coat.
* Pattern staining and soiling in stonework.
* Penetrating damp.
* Perpend.
* Preventing wall collapse.
* Rising damp.
* Roofing defects.
* Settlement.
* Spalling.
* Wall tie failure.

[[Category:Conservation]] [[Category:Construction_techniques]] [[Category:Products_/_components]]

Natural stone

2017-06-07T16:04:07Z

Stone Federation Great Britain: Created page with "File:Naturalstone1.jpg = Introduction = In the world of architecture, in a sector where aesthetics lead the way and individuality is a unique selling point, natural stone i..."

[[File:Naturalstone1.jpg]]

= Introduction =

In the world of architecture, in a sector where aesthetics lead the way and individuality is a unique selling point, natural stone is the ideal material.

Quarried and mined from the earth, bearing a unique characteristic that is the result of complex geological processes, natural stone offers the specifier more than just a material, it offers a story.

No two pieces of natural stone will be exactly the same, and when embraced, this unique material can provide a wealth of options in both texture and colour.

= Stone selection =

Choosing the right material for the project in hand is always crucial to the success of any job, and there are three key steps to follow to ensure correct selection of stone.

The first step is to ensure that the samples are up to the task in hand, namely giving you a true representation of what the final product will look like.

One key factor in this is looking at range/control samples. These will show you the range of geological characteristics typically found within the bed of stone as opposed to the small snapshot you would find in a single indicative sample piece. This helps avoid any confusion as to what the finished floor, wall or countertop will look like. However, it is worth bearing in mind that this is a natural product, and therefore each stone will have its own unique features.

The second step is the quarry or mine visit. It is strongly advised that a visit is made so that the stone proposed for the project can be carefully inspected. This is also the ideal stage at which to involve an independent stone consultant to come and provide you with an expert opinion. This allows you and the client to be a part of the unique journey of your material; to connect the final material to its origins and story.

The last of these three steps is the technical assessment of the stone. There are various tests that help build a picture of a stone’s potential suitability for a particular application, and whilst past projects are a good indicator, recent test data on the CE certificate and Declaration of Performance should be examined. Natural stone is the ideal material for a wide range of applications, but choosing the right materials for the desired application is important, and this is where testing can really help.

When it comes to choosing the right stone for the project in hand, it’s worth exploring the wealth of options that natural stone offers the architectural industry.

= What does natural stone offer the architect? =

We’ve mentioned a few times that natural stone has a lot to offer to architectural professionals, but what exactly is contained within this wide range of choice?

=== Texture ===

From the fossils found in limestone to the natural, subtle layers of slate, texture is a strong selling point for using natural stone. The three-dimensional dynamic that a feature wall of unpolished, naturally textured stone can provide is stunning and definitely a trend that is on the increase.

Unlike many other materials the same piece of stone can be finished in a number of ways to provide the texture best suited to the application. Flamed, honed, blasted, sanded, polished and line textured are all finishes that can give the same piece of stone a very different visual impact.

=== Impact ===

The geological striations and natural colour streaks found in marble creates a striking aesthetic utilised across a wide range of applications, from hotel lobbies and city cladding projects through to floors and church steeples. In a market where individuality is key, the unique visuals that natural stone can create are striking, bringing a strong identity to interior spaces of all description.

=== Durability ===

As a result of the geological processes, the thousands of years of compression, natural stone is an incredibly hard wearing material. You need only look at the centuries old, limestone clad streets of London, the granite paved streets of Aberdeen or the Clipsham rich buildings of Oxford to see evidence of the longevity of this natural material.

= How to find the right natural stone firm? =

Stone Federation are the official trade association for the natural stone industry, with over 100 years’ experience in connecting architects with the best materials and professionals.

We have a membership of over 240 natural stone firms, covering everything from international stone suppliers and British quarry operators through to design consultants and sealant manufacturers. Each of our members are vetted and approved and have access to a vast resource of technical backup, training, and guidance documents on all the latest Government legislation and guides to best practice.

There are a number of ways in which you can find the right company for your project. The Natural Stone Source Book is our flagship publication and acts as a source of information and inspiration, containing a full directory of members alongside project profiles. The ‘Search for a Member’ tool on the Stone Federation website allows you to find the right member for your specific project requirements.

Our free technical helpline is also a great way of accessing expert advice on everything from stone selection and tolerances through to British Standards and slip resistance.

To start your search for the ideal material and company for your next natural stone project, go to [http://www.stonefed.org.uk www.stonefed.org.uk].

