Resource Library

Dimension Stone Design Manual DSDM All Chapters Locked secured document

The Dimension Stone Design Manual is the stone industry’s single-source reference for dimension stone design and construction facts and details. The 2022 edition includes major revisions regarding natural stone installation and new Horizontal Installations and Vertical Installations chapters. It also includes newly created and consistently formatted drawings and graphics. New graphics explain coursed ashlar, split-face stone, and dry-stack detailing. Expanded anchorage graphics showcase additional anchor types currently in use. Graphics have also been updated to include continuous insulation components and thermal separations where necessary. All new graphics are compliant with ASHRAE codes. Also included are descriptions and technical data of individual natural stone varieties; general installation guidelines; guidelines and typical detailing for horizontal surfaces, vertical surfaces, countertops, wet areas, and furniture; and maintenance of exterior and interior stone installations. 521 pages; 25 chapters; 80 drawings/graphics Click here to purchase a hardcopy of the Dimension Stone Design Manual 2022.

May 1, 2022

Dimension Stone Design Manual DSDM Chapter 02 - Standards & Specifications Locked secured document

This chapter includes a comprehensive resume of the standardization bodies that have authored standards or test methods applicable to dimension stone. Contact information for the various standardization authorities is included. Note that the actual standards are copyrighted materials of the authoring organization, and are not included in this section. This chapter is taken from the 2022 Dimension Stone Design Manual (DSDM). Click here to purchase a hardcopy of the Dimension Stone Design Manual 2022.

May 1, 2022

Dimension Stone Design Manual DSDM Chapter 04 - Stone Testing Locked secured document

The extent and variety of ASTM test methods applicable to natural dimension stone users can be intimidating to the new user. This chapter explains which tests are applicable to specific application types, what design data can be obtained from each test method, and what units of measure are normally used to quantify the results. Also included is a brief description of the actual test method and apparatuses involved, as well as an explanation of the test specimens required. This chapter is taken from the 2022 Dimension Stone Design Manual (DSDM). Click here to purchase a hardcopy of the Dimension Stone Design Manual 2022.

May 1, 2022

Dimension Stone Design Manual DSDM Chapter 21 - Restoration and Maintenance Locked secured document

The Restoration & Maintenance chapter covers topics most pertinent to those in the restoration business, including equipment, repairs, and troubleshooting, restorative processes, sealers, and working with commercial and historic buildings. Also included are over 100 photos, providing visual aids for many of the topics highlighted in the Troubleshooting section. This chapter is taken from the 2022 Dimension Stone Design Manual (DSDM). Click here to purchase a hardcopy of the Dimension Stone Design Manual 2022.

May 1, 2022

Dimension Stone Design Manual DSDM Chapter 22 - Tolerances Locked secured document

Tolerances: the allowable limit of deviation from a specified, or designed value. In some cases, like the machining of critical machine parts, that allowable deviation may be so small that it is measured in micro-inches or microns. While the stone industry does not have tolerances requiring this level of precision, there exists critical dimensions that directly affect visual appearance and structural integrity of stone installations. This chapter is taken from the 2022 Dimension Stone Design Manual (DSDM). Click here to purchase a hardcopy of the Dimension Stone Design Manual 2022.

May 1, 2022

Tolerances in the Dimension Stone Industry Locked secured document

There are a variety of sources from which stone fabrication and installation tolerances can be obtained. This document was cross-referenced with tolerances published by a variety of organizations. While most of the published tolerances are in agreement or exhibit only slight differences, some conflicts may exist between this document and those published by other organizations.

September 1, 2014

Book-matched Marble Expectations Locked secured document

We recently installed a book-matched marble feature wall. We think it’s beautiful, but the architect is threatening rejection because the book-matched veins don’t meet exactly together. Is there any documentation that explains that this is to be expected?

March 1, 2021

Terrazzo Chip Variation Locked secured document

We are supplying a project with a large quantity of terrazzo tiles, and the owner is complaining of slight color and shading variation in them. Because the tiles are made of marble chips, is there a publication from the Natural Stone Institute that would stipulate the allowable variation in the marble chips?

