New Update for MIA Dimension Stone Design Manual

CLEVELAND – An update of the Dimension Stone Design Manual (DSDM) is now available from the Marble Institute of America (MIA).

Version 7.2 provides a revision to the Countertop Specifications chapter and adds a chapter on stone tile. The new countertop chapter includes, among other items,  clarification of the differences in lippage on countertops vs. islands and peninsulas, plus guidelines on outdoor kitchens.

“The countertop segment of the natural stone industry has seen many changes since the last update in 2007,” says John Cogswell, countertop chapter review committee chair. “The newly revised countertop chapter reflects current industry practice and includes an expanded stone-materials section, as well as, a new section on stone finishes and guidelines for outdoor kitchens.”

In addition to the updated countertop chapter, the new revision provides an expanded glossary with 282 new terms and 83 drawings. The glossary now boasts more than 500 terms, and will be available as a stand-alone product later this year. 

Also included with every new version of the DSDM is a copy of the 2011 Tile Council of North America (TCNA) Handbook for Ceramic, Glass, and Stone Tile Installation. The TCNA publication will serve as the new chapter on stone tile . 

Previously, the MIA did not duplicate the information contained in the TCNA Handbook. Rather, it listed the TCNA detail references endorsed for natural stone in the DSDM. 

“Discussions held amongst the MIA, the TCNA, and the NTCA (National Tile Contractors Association),” says MIA Technical Director Chuck Muehlbauer, “yielded a consensus that the industry would be best served if an amalgamation of the documents could be achieved, allowing the users to obtain all the necessary information from one source.” 

The discussions led to a two-year, tri-association cooperation in producing this year’s version of the TCNA Handbook. 

The Dimension Stone Design Manual is the single-source reference for dimension-stone design and construction facts and details. Contents include sections on granite, marble, limestone, serpentine, soapstone, travertine, quartz-based stone and slate with product descriptions and technical data; general installation guidelines; guidelines and typical detailing for horizontal surfaces, vertical surfaces, wet areas, furniture and countertops; maintenance of exterior and interior stone installations; and a glossary of terms relating to dimension stone.

To purchase the MIA’s Dimension Stone Design Manual Version 7.2, go here.