Natural Stone Building Materials: An Introduction for Students

This course is part of Natural Stone Institute’s Building Stone Materials Kit, which has been specifically designed to be incorporated into the Building Materials course curriculum within Architecture, Interior Design, and Landscape Architecture programs. The goal of these kits is to raise student awareness for the benefits and uses of natural stone that will influence their recognition of natural stone as a superior building material.

Natural Stone Principles

This one-hour course is your introduction to using natural stone as a building material. By reviewing the fundamentals of its formation and mineral composition, you will gain confidence in specifying this versatile material.  Let us open your eyes to the endless possibilities for these beautiful, durable and valued natural stones.

Why Choose Natural Stone?

With so many building materials on the market, why continue to choose genuine natural stone for your projects? This course covers the inherent durability of natural stone, its performance ability in commercial and residential applications, and technological advancements that are keeping natural stone at the forefront of design trends.

Achieving Green Building Goals with Natural Stone

Natural stone is nearly complete as a building material in its natural state and has proven its durability over the centuries. Combine these attributes with knowledge that the industry has committed to lowering impacts, being socially responsible, and aligning with green building programs. Most design teams already agree that natural stone is inherently a great solution for projects with green building goals. This session will elaborate on why and show you where to find the documentation needed to check more boxes than you might have realized were possible with natural stone.

Natural Stone Thin Veneer: The Basics

This course is designed to provide a basic understanding of a relatively new application (thin veneer) of a classic product (natural stone). Learn how this product is produced, common application techniques and opportunities, and best uses for different types of this unique material.

Natural Stone Countertops: Considerations for Marble, Granite, Quartzite and Soapstone

This one-hour course will demonstrate how natural stone applications can add beauty, character, and value to any living space. By communicating the proper expectations for performance and maintenance requirements, the consumer will gain a better understanding and appreciation for using natural stone in their kitchens and bathrooms.

Natural Stone vs. Manmade Materials: Exterior Applications

Natural stone has been the premier building material of choice throughout history, thanks to its durability and timeless aesthetic. Inherently beautiful and versatile, it’s no wonder that manmade materials aim to replicate its attributes, appearance and ultimately its desirability.  This course will compare the versatility, performance characteristics, and green building considerations for both natural stone and manmade materials. Understanding these key points will prepare you with knowledge for design concepts, applications and how to educate the consumer.  Styles change from season to season, but mother nature creates unique designs in natural stone that are historically innovative and always on trend. 

Natural Stone vs Manmade Materials: Interior Applications

Natural stone has been the premier building material of choice throughout history, thanks to its durability and timeless aesthetic. Inherently beautiful and versatile, it’s no wonder that manmade materials aim to replicate its attributes, appearance and ultimately its desirability. 

This course will compare the versatility, performance characteristics, and green building considerations for both natural stone and manmade materials. Understanding these key points will prepare you with knowledge for design concepts, applications and how to educate the consumer. 

Styles change from season to season, but mother nature creates unique designs in natural stone that are historically innovative and always on trend.

The Art of Specifying Natural Stone

There are many factors to consider when specifying materials for a project. Use this course to get the resources you need to help ensure the stone you choose meets the standards and design intent set for your application.

Why Specify Certified Stone | How the Natural Dimension Stone Sustainability Standard can Assist Green Building Projects

Learn how the products certified to the Natural Stone Sustainability Standard can help your project achieve its sustainability goals. This course covers the importance of life cycle analysis, chain of custody standards, and other green building components.

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Using Natural Stone to Lower Your Project’s Embodied Carbon

Thanks to a recently published set of industry-wide EPDs for natural stone products, we now know that it has a low global warming potential (GWP). There are many parts of todays interior, exterior, and landscape projects that can easily substitute natural stone for higher embodied carbon materials. Our panel of architects and landscape architects share why and how, siting recent project case studies.

Geology of Natural Stone I- Introduction to Natural Stone

The geological makeup of stone is a major determining factor when specifying materials.  This course will provide a geological overview of stone.  Participants will learn about the history of stone, geological attributes to consider when specifying material, and how to verify stone classifications. 