March 1, 2021

Qualified Labor Specification Language

Specifying Accredited Contractors for your stonework reduces liability and ensures a quality installation. In this document, you will find recommended language to fit into the Quality Assurance sequences of the following sections: • 04 42 00 Exterior Stone Cladding • 04 43 13 Stone Masonry Veneer • 04 43 16 Masonry Stone Fabrications • 09 30 33 Stone Tiling • 09 63 40 Stone Masonry Flooring • 09 75 00 Interior Stone Facing • 12 36 40 Stone Countertops • 32 00 00 Stone Exterior Improvements (Paving, Curbs, Walls)

December 15, 2020

Sample Preparation for Absorption Testing Locked secured document

We are sending samples for absorption testing. Since the stones will be sealed in the final installation, we’re assuming that the test pieces need to be sealed in the same manner. Is this correct?

March 2, 2020

Stone Properties Fail to Meet Standard Locked secured document

We’re reviewing data on a limestone for a project that we designed. Our specification calls for a Class II limestone, and it appears that this stone falls short of that. Does that mean that we’ll have problems with it in the future? Should we reject it?

September 1, 2019

Voids in Flooring Bond Locked secured document

I’m trying to make sense of the requirement for flooring bonding that’s listed in the Dimension Stone Design Manual. It says no voids larger than 4 in² for ¾” material. Is that four square inches, or 4 inches by 4 inches? How do you measure it? A void won’t be rectangular, so I can’t just measure the edges.

March 1, 2019

Stone Evaluation beyond ASTM Standards Locked secured document

We just had testing completed on one of the granites that we import, and some of the values do not meet the table in ASTM C615. Does this mean that architects won’t accept it, or is there some leeway in the numbers?

September 1, 2018

Accreditation Site Visit and Audit Locked secured document

We are starting the process of getting our company accredited. The site visit has us a little concerned. What are the most common causes for failing this portion of the accreditation? We would like to be as prepared as possible.

May 1, 2018

Why Not Fasten the Stone Anchors Directly to the Studs and Eliminate the Track? Locked secured document

I’m looking at Detail #2 on Page 15-D-2 of the Dimension Stone Design Manual. It seems to me that the horizontal track mounted to the face of the studs is superfluous. Why can I not simply fasten the stone anchors directly to the studs and eliminate the track?

September 1, 2017

The Need for Testing Stone Before and Throughout the Project Locked secured document

Q: We are supplying limestone to a project for which there is a requirement to provide testing prior to supply and also to test during the course of the job. We submitted the initial testing, but we’re afraid that if the next tests results come in lower than the initial, they might use that as grounds to reject the material. Is there a precedent for this?

July 1, 2017

Adhered/Thin Veneer Moisture Control Details

Masonry Technology Incorporated comprehensive illustrated details offers wall details for managing moisture in thin stone exterior walls. Where are weeps appropriate? How does the rainscreen work with the flashing details? What about windows? MTI offers these details and many more.

February 22, 2017

Traditional/Full Stone Moisture Details

Masonry Technology Incorporated comprehensive illustrated details offers wall details for managing moisture in traditional stone exterior walls. Where are weeps appropriate? How does the rainscreen work with the flashing details? What about windows? MTI offers these details and many more.

February 22, 2017

Calculating Thinset Coverage Area Locked secured document

We recently had a stone consultant, retained by the owner, review our installation of a stone flooring. He removed several pieces, and then measured the voids in the bedding with a tape measure and determined that we were just under the required 80% coverage. Is this an accurate way to measure the voids? These voids are not rectangular in shape, so it would seem that measuring length by width would artificially inflate the void area.

September 1, 2016

Installing Insulation with Cladding Locked secured document

It seems that more and more frequently on exterior cladding jobs, stone installers are having to install the insulation. We’re not insulators – why does this get dumped on our trade?

September 1, 2016

Anchor Slot Width Locked secured document

We are supplying a small project of anchored veneer, and the customer is requesting a 2 mm wide anchor slot to receive a 1 mm thick stainless strap. This seems extremely tight to us. We think it should be at least 3 mm to allow for some forgiveness.

