METHOD STATEMENT STONE FIXING · FLOOR / STAIRS / WALL / CLADDING

published on
Arshavtar.in by Er. Kuljit Singh
REVIEWED BY
SIGNATURE
DESIGNATION
DATE
PREPARED BY
SIGNATURE
DESIGNATION
DATE
1. STONE FIXING – SCOPE OF WORK
1.1 Scope Of Work

Fixing of natural stones (granite, marble, sandstone, limestone, slate) for flooring, staircases (treads/risers), wall cladding (interior/exterior), kitchen counters, and facade cladding – both wet fixing (with mortar/adhesive) and dry cladding using stainless steel clamps / anchor systems.

1.2 Reference Standards

IS 14223 (polished building stones), ASTM C1242 (exterior stone cladding), manufacturer specifications for anchors.

🪨 STONE TYPES & RECOMMENDED THICKNESS
ApplicationCommon Stone TypesThickness (mm)Finish
FlooringGranite, Marble, Sandstone18–20 mm (light traffic), 25–30 mm (heavy)Polished, Honed, Leather
Staircase (treads)Granite, Marble25–30 mm (with nosing)Polished, Flamed
Stair risersMarble, Granite18–20 mmPolished
Kitchen counterGranite, Quartzite20–30 mm (with underlay)Polished, High gloss
Interior wall cladding (wet)Marble, Travertine, Slate18–20 mmHoned, Brushed
Exterior cladding (dry / clamp)Granite, Sandstone30–40 mm (reinforced if needed)Flamed, Bush hammered
Facade / curtain wall (dry)Granite, Limestone40–50 mm (with anchor slots)Flamed, Sandblasted

Thickness may vary with stone type and span between anchors.

🔧 FIXING METHODS – WET (MORTAR/ADHESIVE) vs DRY (CLAMP)
Comparison & application
ParameterWet fixing (cement / adhesive)Dry cladding (mechanical anchors)
Fixing medium1:3 cement mortar or epoxy adhesiveStainless steel clamps, dowels, undercut anchors
Stone thickness18–30 mm≥30 mm (typically 40–50 mm)
VentilationNo cavityVentilated cavity (20–50 mm) behind stone
Ideal forInterior floors, walls, low-height claddingHigh-rise facades, exterior walls, sun-exposed areas
Movement accommodationLimitedExcellent (thermal expansion)
Load transferAdhesive/mortar bondAnchors to structure
Typical spacing of anchors–600–800 mm both ways, per design

Dry cladding using clamps: Stainless steel clamps (visible or concealed) fixed to the structure; stones are hung using slots/cutouts. Allows replacement of individual stones.

📦 MATERIAL CONSUMPTION (per 10m²)
MethodMaterialQuantity (10m²)Remarks
Wet fixing (floor/wall)Cement (mortar 1:3)2.5–3.5 bags (125–175 kg)for 25–30 mm bed
Sand0.30–0.40 m³coarse sand
Stone adhesive (if used)8–12 kg (epoxy/polymer)spot fixing
Dry cladding (exterior)Stainless steel clamps30–50 nos. (depending on layout)grade SS304/316
Anchor bolts / expansion bolts30–50 setsM8–M12 size
Grout / sealantJoint filler (silicone/ epoxy)1–2 tubesfor joints & expansion gaps

Add 5% wastage for stones; clamp spacing as per structural calculation.

5. STONE FIXING PROCEDURES
5.1 Floor Stone Laying
  • Prepare base (concrete slab) – level, clean.
  • Apply 20–30 mm cement mortar (1:3) or epoxy adhesive.
  • Lay stone, level with rubber mallet, maintain 2–3 mm joints.
  • Grout after 48 hours, polish if required.
5.2 Staircase Treads & Risers
  • Fix treads (25–30 mm thick) with cement mortar or epoxy; provide nosing projection 20–25 mm.
  • Risers (18–20 mm) fixed with adhesive or mortar; ensure vertical alignment.
  • Use non-slip inserts if required.
5.3 Kitchen Counter / Vanity
  • Provide plywood/cement board underlay (18 mm) for support.
  • Apply silicone or epoxy adhesive; place stone, align edges.
  • Cutouts for sink/cooktop reinforced.
5.4 Interior Wall Cladding (wet)
  • Apply cement slurry or adhesive on wall and stone back.
  • For heavy stones, use stainless steel pins or wire ties for support.
  • Maintain joint width 3–5 mm; grout after setting.
5.5 Exterior Dry Cladding (clamps/anchors)
  • Install stainless steel clamps/undercut anchors on structural wall at designed grid (typically 600x600 mm).
  • Hang stone panels (pre-cut with slots) onto clamps; adjust for alignment using leveling screws.
  • Maintain 20–50 mm cavity for ventilation & drainage.
  • Fill vertical/horizontal joints with sealant or leave open as per design.

Clamp types: Dowel pins, hidden anchors, visible clip angles. SS304/316 grade essential for corrosion resistance.

⏱️ LABOUR OUTPUT – STONE FIXING
ActivitySkilled mason + 1 helperRemarks
Floor stone (granite/marble) – wet8–12 m²includes mortar bed & fixing
Staircase treads + risers6–10 m (linear tread length)cutting & fitting complex
Kitchen counter installation3–5 running meterssink cutout extra
Interior wall cladding (wet)5–8 m²vertical work slower
Exterior dry cladding (clamp system)4–7 m²anchor installation & stone hanging

Output depends on stone size, weight, and complexity of anchor layout.

☀️ EXTERIOR CLADDING – OPEN TO SUN
Design considerations
  • Use flamed or textured finish to reduce glare and hide dust.
  • Provide expansion joints every 4–5 m vertically/horizontally.
  • Ensure cavity for air circulation – prevents thermal stress.
  • Anchors must be stainless steel (grade 304 minimum) for longevity.
Clamp details for sun-exposed walls
  • Two-piece adjustable clamps allow movement due to thermal expansion.
  • Stone thickness ≥40 mm for wind load resistance.
  • Joint sealant: high-performance silicone (UV resistant).

TOOLBOX TALK RECORDS

Date:
MSRA
Name
Signature
Date
Toolbox talk carried out by:
A completed copy must be sent to the EM TS EHS Manager.

Er. Kuljit Singh · Arshavtar.in