Stone Matrix

Quality Control & Inspection

Stone Matrix slabs are 93% natural quartz, each slab is unique and as such might vary slightly in dimension, thickness, colour, texture, shade and quartz distribution. Careful inspection for obvious irregularities is essential to prevent any possible defects or customer dissatisfaction. Check for all the following potential issues before cutting.

Stone Matrix slabs are intended for and used in manufacturing counter, vanity tops and internal wall and floor coverings

Stone Matrix slab nominal SIZES NOTE:
Standard Slabs: 128 x 65 Inch – Thickness 3cm or 2cm
Jumbo Slabs: 130 x 79 Inch – Thickness 3cm or 2cm

There shall be no visible cracks, cuts, transportation damage and/or polish defects on the edge.

Important Note: Stone Matrix will not accept claims for any of the above if the slab is modified in any way whatsoever. It is the fabricators responsibility to determine if the slabs are fit for purpose. If they are not, they should be exchanged before the slabs are cut or modified in any way.

Although manufactured Stone Matrix Slabs are 93% Quartz which is a natural product as such there may be slight variations in colour and texture from batch to batch – this is an inherent of all natural stones. Wherever possible you should ensure slabs for an individual installation are from the same batch in order to minimize such variation. When using slabs from different batches, you must inspect the slabs prior to cutting to ensure that an acceptable colour match is achieved under the same lighting conditions as those found at the site of installation.

Its recommend that you obtain customer approval of the actual slab you are planning to use prior to cutting and fabricating as samples provided to customers are only representative and they may vary in shade and texture from the exact slabs.

The manufacturer must check the color match on sheets to be used on the same job before manufacturing.

Slab Handling and Storage Procedure

Slabs should always be stored away from direct sunlight, in a dry environment.

Slabs should be stored in a manner that prevents warping.

During storage and transportation of slab should be on edge as depicted here, never flat this should be using “A” frame or racking.

Slabs should be stored and transported face-to-face.

Slabs should only be handled, moved, loaded or unloaded by trained staff members in compliance with safe handling techniques as prescribed by the HSE.

Fabrication Instructions

Cutting

Cutting of Stone Matrix slabs should only be carried out in a well ventilated environment by trained professionals wearing appropriate safety wear(Please refer to the relevant Government Health & Safety Guidance)

Cutting of Stone Matrix slabs should only ever be carried out by individuals wearing appropriate breathing apparatus that prevents the inhalation of any of the resultant dust which is extremely injurious to health should it be inhaled.

The cutting table should be stable and flat.

There should be a continuous flow of cold water over the blade or polishing pad whilst in use.

The diamond cutting disk should be in perfect condition (no missing parts or worn disks).

Corners of cut outs should never be square as this will result in stress points which increase the potential of cracks.

An angled corner must be drilled with a core bit with a minimum radius of 5mm. Cut with the saw up to the joint of the drilled hole.

All polishing and grinding must be carried out wet to prevent overheating the area which can result in cracking.

Cut-out Reinforcement

The corner holes should be first drilled by a large diameter core bit and then a diamond blade should be used for cutting between the corners.

For installations where the measurement between the cut out and a joint is less than 15cm, the area around the cut-out should be reinforced with a minimum 20mm strip of Stone Matrix. Ensure that all joints are placed at the junction of the base cabinets or a solid slat be fitted under the joint.

Damage to the slab outside of the cut out area can result in stress points that may lead to hairline cracks. All cuts should be carried out using only water cooled diamond cutting tools to avoid generating excessive heat, which could also result in hairline cracks.

Always allow an extra 3mm between the appliance and the edge of the cut-out to allow for thermal expansion.

It is important to keep alteration work at the actual installation site to a minimum. All cut-outs and fabrication should be completed at your workshop, it is highly unlikely that an installation site is a suitable environment to carry out fabrication.

If a joint is overlapped by any cut-out, it advisable that you reinforce the joint by placing support strips beneath.

Polishing

Polishing of edge profiles on Stone Matrix should be carried out progressively using granite or marble polishing pads.

All polishing tools should be water cooled. Water cooling prevent excess heat building up in the slab which can cause micro fissures invisible to the eye but leading to discolouration chipping and poor polished finish.

You must ensure your polishing pads have sufficient diamond grit before using on finished works, the higher grit rating the lower the rpm required in polishing.

