Technical

How to specify cast stone

1. Standards
   Ensure that the cast stone is produced to BS1217 or, better still, the higher standard adopted by UKCSA members.
   
   
2. Choose the right supplier
   Choosing an UKCSA Member is your guarantee of quality. Involve the supplier as early as possible to discuss the best solution and save time and money.
   
   
3. Identifying materials
   Consider which of the 3 manufacturing processes to choose semi-dry, wet cast or fibre reinforced, the size of units, compressive strength and permeability requirements, whether reinforcements or fixings are needed, colour, texture and finish.
   
   
4. Provisional budget
   Where cost is not the primary concern, the versatility of cast stone comes into its own. Bespoke units can be made to your exact specification.
   
   Where cost is the primary concern consider using standard elements and repetition. Also consider simplifying the detail, reducing the size of the elements and omitting reinforcement if possible.
   
   
5. Design and detailing
   Consider the slenderness ratio, the prevention of moisture penetration, the prevention of staining, and things to avoid. Full details can be found in the UKCSA technical manual.