BS 8298 – Code of Practice for the Design & Installation of Natural Stone Update
26th Jan 2021
BS 8298 is actually a suite of three codes (with one to follow), each covering a different approach to natural stone cladding as listed below:
- BS8298-2:2020 covers Design and installation of natural stone cladding and lining. Traditional handset external cladding – Code of practice.
- BS8298-3:2020 covers Design and installation of natural stone cladding and lining. Stone faced precast concrete cladding systems – Code of practice.
- BS8298-4:2020 covers Design and installation of natural stone cladding and lining. Stone cladding on rainscreen support systems – Code of practice.
This new standard supersedes all previous versions published in 2010 and is a significant upgrade on the old ones. It provides additional guidance on sampling and testing, a new method to determine the size and thickness of stone cladding, and for the first-time guidance on fixing natural stone to steel frame systems (SFS). Other highlights include early-stage guidance aimed specifically at architects and structural engineers to improve the integration of the architect’s design aspirations and the contractor’s buildability obligations, and additional guidance for the inspection and evaluation of completed stonework.
Looking forward, the team is currently working on BS8298 part 5, which will cover internal natural stone cladding / linings (greater than 12mm thick and mechanically fixed). This is a much needed standard as it hasn’t been updated since 1994 and its current scope is very limiting for today’s construction industry. We will keep you posted.
Here at Putney & Wood BS 8298 is a paramount consideration for the work of our in-house design team, so you can rest assured that our work is fully compliant. Especially as Mark Chapman, our Design Manager is a key member of the Stone Federation and BSI committees that are responsible for writing the standards.
Feel free to get in touch if you would like to discuss the new standard with our design team.
