Natural Stone Institute CEU Courses

This one-hour class is designed for construction industry professionals desiring to gain a full understanding of natural stone as a building material. Learn more about the various natural stones (limestone, travertine, onyx, marble, serpentine, sandstone, slate, quartzite, and granite). Obtain information about common quarrying techniques, fabrication, and finishing methods. With this understanding, you'll enhance your ability to select the right stone, fabrication technique, and finish for your project.

Learning Objectives Include:

• Obtain a better understanding about how the mineral composition and formation of stone affect its performance as a building material.
• Learn about the science of each species of stone, examples of how it is quarried, unique characteristics, and common applications.
• Gain knowledge about stone fabrication and finishing methods.
• Understand the resources available that are relevant to natural stone.

Natural Stone Resources Handout

Natural Stone Species Handout

Program Length: 60 minutes

• AIA Course Number: MIA10, 1.0 HSW LU
• IDCEC: CEU-103265, Subject Code: 5.3, 0.1 HSW CEU
• LACES Course Number: MIA10
• NKBA: MIA159R, 0.1 CEU

This one-hour class is designed for architects, landscape architects, and interior designers desiring to gain a full understanding of natural stone as a building material. Attendees will better understand stone testing requirements needed for some residential, commercial, interior and exterior applications. They will also learn about many common applications of natural stone including walking surfaces, vertical surfaces, furniture and countertops.

Learning objectives include:

1. Explain Stone Testing and Quality Control Methods
2. Identify Common Applications of Natural Stone — Exterior, Interior, Residential, & Commercial
3. Learn about Walking Surfaces (Flooring, Stairs, & Thresholds) & Vertical Surfaces (Adhered Systems, Anchored Systems, and Stone Thickness)
4. Explain Common Considerations Needed for Stone Furniture and Countertops

Program Length: 60 minutes

• AIA Course Number: MIA02, 1.0 HSW LU
• IDCEC (ASID, IDC, IDEC, and IIDA) Course Number: CEU-103666, Subject Code: 5.3, 0.1 HSW CEU
• LACES (ASLA, CSLA, CELA, CLARB, LAAB, LAF) Course Number: ASLA1, 1.0 HSW LU

Learn about NSC 373, the Natural Stone Council's Standard for the Sustainable Production of Natural Dimension Stone. This 1 hour long CEU presentation will provide attendees with general knowledge on the objectives and principles of the NSC 373 Standard, which has recently been finalized and introduced to the market place. Suitable for all members of the design trade and users of natural stone, attendees will gain an understanding of the sustainable production practices and benefits of natural stone, and understand how to differentiate these practices among different companies and products when choosing natural stone products for their projects.

Learning objectives include:

1. Learn about the objectives and development process of the Sustainability Assessment Standard for Dimension Stone & understand the basic principles of the standard
2. Overview of the 3rd party verification process and other associated conformance documents
3. Enhance the attendees appreciation for the use of natural stone as the leading sustainable building material
4. Examine the benefits of the standard to natural stone specifiers and users

Program Length: 60 minutes

• AIA Course Number: MIA11
• IDCEC: CEU-104010, Subject Code: 6.4, 0.1 HSW CEU
• LACES Course Number: MIA11
• GBCI: 0920002570

This one hour course will give design professionals a general understanding of natural stone and the best practices for care and maintenance. Find out what to expect from a stone sealer in both interior and exterior applications and discover the truth about when to seal and when not to seal. Discuss the chemical make-up of different types of cleaners and how they can affect the longevity of your stone installation.

Learning objectives include:

1. Gain a basic understanding of natural stone and how their chemical composition affects their performance
2. Analyze different types of natural stone sealers and cleaning products and what to expect from them.
3. Determine the proper care & maintenance products to use for: flooring, countertop, exterior cladding, or shower applications.
4. Identify common problems with porous materials.

Program Length: 60 minutes

• AIA Course Number: MIA08, 1.0 HSW LU
• IDCEC (ASID, IDC, IDEC, and IIDA) Course Number: CC-102086, Subject Code: 3.1, 0.1 HSW CEU
• LACES (ASLA, CSLA, CELA, CLARB, LAAB, LAF Course Number: MIA08, 1.0 HSW LU
• NKBA Course Number: MIA157R, 0.1 CEU

This one our presentation is intended to explain how natural stone fits into the Green movement. The stone industry continues to reduce environmental impacts through technology advancements and responsible manufacturing and shipping processes. We will discuss historical uses of natural stone that have stood the test of time. You will see examples of how key characteristics of stone such as its life cycle and carbon footprint satisfy elements of green building standards.

