Selecting the Correct Stone -- Indicative Samples -- Range/Control Samples -- Building Inspections -- Quarry/Mine/Factory Visit -- Geological Features -- Rates of Extraction -- Environmental Impacts -- Ethical/Social Issues -- Processing Works -- Technical Assessment of the Stone -- Existing Technical Data -- Existing Buildings -- Initial Testing -- Relevant Tests -- Production Testing -- Testing Sample Plan and Report -- Factor of Safety -- Thickness of Cladding -- Thickness of Paving -- List of relevant British Standards, Codes of Practice and relevant publications.

This guide is based on relevant sections of a number of British Standards, Codes of Practice and trade documents. It sets out the current best practice for the selection of natural stone for larger cladding, flooring, paving and masonry projects. It considers the important issues relating to the interpretation of samples, the role of the quarry/mine/factory visit in the assessment of the stone selection and the relevant factors appropriate to the evaluation of the technical properties of the stone, and if necessary, to a successful testing regime. It aims to identify the common misunderstandings and is designed to help the specifier to make an informed selection of a suitable stone for their project.