Educating your builder/remodeler customers on stone installations

[Huligar]

by Arthur Mintie, CSI
May 3, 2007

With the use of stone floor applications on the rise in residential remodeling, it is important that installers learn the proper techniques and methods for successful installations


Despite continually reading about the projected downturn in new home starts, the remodeling sector appears to be maintaining its strength. In the floor covering sector, residential remodeling with natural stone has outpaced all other options in terms of annual growth rate for three consecutive years — becoming increasingly more important as distributors, contractors and dealers key in on the much larger profit margins that stone offers. As the stone sector continues to grow, builders and remodelers are being asked to install these finishes in more applications than the usual bath, kitchen backsplash or countertop. It is imperative to the stone industry that remodelers, and even new builders, are educated on the proper techniques and methods for successful installations. If this takes place, all of us grow exponentially.

Due to the increased use of stone in homes, builders have had to adjust the way that their homes and structures are designed and built beneath the stone application. Traditionally, it has been taken for granted that the structure beneath the stone areas could be the same construct that is beneath the hardwood, resilient or carpeted areas. With the increase in popularity in large-format stone and longer spans for larger rooms, failures can occur if the structures are not designed properly. Usually, builders rely on their in-house design team, architects or even the lumber and framing supply houses to provide them with the plans and designs for the construction of their homes. While this may be suitable for most of the areas that receive the common flooring types (carpet and wood), the areas that receive stone must be designed to a more rigid standard.