"Stick with Me": Selecting and Applying Adhesives for Natural Stone

If you’ve been in the industry for decades, you remember a time when the use of adhesives for stone attachments was a forbidden practice. The development of modern, high-tech, high-performance adhesives has changed that considerably. Adhesive attachment, either by itself or in combination with mechanical anchorage, is a common and highly successful means of securing stone elements as well as completing cosmetic and/or structural repairs. This success does not occur, however, without a thorough understanding of the properties, capabilities, and limitations of the adhesive being used. An appropriate product must be selected, and careful attention must be paid to the storage, handling, surface prep, mixing, and application to ensure satisfactory results. This presentation will address many of the questions commonly asked regarding the use of adhesives with natural stone.

"Doing the Heavy Lifting:" Design, Anchorage, and Installation of Heavy Cubic Stone Elements

Our modern world has managed to make nearly everything thinner and lighter, from the coat of paint on your car to the thickness of the bags at your local grocer. The same is true in the stone industry where we are using thinner than traditional sections in the majority of applications, however there are exceptions. For historic, perspective, vocal statement, or performance reasons, we still see the occasional “cubic” and “ultra-cubic” stone project. Many of today’s craftworkers are familiar only with the more common thinner stone elements, and as such are unaware of the methods, techniques, and challenges unique to the use of heavy, cubic sections of stone. This presentation will discuss many of the differences required in fabrication, attachments, and handling of these “-monstersize” natural stone elements.

"Exposed!:" Environmental Exposures that Create Special Selection Concerns for Natural Stone

Natural stone is used in a myriad of environmental exposures.  When properly selected and designed, natural stone will perform in some of the harshest exposure conditions encountered. However, the anticipated exposure may trigger the need for additional consideration, evaluation, and testing.  Environments that include elements such as freeze/thaw cycling, extreme heat, rapid thermal cycling, salt atmosphere, deicing salts, acid rain, heavy traffic (vehicular and/or pedestrian), immersion, pool or fountain chemicals, excessive dynamic building movement and/or vibration, seismic activity, extreme  wind loading (hurricane), pollutants, exhaust, or vandalism/graffiti need to be identified prior to selection and design to ensure that an appropriate stone and related systems are selected to ensure satisfactory long-term performance.  This webinar will discuss what measures need to be taken for a variety of exposure conditions.

The Chemistry of Adhesives

This presentation will compare the many adhesive chemistries used in the stone fabrication and restoration industry, including epoxy, polyester, and acrylic. Newer chemistries including polypoxy, urethanes, and urethane hybrid systems will also be covered.  The presentation will focus on the comparative properties of these chemistries, and will highlight the pros and cons of each.  We will also discuss some of the “Do’s and Don’ts” when using these adhesives.

The Science of Sealing: What to Know, What to Use, and Why

Join us for a webinar on the science behind stone and tile types and the compatibility of different sealers and their overall performance. Different stones have different densities, porosities, mineralogy, and various finishes that exaggerate these differences. Learn which sealer types to use based on how they are marketed and made for optimum sealing performance; water-based vs. solvent-based; what sealers do and don’t do, and when they should be used. A discussion of how to avoid common grout haze staining issues and how to save time and money in the process by pre-sealing or using a grout release for certain tiles and stones will be key points of discussion and demonstration.

Right Tools for the Job (Blades and Glues)

What is the best blade for cutting marble, quartzite, or other stones? Are pre-mixed color cartridge adhesives better than mixing by eye? What other tools should be considered? This session will cover the selection process for shop and installation tools and chemicals. Come away with a plan to select the right tool for the job every time.

ASTM Standards and Stone Testing

Join Natural Stone Institute Technical Director Chuck Muehlbauer for an overview of ASTM standards and stone testing requirements for projects in the United States. Learn the requirements of performance placed on stone at the time of installation and in the future, and how these standards serve as benchmarks for quality limits of products.