Learning objectives include:

1. Understanding the characteristics of natural stone and its historical uses
2. Understanding how natural stone fits into the Green Movement
3. Understanding how natural stone relates to current green building standards
4. Understanding how the natural stone industry is reducing environmental impacts

Green Design Handout

Program Length: 60 minutes

• AIA Course Number: MIA09, 1.0 HSW LU
• IDCEC (ASID, IDC, IDEC, and IIDA) Course Number: CEU-102590, Subject Code: 5.20, 0.1 HSW CEU
• LACES (ASLA, CSLA, CELA, CLARB, LAAB, LAF) Course Number: MIA09, 1.0 HSW LU
• GBCI Course Number: 0090010893, 1 CE Hour
• NKBA Course Number: MIA158R, 0.1 CEU

This seminar will showcase the story of genuine stone in a variety of ways including a tour of a stone facility. Witness a 10 minute video showcasing the history of stone, modern day quarrying techniques, and stone's durability, beauty, and value. Learn and discuss landscape, interior and exterior use and application of natural stone. Obtain more information about the use of sandstone, bluestone, limestone, and quartzite for hardscapes, as well as the interior use of limestone, marble, granite and slate. Study the use of limestone for trims, caps, stoops, poolcopings, watertables, veneers, and much more. See the importance of how safety in production practices is a key part to the stone industry.

Learning objectives include:

1. Learn about the history of stone, modern day quarrying techniques, and stone's durability, beauty, and value.
2. Study and discuss landscape, interior and exterior use and application of natural stone.
3. Obtain information about integrating trims, caps, stoops, poolcopings, watertables, veneers, etc into your designs.
4. Tour a stone facility and view stone, stone applications, safety practices and/or the equipment used to fabricate stone.

Program Length: 60 minutes

• AIA Course Number: 2011TL, 1.0 HSW LU
• NKBA Course Number: MIA113R, 0.1 CEU
• IDCEC (ASID, IDC, IDEC, and IIDA) Course Number: CEU-101088, Subject Code: 5.3, 0.1 General CEU
• LACES (ASLA, CSLA, CELA, CLARB, LAAB, LAF) Course Number: ASLA4, 1.0 HSW LU
• NKBA: MIA151R, 0.1 LU

This one hour course will familiarize design professionals with the resources available for installation methods and specifying standards for natural stone tile. We will review the characteristics of natural stone in order to understand how they might affect your project. See examples of common stone tile failures and discuss the best practices to ensure a successful installation.

Learning Objectives:

1. Understand the basic stone types and methods of formation
2. Gain an understanding of the key aspects of Stone Tile Specification as introduced in the 2011-12 TCNA Handbook, ANSI A 108/A118, and the Natural Stone Institute Dimension Stone Design Manual 7.2
3. Understand how the intricacies of Stone Tile Installation can impact your project
4. Learn key differences between the installation of Stone Tile and Ceramic/Porcelain Tile

Stone Tile Handout

Program Length: 60 minutes

• AIA Course Number: MIA07, 1.0 HSW LU
• IDCEC (ASID, IDC, IDEC, and IIDA) Course Number: CEU-103668, Subject Code: 5.8, 0.1 HSW CEU
• LACES (ASLA, CSLA, CELA, CLARB, LAAB, LAF) Course Number: MIA07 / 1.0 HSW LU
• NKBA Course Number: MIA156R, 0.1 CEU

This one-hour class is designed to provide you with a basic understanding of a relatively new application (thin veneer) of a product (natural stone). Explore natural stone's beauty and durability on structures from around the world. Learn the history and best uses for different types of stone veneer, how thin stone is produced, and common application techniques and opportunities. This course is part one of a two-part natural stone thin veneer series.

Learning Objectives

1. Explore the history and best uses for different types of veneer.
2. Learn how natural stone thin veneer is made and what product variations are available.
3. Discover the advantages over anchored veneer and manufactured stone.
4. Learn about application techniques and opportunities.

Program Length: 60 minutes

• AIA Course Number: MIA04 / 1.0 HSW LU
• IDCEC (ASID, IDC, IDCEC, and IIDA) Course Number: CEU-101090, Subject Code: 5.3 , 0.1 HSW CEU
• LACES (ASLA, CSLA, CELA, CLARB, LAAB, LAF) Course Number: ASLA5 / 1.0 HSW LU
• NKBA: MIA153R, 0.1 CEU

Specific to natural stone, many may think that you can only use granite on a kitchen countertop. This class will focus on the use of marble in the kitchen which is on the rise in the U.S. (note: marble has been used in kitchens for hundreds of years, especially in Europe). Attendees will learn that the use of marble in a kitchen will require different protective treatments. They will also learn more about the increasing trend of marble use in the kitchen; obtain unique design elements of using marble for a countertop surface; and, expand their ability to set the proper consumer expectation.

This one-hour class is designed for residential, hospitality, and facilities management design professionals.

Learning objectives include:

1. Learn more about the increasing trend of marble use in the kitchen.
2. Obtain unique design elements of using marble for a countertop surface.
3. Expand your ability to set the proper consumer expectation.

Marble Handout

Program Length: 60 minutes

• AIA Course Number: MIA03, 1.0 HSW/LU
• IDCEC (ASID, IDC, IDEC, and IIDA) Course Number: CEU-103667, Subject Code: 2.3, 0.1 General CEU
• NKBA: MIA152R, 0.1 CEU

This one-hour class is designed for design professionals to gain a full understanding of travertine as a building material. Learn more about how to select this natural stone for a variety of interior and exterior applications. Gain an understanding of how travertine is fabricated and its unique application opportunities to enhance your design plans. Obtain information about setting the proper consumer expectation in regards to installation and maintenance.

