Natural stone is a timeless, durable, and character-rich material. Because every stone is formed by nature, no two pieces are exactly the same. Proper installation and ongoing care are essential to ensure the best visual result and long-term performance.
This page provides general guidance for installation, use, and maintenance of natural stone products for both indoor and outdoor applications. It is intended as practical information, not a substitute for professional installation advice. Installation methods must always comply with local building regulations and manufacturer guidelines.
Table of Contents
Before Installation: What to Know
Storage & Inspection
- Store natural stone indoors or fully protected from rain, moisture, wind, and frost immediately after delivery.
- Before installation, inspect all tiles or slabs for visible damage.
- Minor imperfections or damaged pieces can often be used for cutting or edge pieces.
- Once installed, claims regarding colour, texture, or surface variation are no longer possible.
Natural Variation
Natural stone varies in:
- Colour and tone
- Veining and structure
- Surface texture
To achieve the most balanced result:
- Many of our products are already blended and pre-mixed within each crate or box (for example, small-format pool mosaics).
- For products where variation is more visible between pieces, we still recommend dry-laying and checking across multiple boxes/crates before final placement, to ensure the most natural overall flow of colour and pattern.
This natural variation is a defining feature of stone and contributes to its authentic appearance. Your installer can advise the best approach depending on the specific product and format.
Clean Working Conditions
- Ensure a clean, dust-free subfloor before installation.
- Use only clean sand and materials free from iron, organic matter, or debris, as contaminants can cause staining.
- Cigarette butts, leaves, animal waste, or metal residues can permanently stain light-coloured stones.
Dimensions, Tolerances & Expectations
Natural stone is shaped by nature, not machines. Subtle variations in colour, texture, and structure are part of its beauty and ensure that every installation is truly unique. For this reason, slight differences in tone, texture, and dimensions are normal and should be embraced as part of the material’s character.
You may encounter:
- Minor dimensional tolerances in length, width, or thickness
- Slight edge irregularities, depending on finish
- Visible tooling marks or surface patterns caused by the finishing process
Some stone types (such as slate or quartzite) are never perfectly flat or straight and require:
- Slightly wider joints
- Skilled installation to accommodate natural variation
These characteristics are normal and do not affect durability.
Professional Installation Is Essential
Natural stone is a premium, long-term material. To do it justice, we strongly recommend installation by experienced professionals who understand the specific requirements of each stone type.
Key reasons:
- Stone reacts differently to moisture, adhesives, and temperature
- Incorrect installation can lead to warping, staining, or bonding issues
- The installer must assess the substrate, environment, and intended use
Natural stone should always be installed using methods appropriate for:
- Stone type
- Thickness
- Indoor or outdoor use
- Load and foot traffic
Mechanical Fixing (Dry Hanging Systems)
For certain wall cladding applications, natural stone may require a mechanical fixing system rather than adhesive bonding.
Mechanical fixing systems (often referred to as “dry hanging”) secure the stone to a structural metal framework instead of bonding it directly to the substrate.
This method may be required when:
- The stone panels are large-format or heavy
- Installation height is significant
- Additional structural security is required
- Project specifications mandate mechanical fixing
Mechanical systems provide:
- High structural security through physical fixation
- Reduced risk of alkali staining from cement contact
- Improved suitability for high-rise or seismic applications
The choice between adhesive fixing and mechanical fixing must always be determined by qualified engineers or façade specialists based on project conditions.
After Installation: Drying & First Use
Drying Period
Natural stone requires time to dry after installation. We recommend allowing the stone to dry sufficiently before final joint filling, as trapped moisture may cause staining if it cannot properly evaporate.
- Sealing or waxing too early can trap moisture beneath the surface
- Trapped moisture may cause white haze, stains, or discolouration
- Drying times vary depending on installation method and conditions
General guidance:
- Drying times vary depending on installation method and site conditions. In some cases, several weeks may be required for full stabilisation.
- Avoid covering the surface with non-breathable materials
- Ensure good ventilation during this period
Colour Changes
Temporary colour changes caused by moisture absorption and drying are normal with natural stone. These typically stabilize once the stone has fully dried.
Underfloor Heating (Indoor Use)
While underfloor heating is not essential in many warm regions, it is sometimes used in cooler climates, air-conditioned interiors, or international projects. In these cases, natural stone performs exceptionally well, efficiently transferring heat and enhancing overall indoor comfort.
Some stones and installations are more sensitive to thermal movement, so project-specific advice is recommended
Important guidelines:
- Before activating underfloor heating for the first time, ensure that all adhesive and grout systems have fully cured according to manufacturer specifications.
- Heating should be increased gradually
- Follow the instructions of the heating system installer
Before sealing or impregnating:
- Switch off heating at least 24 hours in advance
- Ensure the floor has completely cooled
Outdoor Installation: Key Principles
Solid Foundation
A stable foundation is critical for outdoor applications.