Stone Testing: Attachments

Attachment of stone units is accomplished by either mechanical anchorage or adhesive bonding, or in some situations a hybrid system using both methodologies. Test methods exist to proof both mechanical and adhesive systems. Given the vast variety of products and designs available to accomplish attachment, the test methods tend to be less standardized than physical property testing methods to allow for customization of the method per the specific parameters of the project components. This session will uncover the mysteries of the ASTM C1354 (Individual Stone Anchorages), ASTM C1201 (Full Panel Stone), and the newly published ASTM C1823 (Shear Bond of Adhered Stone) test methods. Attention will be focused on how the methods are customized to address specific and unique situations.

Stone Testing: Accelerated Weathering

One of the increasingly common requests in stone properties is that of its resistance to freeze/thaw cycling. Historically, stone product performance evaluations were done via research of existing exemplar projects using the same stone in similar climatic exposures. However, this is not feasible when evaluating products that are relatively new to the marketplace. Development of a standardized method for accelerated weathering testing of stone has been a research topic within ASTM and other committees for decades. This session will provide the background of the research completed, a summary of the current research being conducted, and an overview of what type of testing is currently being implemented in the absence of a published, consensus-based protocol.

ANSI Dynamic Coefficient of Friction Test for Natural Stone Surfaces

Public walking surfaces carry a unique level of liability. With the 2014 withdrawal of test method ASTM C1028, stone suppliers and specifiers do not have a test method available to document the safety of their surfaces. The Natural Stone Institute technical department has recently completed a comprehensive study using the ANSI A137 DCOF test method, which was written for ceramic products. The results are encouraging, suggesting that this test method may be equally applicable to stone products.  Attend this session to learn how the issue of slip/fall liabilities could be addressed by adoption of this test method.

Stone Tolerance & Quality Control

When installing construction components such as natural stone, tolerances are key—nothing in construction is exact. The challenge then is to define that limit that differentiates between “close enough” and “not close enough,” which are referred to as “within tolerance” and “outside of tolerance.” Documented, consensus tolerances within the industry define those limits, and unnecessary discussion and arguments can be avoided just by ensuring that all project participants are aware of the published tolerances of the industry.

Joinery in Natural Stone Applications

Joints, or as called in some sectors of the industry, “seams,” are a necessary element in natural stone installation.  Limitations in stock availability and fabrication machinery create practical limits on piece sizes, while the need to accommodate dynamic building movements and thermal expansions requires interruptions in the finish layers.  Placement of these joints, sizing of the joints, and treatment of the joints must be properly designed and executed to prevent failures ranging from minor to catastrophic.  This webinar will guide the designer, fabricator, and installer in better management of stone panel discontinuities to achieve the desired performance over the service life of the project.

Petrography in Natural Stone

Of the various tests and analyses performed on dimension stone, perhaps the least understood and most underutilized is petrographic analysis. Commonly done in accordance with the ASTM C1721 Standard Guide for Petrographic Examination of Dimension Stone procedure, petrographic analyses yield valuable insights into the mineralogical composition, fabric structure, pore configuration, and other information about the stone matrix. From these discoveries, prediction about the stone’s capabilities and vulnerabilities, particularly with respect to weather resistance, can be made. This session provides a thorough description of the steps and processes involved, including the test specimen selection and preparation, macroscopic and microscopic examinations, and x-ray diffraction. The session will wrap up with a discussion of how to interpret the petrographer’s report and what commonly found features in natural stone may represent “red flags” for certain application environments.

Working with Your Fabricator: Setting Expectation for Residential Stone Applications

Have you ever specified a building material and had an unexpected outcome after installation? Join us as we discuss setting expectations when specifying natural stone for residential use. During this session, we will discuss how to select the right material for applications, what should be included in stone specifications and when to ask your fabricator for help. Come away with a better understanding of how to select natural stone for your next residential application.

Effects of Deicing Chemicals in Natural stone

Commonly fielded questions by the NSI’s technical staff include numerous queries regarding the selection of deicing chemicals for use on natural stone, particularly limestone. Building maintenance personnel are routinely attempting to achieve a balance between providing safe walking surfaces for occupants while minimizing potential damage to stone surfaces due to the application of deicing chemicals. A recently completed research study performed by the NSI Technical Department has yielded some valuable insight regarding the degradation of limestone products when subjected to a variety of deicing chemicals. The chemicals included in the study cover a spectrum of chlorides and acetates representing a rather wide range of costs and effects. The stone test specimens were subjected to repeated wet/dry cycling and freeze/thaw cycling, in addition to the chemical exposure. This webinar topic is purposely presented just in time for the onset of winter snow and ice season in many of our northern regions.

