FAQ’s
1.
What are Designer Thin Stone Panels?
Using new Patented equipment Designer Stone Panels are panels made up of a front layer of thinly cut
stone, adhered to backings which are engineered using the most modern patented technology to
create an extremely strong stone faced structure. They are made by cutting natural stone blocks as thin
as 3mm. Depending on the type of stone and the use the backings can be Aluminum Polymer composite,
Fibreglass, honeycomb, PVB. The result is a natural stone panel that is stronger and lighter than
traditional slabs of the same stone.
2.
What are the uses?
The Designer Stone Panels can be made for a variety of uses. There are different backings for some of
the uses.
Travertine and Marbles can be 8mm (3mm stone with 5mm aluminum polymer backing) These are used
for bath/shower surrounds, wall panels, elevators and ceilings. Used in residential and commercial
projects.
Translucent stone 8mm (3mm stone + backing) is adhered to either PVB (5mm) or Tempered Glass. PVB
is used for wall panels and tempered glass is used for flooring. LED lighting (remote controlled, multi
coloured) is available for these products. Used in high end homes and commercial projects.
Granite can be 8mm (7mm stone 1 mm fibreglass) This has applications for bath/shower surrounds,
walls and backsplash. Panels have a maximum size of 48" x 96". Used in residential and commercial
projects.
Any stone can be adhered to Aluminum honeycomb. This backing can be ordered in a variety of
thickness. This is used for Exterior Panels which are primarily commercial, as well as for restaurant table
tops, countertops/bar tops and furniture.
Travertine, Marble, Granite can be adhered to ceramic back for floor tiles. Floor tiles can be ordered to
match any Designer Thin Stone panel. Floor tiles can be ordered as large as 24 x 48.
3.
Are they stronger than 3cm slabs?
The designer stone panels are many times stronger than the same stone in a 3cm slab, with the
aluminum polymer and the PVB backing they are only 1/8th the weight.
4. Since the panel back is smooth do I need to rough the surface?
No, the panels have been designed to not require any surface alterations. All that is needed is a
clean and dry surface for recommended adhesives to work properly.
5. Have the products been tested by an internationally recognized testing company.
Yes, they have been SGS tested. SGS testing is equal to ASTM testing, both are recognized in Canada and
the USA as accredited testing facilities.
6. Will these panels ever come apart or separate?
Since the panels patented adhesives are the same as used by the aerospace industry, it has been proven
not to delaminate.
7. Will the panels ever rust?
No. All the backings are rust proof.
8. If the stone is porous (for example travertine) will moisture seep through the panel?
No. Our panels have been SGS internationally tested and are water resistant. Water cannot penetrate
the backing which is an aluminium alloy or fibreglass.
9. Because the backer is metal, do I need to worry about condensation?
No. As per the SGS standards for temperature transfer test, the panels act as an insulator and do not
promote condensation.
10. Will water ever get through the recessed soap boxes?
During installation all soap compartments with need to be sealed with a silicon adhesive. There are
many on the market.
11. Are the seams water proof?
During installation all seams should be waterproofed with the proper sealant adhesives.
12. Are the designer panels manufactured to be 90 degree angles?
Yes. We have portable tools to allow for a 45 degree angle to be cut allowing more applications.
13.
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What are the Installer/Contractor benefits?
They are a new product to North America
Light weight, easier on the installers
The designer panels are pre-cut in the most commonly used sizes, minimizing waste
No shop time, in most cases the designer panels can be cut onsite with portable tools
Has many options for accessories
The panels are light weight and easy to transport, reducing damage
Installation is quick, usually same day
14. What are the consumer benefits of the designer stone panels?
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No grout
Easy to clean and maintain
Natural stone it is extremely durable
Full panels (vs tiling) show the beauty of the natural stone
It is customizable with many applications such as showers, tub surrounds, feature walls,
wainscoting, fireplaces, ceilings, backsplash, elevators etc.
It is quick to install; a same day installation
The luxurious look is both attractive in residential and commercial applications.
What are the benefits in commercial projects?
No grout - grout cleaning is an expense to hotels
multiple new stone uses for designers i.e. floors, ceiling, walls and elevators etc?
easier and quicker installs
translucent stone panels with or without lighting for bars, lobbies, lighted columns and feature
walls
Custom book-matching, for all thin stone, flooring, walls etc.
16. Are the Designer Stone Panels an environmentally friendly product?
Yes. They are much more environmentally friendly than solid slabs:
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The production requires less water and energy consumption
There is less raw material used
Shipping requires less packaging materials
There are less emissions during production
Three times more product fits in a container reducing shipping
17. What colours are available in Designer Thin Stone panels with the aluminum polymer
backing?
We have standard colours that can be ordered in smaller quantities so an order can have a more variety.
Travertine: Silver, Red, Gold, Ivory, White, Noce, Walnut
Marble: Carrara, Dark Emperador, Light Emperador , Teakwood Grey, Rainforest Green
Note* any colour can be ordered but there will be a minimum order and it will depend on availability.
18. What are standard sizes?
The most common sizes for showers and tub surrounds are:
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32" x 72"
60" x 72"
36" x 96"
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48" x 96"
60" x 96"
With custom orders, sizes can be as large as 60" x 108" and even larger in some stones.
19. Is it possible to get book-matched panels?
Yes. While all stone has some variations, this modern technique for cutting the stone as thin as 3mm
ensures book-matching and colour consistency unmatched in the industry.
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What accessories are available with the Designer panels?
Soap dishes: 6" and 10"
Shampoo box inserts
Pencil trim and rectangular trim
Matching mosaics
Vanity tops to match designer panels
Tiles that match the Designer Thin Stone. They are adhered to a ceramic backing for easy
installation sizes up to 24" x 48".
21. How do you clean the panels?
Once installation is completed, acetone can be used to remove any residue. For regular maintenance
hot water and a sponge . As this is real stone you can use your favorite stone care products on the
market.
22. Ordering Info:
It takes approx 8 - 10 weeks from time from order to arrival at Vancouver Port. Please keep in mind
that Customs can delay release of product by a few days and trucking can also take time.
23. Do you manufacture Shower Pans to match your Designer Thin Stone
Yes, we can manufacture shower pans as per your drawings.
24. Are custom orders available? Do they take longer?
Yes but most special orders may require a longer lead time and there maybe depending on the stone
colour a larger minimum order required.
25. How much do the pallets weigh?
Pallets are kept under 5000 lbs .
26. How many Designer Thin Stone panels fit in a pallet? How many pallets fit in a Container?
Depending on the size of the panels 35 - 50 panels fit in a pallet. A panel weighs approx. 3.5 lbs per sq.
ft. Pallets must be under 5000 lbs.
6 pallets of panels fit in a container, plus trim and smaller items which can be top loaded.