Polishing Machinery should not exceed 3500rpm.

Do not attempt to re-polish or hone the already polished face of the slab.

Mitered Joints

When utilising finishing technique of mitred joints they should allways be cut at a 45˚. Cutting edges at an angle less than this recommended angle make them likely to chip or crack.

Adhesive should be evenly distributed across joint and free of voids.

Ensure edge of mitre joint runs parallel.

Transportation

All slabs and finished pieces should be securely fastened with no movement during transportation

Cut-outs should be braced during transportation.

Slabs or finished pieces should be transported face-to-face or back-to-back.

Slabs should be transported on edge never flat it is recommended that this is carried out using an A Frame

Installation Instructions

All cabinetry should be fixed together and secured to the wall to prevent any movement.

Ensure that all cabinets are levelled and supported prior to the installation of the tops.

If the cabinets are on adjustable legs, ensure that all legs are evenly tensioned to prevent any movement.

You must ensure that the surrounding edges of all cut-outs are properly supported underneath.

Consider the placement of joints, it is recommended you avoid placing integrated dishwashers or washing machines directly beneath or adjacent to joint in worktops as these appliance can cause considerable vibration.

Fitting

Allow space of at least 3mm at each wall as Quartz may expand or contact due to changes in temperature.

Quartz Worktops and counters must be supported on a strong and stable frame. Front-to-back support should be provided every meter.

Such supports should be provided under all joints.

Place the countertop vertically on the floor with the bare side down (chamfered edge facing the ceiling).

The size of the countertop pieces should be checked whether they fit their intended places. Irregularities should never be compensated by changing the connection points. This can cause damage to the tops.

Support is required across the top of a dishwasher space and over an under-counter oven.

Use extra silicone on all corners, joints and around all cutouts. Tape the slab along the contact joint, in order to prevent the contacts of adhesive with the slab face.

Countertop pieces should be pressed together with the contact surfaces. Stone Matrix should be clamped or braced in position until the adhesive sets.

Join lamination seams with 2-part polyester, epoxy, or acrylic adhesives.

− Note: Traditionally, lamination seams have been joined using color matched 2 part epoxy adhesives due to their strength and UV stability.

Clean the seams and the contact points well with acetone or denatured alcohol. Thoroughly rinse the surface with clean water to remove residue.

For all sink or basin installations, whether they are top-mount or under-mount, it is recommended to follow the sink manufacturers’ instructions.

For under-mount sink installations, bevel 3–4 mm the edges around the cutout to reduce the risk of chipping.

All sink installations should be fully supported independent of the Stone Matrix top.

Cast-iron or other heavy sink installations should be fully supported by using plywood underlayment, professional sink-setter or support rail system.

Under no conditions affix mechanical fasteners (screws, nails, etc.) directly to Stone Matrix.

Cutouts in backsplashes (e.g., electrical outlets) that extend past the cutout perimeter must be filled with 2-part epoxy adhesive and a flexible adhesive must be used around the entire cutout to secure the backsplash to the wall.

Leave at least 3mm clearance space on all sides to allow cooktops/sink expansion.

Support undermount sinks with brackets.

− Stainless steel and lavatory undermount sinks must be attached with clips attached to the underside of the countertop or with cradles attached to the outer perimeter or cabinet.
− All others sink types must be supported with cradles attached to the outer perimeter or cabinet.

Never install mechanical fasteners (screws, nails, etc.) directly into 3D Stones and Surfaces. Inserts may be used with Stone Matrix. If inserts are used, slip fit and glue inserts are required rather than pressure fit inserts.

Do not install Stone Matrix over old countertops.

Steps to be taken following installation

Clean installed worktops / Counters to remove any adhesive and silicone residue, which were left on the top during installation using acetone and then clean off acetone, using a liquid a liquid cleaner as specified in the Care and Maintenance instructions and then rinse thoroughly with water.

If there is further construction work to be performed at the installation site following the completion of the surface, ensure that newly installed 3D Stones and Surfaces is properly protected.

Stone Matrix Worktops are not suitable to be used as a platform to be stood upon or to bear any heavy weights over that which would be expected under normal use in a kitchen or bathroom.

Either leave a Care and Maintenance manual with the customer which is downloadable in pdf format from the 3D Stones and Surfaces website or refer your customer to the Care and Maintenance section of the Stone Matrix website as non adherence to the recommendations may void the products 15 year warranty.

