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THE NEW STONE AGE When opting for natural stone within a project, it is vital that you select a


material that not only looks good but is suitable for the overall job. Leigh Price, Managing Director at Real Stone & Tile, discusses the importance of specifying the correct natural stone for commercial environments.


SPECIFYING THE STONE Choosing the stone is usually the exciting part of a flooring project but, with so many different types to select from, it usually comes down to which is the most visually attractive, rather than which would work best for the job. Always think realistically when picking the stone and get a second opinion from the installer, retailer or manufacturer.


As mentioned, natural stone can be porous and, when used within commercial environments, it can be difficult finding the right one. It is important to choose one that has a high density and this can be found in darker shades, such as greys and browns. Steer away from chalk whites and creams as these are often the most porous and are subject to staining from regular footfall.


German and Portuguese limestone can be great for commercial projects as they are less porous and have denser properties. For example, Jura Grey and Beige Limestone is used within the main concourse at Liverpool John Lennon Airport as this stone works well in high footfall areas. In 2015, the airport welcomed a staggering four million passengers which simply highlights how well this flooring can perform.


PREPARATION As the popular saying goes ‘preparation is key’, and it really is when it comes to the longevity of floors. It is advisable and good practice to seek recommendations from adhesive manufacturers before considering which adhesive is used to fit the stone. Most will suggest that an anti-fracture membrane should be applied to the substrate which will ensure that any movement or vibration in the floor is prevented from affecting the stone.


Always ask for one of the manufacturer’s reps to visit the site and draft a specification schedule so that everything is planned accordingly.


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GROUT In commercial settings, grout maintenance can be a popular concern and, when planning the tile pattern, keep in mind how much grout will be


used. By opting for tighter grout joints, it reduces the upkeep while large format tiles will cover more of the area and minimise the amount of grout need.


In addition, grey or dark shades of grout are advisable as they show less dirt and staining. It also helps to maintain a fresh look and ensures the space looks clean which is important for the overall appearance of the surroundings.


PROTECTION Like all commercial flooring, a protective sealant is necessary especially when you consider the amount of traffic that will be passing over it.


When it comes to natural stone, you must preserve its delicate features and prevent any staining or discolouration, and also help towards the ease of maintenance. One main purpose of sealant is that it can help fill in the little pores found within natural stone, ensuring that liquids and dirt don’t penetrate the surface and ruin the appearance.


There are many different types of sealants on the market, such as colour enhancers or ones that leave a glossy finish. Whichever you choose, make sure the right number of coats is applied so that you preserve the stone.


Usually, a dense stone would require two or three coats of sealant; however, something less dense would need around five or six. After a while, depending on how much footfall the flooring is exposed to, further coats may be needed.


As a whole, natural stone can work extremely well in commercial settings. Be sure to consider stone in a darker shade and, when it is prepared, installed and cared for correctly; it can give a wonderful luxurious finish to any environment.


www.realstoneandtile.co.uk NATURAL MATERIALS | 45


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