The Marble Institute of America (MIA) has announced that its Dimension Stone Design Manual has been added to the “Members” area of its website. This is a significant policy development for the MIA, who previously distributed the standards document via online sales of hardcopy or in a downloadable format. While new MIA members will still receive a physical copy of the Design Manual when they initially join the MIA, they will now also be able to access a “view only” version of the book by logging onto www.marble-institute.com.

“We are constantly striving to create value in MIA membership,” said Chuck Muehlbauer, MIA technical director. “I had been hearing for years that we needed to figure out a way for members to be able to access these technical specifications 24 hours a day. There was also the obvious issue that most employees did not have a physical copy of the Design Manual sitting on their office or home desk. This development solves all of these problems and provides a tremendous amount of value for members of the MIA.”

MIA Industry Research & Information Manager, Mike Loflin added, “It is nice to have a centrally located document that I can lead members to. When answering questions, many times the member I am speaking with has an outdated version of the Design Manual. All MIA members now have access to the most accurate and timely standards and specifications.”

TheDimension Stone Design Manual is the stone industry's single-source reference for dimensional stone design and construction facts and details. Contents include a newly revised and greatly expanded “Illustrated Glossary of Stone Industry Terms,” a new section on stone tile installation and revised countertop installation guidelines. It also includes descriptions and technical data of individual natural stone varieties; general installation guidelines; guidelines and typical detailing for horizontal surfaces, vertical surfaces, countertops, wet areas and furniture; and maintenance of exterior and interior stone installations.

The MIA will continue to sell the Dimension Stone Design Manual in its bookstore for stone and design professionals wanting a hardcopy version in their reference library.