Installation, Grouting & Sealing

Installation

Raw Lava Stone is a natural volcanic basalt and should be installed by experienced professionals familiar with natural stone. Before installation, inspect all tiles and mix material from several boxes to achieve a balanced distribution of natural variation in colour, mineral markings and surface texture. Once installed, these natural variations are considered an inherent part of the finished surface. The substrate should be clean, dry, level and structurally sound. A high-quality adhesive suitable for natural stone should always be used, following local building regulations and the adhesive manufacturer's recommendations.

Grouting

Grout colour has a significant influence on the finished appearance. A grout tone close to the colour of the stone will generally create a more continuous architectural surface, while contrasting grout will emphasise the individual tile format. Before grouting, the stone should be protected with a suitable penetrating sealer or grout release treatment. This reduces the risk of grout pigments being absorbed into the natural stone and simplifies the cleaning process after installation. Excess grout should be removed promptly before it dries on the surface.

Sealing

Raw Lava Stone should be sealed after installation using a high-quality penetrating sealer suitable for natural volcanic stone. Penetrating sealers reduce water absorption and improve resistance to everyday staining while preserving the natural appearance of the basalt. It is important to understand that sealers reduce absorption rather than making the surface completely waterproof or stain-proof. Spills should therefore always be cleaned promptly. Depending on the application and level of use, periodic resealing may be recommended to maintain the performance of the surface.

Natural Variation

Raw Lava Stone is a natural material. Variations in colour, mineral composition, markings, texture and porosity are inherent characteristics of volcanic basalt and should not be regarded as defects. These differences are what give each installation its individual character.