November 1, 2015

Sink Cutout Squareness Tolerance Locked secured document

We recently installed a kitchen countertop with a rectangular sink cutout for an undermount sink. The customer is complaining that the sink cutout is out of square. Our field tech went back to the site and checked it, and he reports that it is just slightly less than 1/16” out of square. Is there a rule for how accurate these need to be to be acceptable?

November 1, 2015

Rodding Granite Countertops Locked secured document

In 2000, the Marble Institute of America (MIA) had laboratory tests conducted to determine the conditions under which rodding granite countertops may be beneficial. This information was first published in April 2000 and later incorporated into the MIA’s Dimension Stone Design Manual, VI.

September 8, 2015

Improper Membrane Application – Water Accumulation on Exterior Floor Locked secured document

We’re are installing stone tile on an exterior balcony. The existing concrete deck is not sloped. The waterproofing contractor is placing a membrane directly over the existing, non-sloping slab, and we have been asked to create the draining slope with the mortar bed and tile. Is this acceptable? We normally see the slope occurring beneath the waterproof membrane.

May 1, 2014

Setting Bed Slope for Exterior Balcony Locked secured document

We’re are installing stone tile on an exterior balcony. The existing concrete deck is not sloped. The waterproofing contractor is placing a membrane directly over the existing, non-sloping slab, and we have been asked to create the draining slope with the mortar bed and tile. Is this acceptable? We normally see the slope occurring beneath the waterproof membrane.

May 1, 2014

Disagreement Over Seam Placement Locked secured document

We just installed a countertop for a very picky customer. We told her there would be a seam in a long length of countertop with a sink cutout in it, and she agreed to that. Now she’s complaining because we located the seam in the center of the sink, saying that it would be less noticeable in a different location. The sink centerline seems to be the most logical location to us – is there a document that says what we did is the correct way?

January 1, 2014

What is the Difference Between Heads and Calibrated Edges? Locked secured document

I’m looking at the tolerances section in the Granite Chapter of the Marble Institute’s Dimension Stone Design Manual version 7.2. What is meant by “Heads/Calibrated Edges”?

November 1, 2013

Necessary Revision for Installing with Thinset Locked secured document

I’m having trouble interpreting the language in the Dimension Stone Design Manual (DSDM) Chapter 14 where it talks about voids in thinset. It says, “95% contact with no voids exceeding 2 in² and no voids within 2" of tile corners.” Does 2 in² mean “two square inches,” or does it mean “two inches square” which would be 4 square inches? And why do we need all the language about how big the individual voids can be – can’t we just clarify a percentage of contact and leave it simple?

September 1, 2013

Voids in Thinset, Percent Coverage Locked secured document

I’m having trouble interpreting the language in the Dimension Stone Design Manual (DSDM) Chapter 14 where it talks about voids in thinset. It says “95% contact with no voids exceeding 2 in² and no voids within 2" of tile corners”. Does 2 in² mean “two square inches”, or does it mean “two inches square” which would be 4 square inches? And why do we need all the language about how big the individual voids can be – can’t we just clarify a percentage of contact and leave it simple?

September 1, 2013

Radius Corner, Customer Communication Locked secured document

We recently installed some kitchen tops for a customer. As is our standard, we cut a radius at the corners around the breakfast bar. We do this on all of our jobs, because we feel it is less vulnerable to chipping than a sharp, 90° corner, and we also feel it looks better. The customer is now complaining that she wanted a 90° corner without the radius, even though we clearly showed this on a drawing that she approved prior to fabrication. Is there a document that says that this is a preferred condition over the sharp, 90° corner?

May 1, 2013

Questionable Reinforcement Locked secured document

We’ve been asked to rout out the bottoms of a granite overhang at an outdoor kitchen and epoxy in a 3" x 3/8" strip of steel to reinforce the stone. We’re nervous about routing out so much of the stone in that we think it could make it more fragile – has this been done before?

January 1, 2013

Standard for Finishing the Underside of Slabs Locked secured document

We supplied overhanging bar tops for a residence, and the interior designer is insisting that we should have finished the underside of the stone slabs. Is this a requirement in the standards?

