When you open the NAAWS Manual, you will find 86 separate mentions about engineered stone, natural stone and solid surface materials. We are commonly asked, “Are engineered stone, natural stone and solid surface materials included within the AWMAC warranty?” Read further as we try to simply summarize this complex question.
Most fabrication and installation assemblies include solid wood to solid wood joints, solid wood-to-wood veneer joints, solid wood-to-wood-based products, solid wood to non-wood-based products and non-wood-to-non-wood joints. Natural Stone, engineered stone and solid surface fall under the category of “non-wood-based products”; any material that is not made of wood, veneer, or paper-based materials.
Solid surface is a man-made material, usually composed of a combination of acrylic, epoxy resins and pigments, it’s then glued-together, sanded and installed. When installed, it’s virtually seamless.
Engineered stone (i.e. quartz) is made up of particles bonded together with resin, pigments and other ingredients. The finished product has a clear visible joint.
Natural stone is a natural slab that’s cut out of a larger chunk of stone. It’s a natural product that is cut, polished and used for countertops and decorative features. Similar to engineered stone, natural stone installers will use coloured resins to seam pieces together, leaving a visible joint.
Solid surface, engineered stone and natural stone all have their advantages and disadvantages; for instance, solid surface materials are softer and can show scratches, but they can also be installed seamlessly, and any scratches or marks can be sanded out and repaired if necessary. Both engineered stone and natural stone are physically stronger products and are less susceptible to scratches, dings and dents. While they do show a visible seam, they are unique in their nature created fissures, cracks and patterns.
The choice of materials ultimately depends on customer selection and need. The recent project trend is learning toward engineered stone.
Down to the nitty gritty…the warranty! If engineered stone, natural stone or solid surface is required on your job, it must be manufactured and installed by a certified installer, as per the manufacturer’s recommendations. Material supplier’s recommendations and documentation will govern over maximum sizes, joint and seam locations and sizes, allowable mismatch and installation requirements. Engineered stone, and natural is not warrantied by NAAWS, but the installation of it is. Certified inspectors will look at the tolerances, overhangs, correct installation, joint and splash work. The engineered stone and natural stone materials are covered by the manufacturer themselves. Considerations need to be made for solid surface and engineered stone when it comes to material supplier, thickness, pattern or colour and sheen.
Pattern breaks, pattern changes and colour variations may occur and are not considered a defect in materials or workmanship.
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