Advanced Anchorage Systems

Many choices exist for the anchorage of natural stone units. While experienced design professionals understand the factors that influence their selections, those factors may not be obvious to all.  This session will discuss specific exterior anchorage devices and illuminate the intrinsic features unique to them that makes them a favorable choice in some applications, yet an unfavorable candidate in another. Focus will also be provided on the importance of proper installation of these same devices.

Creating Shop Drawings

Shop drawings are a great communication tool that can clarify details of a project to clients, production employees, and installation crews. During this session, we will discuss key components of shop drawings, how to create them, and how to fabricate stone to meet specifications. Come away with a better knowledge of these documents and a plan for how to use them to create a successful installation.

Stone Exterior Wall Cladding: Best Practices and Techniques

This session will discuss several varieties of exterior cladding systems and explain the minimum skills and experience that should be secured before venturing into each type of work. Come away from this session with a plan for researching and writing specifications to meet industry standards.

Exterior Adhered Stone Veneer

Many contractors and design professionals have preferences for either adhered or anchored methods of applying stone veneer, but the decision shouldn’t be based on preference.  Project details, structural support, anticipated loading, stone variety, and even local climate often provide a more objective answer as to whether adhesive or anchored methods are more appropriate. This session will discuss the code mandated and industry recommended parameters that should be evaluated to determine the system to use, and the components included in that system.

Using Stone in Wet Areas

Stone selection is an excited process for members of the design community, as well as stone professionals.  When it comes to using stone in an area defined as a “wet exposure” application, such as showers, there are some key elements you will want to be aware of. This session will provide some of the properties to be evaluated to ensure success when installing stone in wet areas, as well as some of the proven installation methods. We will also discuss common mistakes that can lead to premature failure of these applications.

Virtual Quarry Tour: Vetter Stone

This one-hour virtual experience will feature an active limestone quarry and allow you to see the stone in its original environment. Discover the history of the Vetter Stone quarry, the geological components of the stone, and what makes it unique to this site. Stone professionals will provide technical information concerning stone installation, and you will discover creative applications and opportunities with a designer. Join us and connect with nature’s oldest building material!

Virtual Quarry Tour-Stony Creek

This one-hour virtual experience will feature an active granite quarry and allow you to see the stone in its original environment. Discover the history of the quarry in Branford, CT, the geological components of the stone, and what makes it unique to this site. Stone professionals will provide technical information concerning stone installation, and you will discover creative applications and opportunities with a designer. Join us and connect with nature’s oldest building material!

Natural Stone Seaming Demonstration

This session covers three specific types of seams (Gluing Miters: Face Down with Clamps, Gluing Miters: Face Up with Tape, Deck Seams & Butt Joints). Learn how to perform each specific seam and answer related questions to each technique. Review basic color matching theory and seam finishing and gain a better understanding of how to utilize each seam on the jobsite.  

There’s Something About Quartzite

Quartzite is a beautiful building material.  With that beauty comes unique fabrication and installation techniques. Join the Natural Stone Institute and Stone World magazine as we discuss the world of geological quartzite.  During the session, we will discuss the geology, fabrication, and installation practices that provide the best product application of this material. We will also review how to set expectations with customers to ensure successful installation and a happy client.  Come away with a plan to maximize the value of quartzite to both your company and the customer.

Stone Testing: Accelerated Weathering 2

As the second webinar dedicated to this topic, this session will explain that with the absence of a published ASTM test method for accelerated weathering of dimension stone, leading researchers and laboratories in the country have created some consensus with respect to the methodology and protocols appropriate for this procedure. Different synthesized exposures appropriate for different application environments will be explained in detail. Methods for tracking and assessment of strength loss, mass loss, and surface degradation during exposure will be discussed and demonstrated. Guidance on the interpretation of the results will provide valuable insight in applying those results to your specific project.