November 1, 2012

Standards for Mesh Reinforcement of Stone Locked secured document

Is there a standard for the application of fiberglass mesh reinforcement on the backs of slabs? Is it a polyester or epoxy that is used to attach it?

October 1, 2012

What are Proper Materials to Fill Stone Seams? Locked secured document

Does the MIA recommend epoxy or polyester resin for countertop seams? We normally use polyester, but we currently have a customer insisting that we use epoxy because he says it’s stronger.

September 1, 2012

Tight Joints: Is There a Tolerance? Locked secured document

We are having difficulty getting an architect to accept our work on a floor with tight joints. We say there should be a tolerance. She says there is no tolerance because tight means tight and nothing else will comply.

August 1, 2012

What is the Proper Sizing for an Eased Edge? Locked secured document

We specified stone pavers for the interior of our project. Our specification, which is largely taken from a boiler plate spec that we use for most projects, reads, “all stone units to have an eased edge.” The supplied pavers are nearly sharp, with a barely detectable blunting of the edge. The contractor says that this is the industry standard for eased. We thought the term “eased” implied a much larger chamfer, something in the range of at least 1/16”. Which is correct?

March 1, 2012

Accreditation Audit: Things You Need to Know Locked secured document

We are in the process of pursuing Natural Stone Institute Accreditation as a Commercial Contractor. One of the things that we are concerned about is the site inspection. What is the level of scrutiny for this inspection, and how can we best prepare for it? What are the most common things causing an applicant to fail the inspection?

December 1, 2011

Bookmatch and Diamond Match Veneer Patterns Locked secured document

We’re supplying an interior wall project with book matched veins. The architect is rejecting our material because the book matches are not perfect mirror images of each other. But that is normal when book matching slabs. Is there something that explains that this should be expected?

October 1, 2011

Placing Seams Over a Dishwasher in a Countertop Application Locked secured document

In the Dimension Stone Design Manual, there is a graphic that says that seams over dishwashers are not recommended. What is wrong with placing a seam over a dishwasher?

April 1, 2011

Blunts vs. Sharp Edge: What’s the Standard? Locked secured document

We recently installed some tile and wainscot on a project, and the interior designer is balking at the fact that we didn’t blunt the sharp edges of the stones. We typically don’t, unless specifically asked up front. She says it is standard.

March 1, 2011

How to Detail Stone at Relief Angle Locked secured document

We’re in the shop drawing phase of an anchored veneer job. We’re trying to use a detail of a simple shelf angle, but the architect is insisting that we cut notches in the stones, like the details in the Design Manual on page 15-D-6. I can’t see how this makes the shelf angle any stronger, it only makes the stone more fragile, and I predict we’ll break many of the pieces in handling them.

March 1, 2011

Dimension Stone vs. Dimensional Stone Locked secured document

I’ve seen publications referring to “dimension stone,” and “dimensional stone.” Which is correct: or are they interchangeable?

February 1, 2011

Guidelines for a Shower Seat Locked secured document

Is there a table or guide that tells us how long a shower seat can span for 2 or 3 cm stone?

December 1, 2010

Mitered Corners on Countertop Locked secured document

On page 17-D-3 of the Design Manual, it says that mitered corners are not recommended. We do these all the time – what’s wrong with it?

October 1, 2010

Adhered Natural Stone Veneer Installation Guide Locked secured document

Most natural stone is inherently durable, but there are many types and varieties of natural stone and not all are suggested for exterior use. For best results, use materials that have shown a history of successful resistance to weather conditions in your area. Check with your material supplier and request certification that your natural stone veneer materials are appropriate for the weathering conditions in your area.

June 1, 2010

Proper Layout for Flooring Underlayment Locked secured document

I’m looking at several details in the Tile Council of North America’s Installation Handbook, for instance F149 and F152, where the graphic shows the underlayment spliced between the joists. Wouldn’t the standard practice be to splice these directly over the joists to gain more rigidity? Are these graphics in error?

