StoneDimensions

Last week, the MIA and Stone World held 2 successful installation seminars in California. Both were well attended and well received. Here is a recap of the topics covered and some pictures from the events:

Daltile's Danny MacNair highlights several points about selecting the right stone during the first phase of the MIA/Stone World Installer Seminars.

He really pushed several key points:
- with each finish option available, know the pros and cons
- understand that any backing on a stone will influence the materials needed for the install -know the stone's absorption rate if the stone is being used in a wet area
- the selection of larger format or mixed stones will impact installation techniques
- presealing light color stones may be necessary when considering the pigments from the grout used

He concluded his section of the seminar by stressing the need to discuss installation techniques and care/maintenance issues during the stone selection process.

Mike Micalizzi (Custom Building Products) led the second section of the seminars. He focused on a number of fundamentals, as well as best practices and problem resolution. A number of take aways further showcased the value of this seminar:

- substrates must be sound, true and smooth
- importance of rigid L/720
- value of a high performance mortar
- use of rapid set mortars for some stone types
- give your stone a break (eg expansion joints)

He fielded many questions and kept the attendees engaged. MIA vice president Jim Hieb said, "it is great to watch a speaker gain immediate respect, based on their vast knowledge and connection with an audience ---- Mike did a great job today."

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Daltile's Danny MacNair highlights several points about selecting the right stone at the San Leandro MIA/Stone World Installer Seminar.

He really pushed several key points:
- with each finish option available, know the pros and cons
- understand that any backing on a stone will influence the materials needed for the install -know the stone's absorption rate if the stone is being used in a wet area
- the selection of larger format or mixed stones will impact installation techniques
- presealing light color stones may be necessary when considering the pigments from the grout used

He concluded his section of the seminar by stressing the need to discuss installation techniques and care/maintenance issues during the stone selection process.  Custom Building Products' Mike Micalizzi and Rod Sigman are also featured speakers.

The Stone World (SW) magazine and Marble Institute of America (MIA) are proud to offer a one-of-a-kind event to stone companies from throughout Texas! You won’t be bored with powerpoint presentations because we are bringing you a “town hall” environment that is tailored to the attendee and the topics most important to fabricators!

Much has changed in the stone industry since the 2009 when the SW/MIA were last in Dallas. You will not want to miss this event.

What to expect:

The Stone World/MIA Stone Industry Education Series offers a new format, focusing on topics that the attendees want to learn about. Moderated by an industry veteran speaker, and led by a panel of fabricators willing to share their knowledge and experiences to improve and benefit the entire industry, this interactive approach has been a huge success at our events this year. The "Town Hall" forum style allows for networking with peers and sharing of ideas, often including tips that can improve efficiency and provide growth opportunities for all fabrication shops, large and small, new and established. You can’t afford to miss this opportunity to learn and share your experiences with other shop owners, managers and employees.

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Day 2 of Quarry Tours Minnesota began at Granite Tops. This is the type of fabrication shop that many strive to be with fully integrated digital technology. This is an efficient a shop as we have seen. The group then proceeded Park Industries where Fred Jackson taught us about how the stone industry industry fits into the green movement. While at Park, they also enjoyed a presentation by Rod Sigman about the care and maintenance of stone. He cleared up some common questions about different types of sealers. After the presentations the group toured Park Industries. The technology they have developed is amazing. On top of all that, there was a demonstration about how all the machines are made and how they run.

The quarry tour started out day 1 learning what everyone needs to know about natural stone from MIA Technical Director, Chuck Muehlbauer. Armed with their new knowledge, the group departed from the hotel for Cold Spring Granite's Diamond Pink Quarry. It was an interesting experience where they got to see some traditional quarrying techniques. Terry Boerboom, geologist for the Minnesota Geological Survey was along for the ride to lecture about local geology. He highlighted the ages of the different granite deposits throughout the state of Minnesota.

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