Installation

Most of the detailed work has already been completed in our workshop prior to arriving onsite.  However, plumbing and tap ware holes will be drilled onsite on the day of installation and self rimming sinks, cooktop and ranges cutouts are cut after the new tops are installed to prevent unnecessary breakages.  Our tradesmen will do their best to minimize the mess involved and leave the project site in broom condition but please keep in mind that there will be some residual dust. 
 

PRIOR TO INSTALLATION

Marble is a natural product, variations in colour and veining must be expected. CAIRNS MARBLE AUSTRALIA PTY LTD shall not be liable for any such variations that may occur in materials supplied.

Prior to laying any tiles – 
1. Inspect the tiles for any defects 
2. Check that the tiles delivered to site are the correct quantity, colour, shade and size as ordered 
3. Ensure that there are enough tiles on site for the project. If not order some more from the same batch before work commences.

CAIRNS MARBLE AUSTRALIA PTY LTD strongly recommends that only experienced tilers/stonemasons lay natural stone. Inexperience with natural stone can result in damage to the material

DURING INSTALLATION

Mix the tiles from several boxes to ensure blending of any inherent shade variation.

All natural stone must be laid using specialized stone/marble adhesives. Products not made for natural stone installation will affect the resulting finish. Always clean any adhesive, grout and wax from the surface area of stone.
Adhesives/sand or cement with salt content will re-act with some natural stone and should not be used for stone applications.

-          Natural Stone should not be cleaned with acid or acid based industrial cleaners.

-          During the laying process, adhesives and grout must be cleaned off stone immediately and at all times.

FOLLOWING INSTALLATION

Natural stone is porous. All stone must be sealed using appropriate sealants, ensuring manufacturers warranty and instructions are carefully read and followed. Sealing your stone is a vital part of the installation process. Different natural stones require different sealers. The ASAA, Australian Stone Advisory Association provides a ‘Sealing & Maintaining Natural Stone’ guide via their website www.asaa.com.au as well as a comprehensive sealant product guide by supplier for 2015.

General process of installation - Lay, clean, seal, grout, clean and seal again (recommended for most natural stone)

It is essential that the appropriate sealer for the application is selected and applied correctly, according to manufacturer specifications. Sealers may last around 10-15 years. However, depending on surface usage and traffic, we suggest close inspection of the natural stone to see if re sealing is required every 3-5 years.