Customers should be referred to the Stone Matrix website in order to register for a 15 year warranty and this should be completed within 14 days of installation.

We recommend that you take pictures of any finished works and obtain customers signature that installation and materials are approved.

Letter of Warranty

stonematrixusa.com warranty the registered owner of the installed Stone Matrix product against manufacturing defects for a Period of 15 (Fifteen) YEARS as of the date of invoice.

We are authorised to issue warranties for Stone Matrix.

Note & Important:

• Please keep the purchase invoice & warranty number (being allocated) with you during the Tenure of Warranty Period.

• Stone Matrix worktops must be installed by a certified Fabricator in order to claim warranty.

• This warranty is Non-Transferable.

• The warranty is valid for a period of Fifteen Years (15) to replace the defective product in the terms & conditions specified herein, with the similar features (colour, thickness, etc.) as those of the product acquired by the client at that time of claim.

• This warranty covers Stone Matrix kitchen work surfaces that are installed permanently in the consumer’s home.

• User for vanities, flooring, paving & any commercial purpose are not covered by this warranty.

It is important that the choice of colour and finish be final before the purchase is fully agreed, since later changes of choice are not covered by this warranty.

• This Letter of Warranty is, in any case, subject to strict observance by the consumer to the instructions of use and upkeep of Stone Matrix® product that are specified in the manual included in this document

• 3D Stone & Surfaces don’t warranty Any defect/defects or Problems caused by an incorrect finish/production of the product, by inappropriate installation methods or by any other modification or manipulation of the original Stone Matrix® product, such as variations of colour, thermal impact or inappropriate chemical treatment, performed by third parties.

• Also This letter don’t warranty Damages arising from the improper use as of

(i) use of the product for purposes for which it is not intended; installation or use of the product in a manner that does not respect applicable technical or security regulations, by any third party that does not belong to 3D Stone & Surfaces LLC.

(ii) non-compliance strictly of the instructions of the use and maintenance manual

(iii) Exposing the product outdoors.

• This letter of warranty is excluded from the damage, or any defect arouse as of Natural disasters 0r damages caused by interaction with other products or any other cause that is beyond the control of 3D Stones & Surfaces.

• Any consequent or unforeseen damages, or any extra cost/ expense while installing Stone Matrix products as of additional or supplementary repairs in connection with plumbing, electricity or building/decoration work Will be solely excluded from this warranty and shall be the exclusive responsibility of the consumer.

• This warranty shall no longer be valid in the event of repairs and/or manipulations of the product without due verification by Stone Matrix.

• Likewise, differences between samples & photographs of any Stone Matrix product and the real product purchased are also excluded from the warranty coverage.

• This warranty shall no longer be valid in the event of repairs and/or manipulations of the product without due Stone Matrix.

This Letter of Warranty shall only be fully valid if the consumer has registered online or have allocated warranty number ( from his/her fabricator or Kitchen retailer) within 30 days following purchase of the product, as specified in the corresponding paragraph, and submits the original invoice or sales receipt (indicating the date of sale and the name of the product installer), placing the defective product at the disposal of Stone Matrix ( who is the registered owner of Stone Matrix).

Stone Matrix reserves the right to not offer the free warranty service if the requirements established in our section of Buyer details/Kitchen Retailer & Fabricator details are not satisfied or if the information provided by the consumer is false, incomplete, or illegible.

It’s very simple & just few steps.

How to get Register the Warranty

• Just Fill Above enclosed Form & get it sign and send its scan copy through email to our mail id ( info@stonematrixusa.com) within 30 days from the Invoice date of purchase of Stone Matrix Product.

• Yes, keep original Invoice & our warranty number or registered warranty certification during the Tenure of warranty validity of 15 Years.

HOW TO FILE A CLAIM

In case you believe that your Stone Matrix Product has any defect/problem & you want to file a claim in accordance to our to Letter of Warranty, just email to our mail id ( info@3dstonesandsurafces.com). indicating the number of warranty.

After receiving your formal complain of defects related Stone Matrix Product under the Terms & conditions of our Letter of Warranty, we will study the case & after appropriate verification, shall replace the material or similar material (of that colour & thickness).

Note : The territorial scope of action of this warranty is that of IL, WI, Oklahoma & Michigan & other states wherever our Product sells from us or through our Authorised Distributors.