March 1, 2010

Technical Q & A | Interior | Residential | Flooring/Paving | Craftsmanship

How to Check for Level or Sloped Surfaces Locked secured document

As an architect, when doing punch lists, I frequently check for level and/or reverse slopes on stone features such as mantels or tub surrounds by means of a steel ball. If the steel ball doesn’t roll, I consider the surface to be level. On a surface that should be sloped, I use the ball to verify that the slope is in the right direction. A contractor recently questioned me about sensitivity of that test method, suggesting that it was too unforgiving, and that the surface would have to be perfectly level to prevent the ball from rolling. Is there a published value for how much a polished stone surface must be sloped to cause the ball to roll?

January 1, 2010

Countertop Rodding with Epoxy Locked secured document

We’ve had a number of instances with corrosion in existing rodded countertops installed several years ago. We’ve bedded them in a 2-part polyester, and despite being fully covered by the glue, they still rusted. Should we have only used stainless steel for rods?

December 1, 2009

Stud Framing Requirements for Stone Cladding Locked secured document

I’m considering using a detail similar to Detail 2 on page 15-D-2 in the MIA’s Dimension Stone Design Manual. Why must the studs be 16 gauge? Can I use a lighter gauge in a deeper section to get the required stiffness? And why is there a track running horizontally over the studs? Can’t I just fasten directly to the studs?

December 1, 2009

Anchoring Sinks to Stone Countertops Locked secured document

I am curious why the Dimension Stone Design Manual doesn’t include any cautionary statement about anchoring sinks to the underside of 2 cm countertops. I don’t think these stones are strong enough to carry the sink; sinks under 2 cm countertops should always be carried by the cabinet frame in my opinion.

October 1, 2009

Templating Countertops Locked secured document

Is there any MIA document clarifying that it’s acceptable practice to template from existing countertops?

October 1, 2009

Eased or Chamfer Edge on Stone Countertops Locked secured document

I have a question about stone manufacturing standards – we just had vanity tops installed in 198 high-end hotel guest bathrooms, and the edges have no bevels on them. I thought a beveled edge was an industry standard.

July 1, 2009

Vertical Limit for Adhered Stone Locked secured document

Why does the MIA have a 15 ft. vertical limit to adhered stone installation? Does stone get heavier if the wall gets higher? If a stone falls off from 15 ft., isn’t that still as much of a safety hazard as one falling from higher?

May 1, 2009

Specifications Outlining Processes for Stone Finishing Locked secured document

I’m looking through the Design Manual trying to find a description of the processes used to create various finishes and I’m not finding them. Where are these defined?

April 1, 2009

Exterior Cladding Joint Width Locked secured document

We are installing an exterior marble façade using butt tight joints. We are at a loss as far as how to seal the joints. Can you recommend a sealer for tight joints exterior adhered marble?

March 1, 2009

MIA Tolerance for Bows or Curvature in a Slab Locked secured document

We’ve got an installed slab of Persian Brown with a bow in it. It measures 108 inches long, and has about 1/8" deflection in the center. Does this meet industry specs?

March 1, 2009

Rodding of Countertops Locked secured document

We have a question about rodding of countertops. Are we required to use stainless steel for this detail, or can we use mild steel?

March 1, 2009

Setting Thin Stone Tile with “Corner Dots” Locked secured document

We’re having a travertine floor installed over a concrete substrate, and the subcontractor is installing it with five globs of mortar, one at each corner and one in the center of each tile. He says this is the standard way of doing it. The tiles are only about 5/8” thick – we think they should have more support.

February 1, 2009

Stone Countertop Joint Requirements Locked secured document

I recently had granite countertops installed in my kitchen, and purchased a copy of your countertop installation guide to help me evaluate the quality of the work. Would you be able to clarify for me your standard “10.6 Joints at Materials Transition”? It states that visible joints between the stone units and other materials (e.g., cabinetry, gypsum wall board) shall be 1/8" nominal. Do you apply this same standard to ends of granite countertops leading up to appliances (e.g., ovens and refrigerators), seeing that they too create joints at materials transition? The joint between my countertop and refrigerator is larger than 1/8”, and I think it should be fixed.