--[[User:Stone_Federation_Great_Britain|Stone Federation Great Britain]]

= Find out more =

=== Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki ===

* 2016 Natural Stone Awards.
* Defects in stonework.
* Finishes.
* Natural stone cladding.
* Natural Stone for Interiors.
* Patio stone.
* Surface Design Show 2017.

[[Category:Organisations]] [[Category:Construction_techniques]] [[Category:Design]] [[Category:Products_/_components]]

File:Naturalstone2.jpg

2017-06-07T15:25:50Z

Stone Federation Great Britain:

File:Naturalstone1.jpg

2017-06-07T15:25:32Z

Stone Federation Great Britain:

Natural Stone for Interiors

2017-06-07T15:22:28Z

Stone Federation Great Britain:

= Introduction =

In the world of interior design, in a sector where aesthetics lead the way and individuality is a unique selling point, natural stone can be the ideal material.

Quarried and mined from the earth, bearing a unique characteristic that is the result of complex geological processes, natural stone offers the interior designer more than just a material, it offers a story.

[[File:Albion_Stone_Quarry.JPG|link=File:Albion_Stone_Quarry.JPG]]

No two pieces of natural stone will be exactly the same, and when embraced, this unique material can provide a wealth of options in both texture and colour.

= Characteristics =

Below are some of the characteristics natural stone has to offer the world of interior design:

=== Texture ===

From the fossils found in Portland stone to the natural, subtle layers of slate, texture is a strong selling point for interior spaces. The three-dimensional dynamic that a feature wall of unpolished, naturally-textured stone can provide can be stunning and definitely a trend that is on the increase.

Unlike many other materials the same piece of stone can be finished in a number of different ways to provide the texture best suited to the application. Flamed, honed, blasted, sanded, polished and line textured are all finishes that can give the same piece of stone a very different appearance.

=== Impact ===

The geological striations and natural colour streaks found in marble create a striking aesthetic used across the interiors world, from hotel lobbies and internal walls to floors and countertops. In a market where individuality is key, the unique visuals that natural stone can create are striking, bringing a strong identity to interior spaces of all description.

=== Durability ===

As a result of the geological processes, the thousands of years of compression, natural stone is an incredibly hard wearing material. You need only look at the centuries old, limestone clad streets of London, the granite paved streets of Aberdeen or the Clipsham rich buildings of Oxford to see evidence of the longevity of this natural material.

When it comes to choosing the right stone for the project in hand, it’s worth exploring the wealth of options that natural stone offers.

To start your search for the ideal material and company for your next natural stone project, go to [http://bit.ly/FindAMember http://bit.ly/FindAMember].

[[File:Hampstead_-_2016_Natural_Stone_Awards_Interiors_Winner.jpg|link=File:Hampstead_-_2016_Natural_Stone_Awards_Interiors_Winner.jpg]]

[http://bit.ly/NaturalStoneAwards The Natural Stone Awards] are run by Stone Federation and seek to celebrate the best examples of the use of natural stone across a wide range of applications including interiors.

The interiors category is a showcase for the successful use of natural stone in bathrooms, hotels, high-end apartments, churches and so on. The 2014 and 2016 Awards have seen a wide range of natural stones used in the successful projects stretching from British limestones through to Italian marbles.

The finished projects cover everything from the dramatic to the understated, but all have one thing in common, the designer or architects’ skill in choosing the perfect stone for the desired application.

= Find out more =

=== Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki ===

* 2016 Natural Stone Awards.
* Conservation.
* Defects in stonework.
* Lime mortar.
* Natural stone cladding
* Patio stone
* Pattern staining and soiling in stonework.

[[Category:Products_/_components]]

User:Stone Federation Great Britain

2017-06-07T15:20:00Z

Stone Federation Great Britain:

[[File:Stonefederationlogolong.jpg]]

Stone Federation is the official trade association for the natural stone industry and provides architects, designers, specifiers, clients and the wider construction industry with a comprehensive source point for all thing stone.

With over 100 years’ experience and a membership made up of both the most well established and widely respected names in the industry, alongside the most innovative and creative of natural stone firms, we are well placed to resource you.

We can help you from project conception right through to the end and beyond, covering everything from stone selection through to finding a stone professional and from technical advice through to training.

[[Surface_Design_Show_2017|Read our interview with Designing Buildings Wiki here.]]

File:Stonefederationlogolong.jpg

2017-06-07T15:18:15Z

Stone Federation Great Britain: