Demax Information Sheet for Stonework

Dear Client

We have produced this information sheet to answer frequently asked questions and explain certain phenomena that occur with Stone. Stone is a natural material and therefore it needs to be understood that we cannot be responsible for and will not replace components that have natural faults neither can natural faults and inclusions be reason to withhold payments.

When purchasing stone it must be appreciated that these materials are in most cases over 300 million years old. They are from parts of the world that are constantly on the move due to earthquakes and volcanic eruptions etc.  Therefore in a developing quarry, considerable variation may occur in the colouration and veining of the stone extracted.  Each piece or type of stone is unique and each type of stone has different characteristics and no two pieces can ever be exactly the same. This is born out by the fact some stone even has the fossilized remains of animals, fish or shells present in it.

Granite, Marble, Slate and Limestone are sold throughout the world as being inherently unsound and this can vary from hair line vents in some cases to extensive brecciations in others. It is quite commonplace to cramp or fill these materials in order to strengthen, make good or reinforce. Such repairs should therefore be regarded as normal and not treated as a defect. Marble, Slate and Stone are porous materials, even when the surface is polished great care and respect should be administered as acidic products such as, cigarettes, cola, fruit juice and wine etc can stain or remove the polish from the material.  Granite is an exception and is not easily marked or damaged.

Although we make every effort to match components in both grain and colour not all components can be cut from the same sheet therefore colour variations are inevitable and small faults unavoidable. York stone could have a stain seam running through it, Portland stone is usually consistent. Marble does have great colour differences and is a stone that is susceptible to fault lines, the higher the surface finish of the stone the more the imperfections will show and trying to rectifying them will exaggerate this even more even so occasionally it is necessary to apply small quantities of matching filler. Should you so wish you are more than welcome to inspect your reserved stone at our suppliers prior to placing your order.

FINISHES
Most stones are porous and should have a protective coat applied ASAP; please note this is not allowed for within our quotation as it should be applied after completion of the staircase and after all other trades have finished. We do not recommend stone with a highly polished finish as this could dangerous when used with wet feet or with certain types of footwear and DEMAX will not be held responsible for any damage or injury sustained in any way by polishing being insisted upon. We would recommend a honed finish with a safety strip or grooving on the leading edge of the tread.

PROTECTION TO GOODS
All goods are wrapped for protection in transit only, no allowance has been made to protect goods once site fixed and we will not be held responsible for damage to goods once they have been fixed. The two most reported reasons for damage are, dust and grit getting under the protective material  and  chips due to carelessness. Once fixed the stonework must be checked and signed off by an approved person with comments noted, in the refusal or absence of that person the client/contractor must accept the quality as acceptable.

Finally please satisfy yourself that your chosen stone is suitable for staircases, sometimes clients will allow appearance to outweigh practicality.