February 1, 2009

Swirl Marks, Hone, Machine Gauged Locked secured document

Our firm designed a granite clad project in China, with the granite cladding product having been fabricated in China. The honed finish on the panels has numerous “swirl” marks visible in the finish. We’ve discussed this with the fabricator, and they tell us this is a common characteristic of honed finish and therefore acceptable.

October 1, 2008

Anchor Slot Failure & Ettringite Formation Locked secured document

We were called back to a project that we supplied a couple of years ago. It’s a simple base course, and most of the anchor slots are blown out. I can’t believe the loads are high enough on these anchors to fail the slots. I suspected they may have hit the panels with snow removal equipment, but the problem seems to be more prevalent at the top edge of the panels where the snow removal equipment wouldn’t hit it. Any ideas what might have caused it?

September 1, 2008

Allowable Lippage for Cleft Slate Locked secured document

What is the maximum tolerance for variation from a true plane in a cleft finish slate? And what is the maximum allowable lippage after it is installed?

June 1, 2008

Floor Deflection and Bending Stone Locked secured document

I read your column in last month’s newsletter, but something doesn’t make sense to me in the deflection question. You stated that “A given deflection in a short span actually creates a sharper curvature in the floor than the same deflection in a longer span.” Aren’t deflections always worse in longer spans?

March 1, 2008

Countertop Seam Width and Tolerance Locked secured document

I was wondering if you could tell me if there is an industry standard for the width of seams in granite countertops, and the acceptable variation from that width?

January 1, 2008

Indiana Limestone Institute Handbook 22nd Edition

The primary tool for use by Architects and Engineers in designing Indiana Limestone as cut stone. Includes details, specifications, treatment recommendations, anchor types and styles, wind load, tolerance and other charts and graphs.

January 1, 2007

Countertop Overhang Uniformity Locked secured document

Q. What is the tolerance for uniformity of overhangs of stone countertops?

September 1, 2005

How to Build a Dry Wall with No Mortar Locked secured document

A handsome natural stone retaining wall adds beauty and vanue to both commercial and residential property. It is true that an experienced "stone wall installer" can readily build the "perfect" stone wall and it will last forever. But the building of the stone wall is a project that can also be undertaken by a homeowner - with great success. There are two types of retaining walls. One, a dry wall where the stones are stacked and no mortar is used. The second is a stone wall, using mortar and a foundation.

January 1, 1996

How to Build a Stone Wall with Mortar Locked secured document

There are two types of retaining walls. One, a dry wall where the stones are stacked and no mortar is used. The second is a stone wall, using mortar and a foundation. Learn how to build your retaining wall using mortar and a foundation.

January 1, 1996

Build a Garden Retaining Wall Without Mortar Locked secured document

A handsome natural stone retaining wall adds beauty and value to both commercial and residential property. It is true that an experienced "stone wall builder" can readily build the "perfect" "stone wall - and it will last forever. But the building of the stone wall is a project that can also be under-taken by a do-it-yourselfer without the mess and expense of mortar or concrete - with relative ease and great success.

January 1, 1995

Dry Construction Locked secured document

Building a patio with natural flagstone is an easy way to add to your home's usefulness, appearance and resale value. The satisfaction of doing the job yourself is extremely rewarding and it is economical as well.

January 1, 1983

Exterior Planters Locked secured document

Exterior planters are nothing more than small retaining walls to hold earth for planting purposes. Two different types of planter walls can be built; namely, wet and dry construction.

January 1, 1983

Interior Stonework Locked secured document

Stonework used on the interior of a home adds beauty, warmth and character to any decor. There are many ways in which stone can be incorporated inside your home. A few possibilities are shown here. Use your imagination to design a unit which will fill your particular needs and "custom" fit your setting. There are many different types, textures and colors of stone that can be used for interiors. Your stone dealer will help you select something suitable to your needs.

January 1, 1983

Simple Barbecue Unit Locked secured document

Even a beginner at do-it-yourself projects can build this simple, good-looking barbecue if one warning is heeded - PLAN AHEAD.

January 1, 1983

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