The Australian Stone Advisory Association (ASAA) has recently launched the ASAA Natural Stone Design Manual, a complete information and reference resource for architects.  

In the absence of a suitable reference for Australian Standards covering the selection, installation, care and maintenance of natural stone, architects were referring to ASTM Standards (American Standards) for stone.  

The new ASAA Natural Stone Design Manual is based on the Dimension Stone Manual published by the Marble Institute of America (MIA).  

With MIA’s permission, ASAA has revised the contents of the manual to correspond to best local and international practices.  

The new ASAA Natural Stone Design Manual contains information on prime materials used in Australia, geology, vertical, horizontal and wet area installation as well as sealing, maintenance, restoration and slip resistance.  

The 300-page design manual also contains details of local quarries, wholesalers of stone and suppliers of related materials in addition to images of popular native natural stones.  

A CD is also supplied along with the Natural Stone Design Manual.