PRACTICAL COUNCILS FOR ARCHITECTS AND INTERIER DIZAINERS

Work with natural and technical stone opens up a number of creative possibilities for designers and architects from timeless worktops to exclusive walls, staircases and tiles.But at the same time it is a material that requires a technically sophisticated design.

1. Know material limits before design

Not every stone has the same characteristics. In the initial proposal, it is important to take into account:

  • the particular type and appearance of the material,
  • precise plate format (dimension),
  • the real usable area of the plate is slightly smaller due to the cut  (calculated with reserve),
  • drawing and direction of the pattern | especially when supplying plates, bookmatch or mirroring veins, connection of patterns requires additional material – we recommend to take into account in the calculation
  • the joints and cuts, the location of which is crucial for both aesthetics and stability,
  • handling and assembly of large plates have restrictions on the importation into the space (e.g. lift, staircase),
  • The weight of the 12 mm thickness plate weighs about 30-35 kg/m2.

2. Radius, cut-outs, details, technique determines design

Even the most beautiful designs can run into material limits.
Here they are. Basic technical ruleswhich each architect should know:

  1. Inner corners of cut-outs:
    Minimum radius R = 5 mm, recommended R ≥ 10 mm (prevention of tension).

  2. Material thicknesses for worktops:
    • 12 mm = minimalist appearance but more fragile
    • 20 mm = higher strength, standard
    • 30 mm = robust solutions or massive effect

  3. Connections between boards:
    Minimum joint 2 mm (always glued, not dry!)
    If you connect two plates at an angle (e.g. L-ko): double gluing and support

    Overlays/ Consoles without support:
    • max. 30 cm at 20 mm material,
    • above this limit a hidden console or reinforcement is required.

  4. Cut-outs:
    When designing cut-outs, for example for battery, dispenser, sink or hob, we recommend providing min. 50 mm between cut-outs and min. 50 mm from the edge of the plate.

3. Take into account the background and construction

Architectural design should communicate with what will be under the stone. Remember:

  • Enter mounting rails in drawings (support below the plate)
  • Do not plan full top plates on cabinets under stone
  • Work with a real weight of stone, e.g. 20 mm plate weighs about 50-60 kg/m2

Consoles, nostrils and hidden reinforcements plan for design!

4. Distribution of large areas, dilation, connections

Large surfaces of technical stone or ceramic boards shall be separated by a dilatation – either by a visible joint or at least by a flexible sealant.

  • Dilatation from the wall: min. 2 mm
  • Connections on the working board: we recommend consulting according to the drawing and orientation of the pattern

Completely avoid solid binding of stone to structures without moving.

5. Involve us in the design of - not only in the case of a problem

The most common errors arise when the proposal is finished without technical consultation.
Our company offers:

  • Technical advice already in the design phase
  • Inspection of drawings and optimization of solutions
  • Consultation of specific brands (Inalco, Laminam, Technicone, Silestone, Decton…)
  • Professional focus and project management

Basic information on the dimensions, thicknesses and important technical details to be taken into account at the proposal stage.

INALCO

  • Standard plate size: 3200 × 1600 mm
  • Available thickness: 4 mm, 6 mm, 12 mm, exceptionally 20 mm
  • Technology: iTOP (for worktops), iSLAB (for tiles/walls)
  • Typical uses: kitchen and bathroom plates, walls, floors, furniture tiles

The pattern and drawing is often pulled over the whole plate of – it is advisable to plan the connections and cuts in advance.

DEKTON (Cosentino)

  • Standard plate size: 3240 × 1440 mm (size format), smaller formats are also available
  • Available thickness: 4 mm, 8 mm, 12 mm, 20 mm, 30 mm
  • Typical uses: worktops, floors, walls, facades, exterior

High mechanical resistance and color stability also in the exterior. When designing, count with a significant drawing of some decors and their orientation.

SILESTONE (Cosentino)

  • Standard plate size: 3060 × 1400 mm (both available and Jumbo format)

  • Available thickness: 12 mm, 20 mm, 30 mm

  • Material: hybrid quark with antibacterial protection (HybriQ+ technology)

  • Typical uses: kitchen plates, bathrooms, vertical tiles

Less designed for bookmatches or power drawings – are more homogeneous, elegant surfaces with a fine pattern.

LAMINAM

  • Standard dimensions of plates: 3240 × 1620 mm, 3000 × 1000 mm, 1000 × 1000 mm

  • Available thickness:3+ mm, 5 +mm, 12 mm, 20 mm

  • Typical uses: wall tiles, facades, furniture applications, worktops

Laminam has several collections with different finishes (mat, shine, soft-touch). Drawing and direction of material are very important for designs with multiple boards.

Good design of stone is not only about appearance.It is about the balance between aesthetics, technology and craft.
Ak design respects physical and technical limits of material, project delivery is smooth and the result impressive.

Are you planning a project with a stone?
Send us a design or visualization "We will be happy to help you fine-tune technical solutions.

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