General principles:
- The weaker the subsoil, the stronger the foundation must be
- Foundations typically consist of multiple compacted layers
- Heavier loads (such as driveways) require thicker, stronger foundations
Drainage & Slope
- All outdoor stone surfaces must allow water to drain
- A minimum slope of 1.5% away from buildings is recommended
- Proper drainage prevents frost damage and long-term issues
Expansion Joints
- Larger surfaces require expansion joints to absorb movement
- Expansion joints help prevent cracking due to temperature changes
- At walls or fixed structures, allow space for movement
Edge Restraints
Outdoor stone must always be properly restrained at the edges:
- This prevents shifting or spreading over time
- Restraints can be stone, concrete, or structural borders
Placement Materials (Sand & Mortar)
Use clean bedding materials to reduce the risk of staining, especially on lighter stones.
For lighter-coloured stones (such as travertine and certain limestones), trass-based mortar is often recommended, as it can help reduce staining or efflorescence caused by cement contact.
Joints (Spacing & Protection)
Joints serve both an aesthetic and structural purpose. They act as a flexible buffer between stones, helping absorb minor movement and reducing the risk of edge damage under load.
The ideal joint width depends on the stone type and surface finish: more textured or irregular materials typically require wider joints.
Swimming Pool Applications: Special Considerations
Swimming pools require additional technical preparation beyond standard indoor or outdoor installations. Because the stone is permanently exposed to water, pressure, and pool chemicals, correct installation is essential for long-term performance.
Substrate & Waterproofing
Before tiling begins:
- The concrete structure must be fully cured and dry.
- A professional waterproofing system must be properly applied and fully cured.
- The pool structure should be tested for watertightness before tile installation.
Only once the structure is confirmed watertight should tiling proceed.
Adhesives & Grouting
For swimming pool applications, only adhesives and grout systems specifically designed for submerged use should be applied.
These systems must:
- Be resistant to constant water pressure
- Withstand chlorine and standard pool chemicals
- Prevent water circulation behind the tiles and between the stone and concrete shell.
Uncontrolled water movement may dissolve lime from the concrete structure, which can lead to staining, deposits, or long-term structural concerns.
Using non-specialised materials may result in long-term structural or aesthetic issues.
Joint widths of approximately 2–3 mm are typically recommended for pool installations, depending on the stone type and format.
Sealing in Pool Environments
In general, sealing is not required for most swimming pool applications. Only highly porous materials may benefit from sealing. Please note that some sealers may alter the natural appearance of the stone by deepening colour or adding sheen.
If sealing is being considered, project-specific advice is recommended.
Filling & First Use
After installation and grouting, sufficient curing time must be allowed before filling the pool with water. The exact timeframe depends on the adhesive and grout system used, as well as weather conditions.
Your installer should confirm when the pool is ready to be filled.
Ongoing Pool Maintenance
Natural stone used in swimming pools does not require special treatment beyond proper pool care. However, maintaining correct water chemistry is essential. Sun exposure, rainfall, evaporation, and normal pool use can all shift water balance over time, even if the pool isn’t being actively used.
- Maintain pool water pH between 7.2 and 7.8.
- Test pH levels at least once per week.
- Clean surfaces regularly to prevent calcium buildup.
- Monitor chemical balance to protect grout and maintain the appearance of the stone.
Proper pool maintenance helps ensure the long-term beauty and durability of the installation.
Cleaning & Maintenance: General Guidelines
During the first weeks after installation, clean the surface using only fresh water. Avoid soaps or cleaning agents until the installation has fully stabilised and cured.
Natural stone requires thoughtful care. Following these general guidelines helps maintain its appearance and long-term performance.
What to Use
- Use pH-neutral, stone-safe cleaners. For limestone floors, a mild soft soap is often recommended.
- Clean regularly with minimal water
- Remove spills promptly
What to Avoid
Never use:
- Acidic cleaners
- Vinegar or limescale removers
- Chlorine or bleach
- Aggressive all-purpose cleaners
These products can permanently damage natural stone.
Sealing & Protection
Some stone types may benefit from impregnation after full drying. Impregnation can improve stain resistance but does not make stone maintenance-free.
Outdoor paving typically does not require sealing. However, impregnation may be considered for highly porous materials or specific project requirements.
Dense stones absorb very little and should only be treated by professionals.
Outdoor Maintenance & Winter Care
In most warm climates, outdoor natural stone requires only routine cleaning. However, in regions that experience colder seasons, frost, or snow, additional seasonal care may be required.
- Periodic deep cleaning may be required after winter
- Avoid de-icing salts, as their effect on natural stone is unpredictable
- Use stone-safe anti-slip grit instead
- Be aware that hard grit can scratch softer stone surfaces
A Final Note
Natural stone is a natural material shaped over millions of years. With proper installation and sensible maintenance, it can age beautifully and last for decades. Because project conditions vary, this guide provides general information only and should not be treated as project-specific technical advice. Installation methods must always be determined by the professional installer in accordance with the stone type, site conditions, applicable local regulations, and relevant product or manufacturer guidelines. If you have specific questions about a particular stone or application, we are happy to advise or connect you with experienced specialists.