Learning objectives include:

1. Learn about the travertine selection process and how to identify quality material.
2. Obtain information on travertine uses and limitations in both interior and exterior settings.
3. Gain an understanding about how travertine is fabricated and installed.
4. Learn about how to maintain and care for travertine after it has been installed.

Travertine Voids Handout

Travertine Good Better Best Handout

Program Length: 60 minutes

• AIA Course Number: MIA05, 1.0 HSW/LU
• IDCEC (ASID, IDC, IDEC, and IIDA) Course Number: CEU-101636, Subject Code: 5.3 , 0.1 HSW CEU
• LACES (ASLA, CSLA, CELA, CLARB, LAAB, LAF) Course Number: MIA05, 1.0 HSW/LU
• NKBA Course Number: MIA155R, 0.1 CEU

This session, presented by the Marble Institute of America, was created for design professionals to gain a better understanding of sandstone as a building material. Learn more about how to select this natural stone for a variety of interior and exterior applications. Gain an understanding of how sandstone is produced and fabricated and its unique application opportunities to enhance your design plans and obtain information about setting the proper consumer expectations in regards to installation and maintenance.

Learning Objectives Include:

1. Discuss the sandstone selection process and how to identify quality material
2. Recognize sandstone uses and limitations in both interior and exterior settings
3. Identify how sandstone is fabricated and installed
4. Explain how to maintain and care for sandstone after it has been installed

Sandstone Handout

Program Length: 60 minutes

• AIA Course Number: MIA12, 1.0 HSW/LU
• IDCEC (ASID, IDC, IDEC, and IIDA) Course Number: 104231, Subject Code: 5.3 , 0.1 HSW CEU
• LACES (ASLA, CSLA, CELA, CLARB, LAAB, LAF) Course Number: MIA12, 1.0 HSW/LU
• NKBA Course Number: pending, 0.1 CEU

Natural stone is one of the hottest building products in the world today with increased sales for many in the design and dealer communities. You rely on the credibility of natural stone fabricators/installers to help you exceed customer expectations. This session will guide you through the process needed to identify a quality natural stone company. This relationship is critical to develop an ally in the stone selection, fabrication, and installation processes.

Learning objectives include:

1. Become knowledgeable on what to look for when choosing a natural stone company.
2. Identify key ingredients needed in any business relationship specific to stone selection, fabrication, and installation.
3. Learn to strengthen customer relationships.
4. Enhance communication with fabricator to set customer expectations. (don't allow the customer to be confused)

Program Length: 60 minutes

• NKBA: MIA154R, 0.1 CEU

With so many building materials available on the market, it can be difficult to know which is best for your project. Recent technological advances have led to the development of this new & innovative product, sintered surface. This one-hour class is designed for construction professionals to gain a full understanding of sintered surface as an ideal material for countertop and cladding applications.

Learning objectives:

1. Define sintered surface and compare its characteristics with similar materials such as porcelain, quartz surface, and granite.
2. Learn about the manufacturing process and how fabrication techniques differ from traditional materials.
3. See examples of sintered surface installed in various applications.
4. Find out the proper care and maintenance procedures for common sintered surface applications.

Program Length: 60 minutes

• AIA: MIALAP, 1.0 HSW LU
• IDCEC: CEU-103957, 5.3, 0.1 HSW,
• LACES: MIALAP, 1.0 HSW LU
• NKBA: MIA1510, 0.1 CEU

NOTE: This course is only available through select MIA Member Firms.

This course offers a look at Solar Reflectivity of Construction Materials. It addresses solar control technologies, modeling tools, and building orientation. A case study is also included to showcase 'best practices' to address solar reflectivity.

Learning objectives:

1. Identify the basic characteristics solar reflection
2. Recognize the variables involved in sun-tracking and solar glare
3. Utilize solar reflectivity knowledge in designing a building
4. Reduce the risks caused by solar glare

Program Length: 60 minutes

• AIA Course Number: CDC01, 1.0 HSW LU
• GBCI Course Number: 910000265, 1.0 CE
• LACES Course Number: ASLA6, 1.0 HSW LU

NOTE: This course is only available through MIA Member firm Curtain Wall Design.

This seminar will showcase the story of genuine stone in a variety of ways. Witness a 10 minute video showcasing the history of stone, modern day quarrying techniques, and stone's durability, beauty, and value. Learn and discuss landscape, interior and exterior use and application of natural stone. Obtain more information about the use of sandstone, bluestone, limestone, and quartzite for hardscapes, as well as the interior use of limestone, marble, granite and slate. Study the use of limestone for trims, caps, stoops, poolcopings, watertables, veneers, and much more. Finally, tour a working stone facility and view the equipment used to fabricate stone.

Learning objectives:

1. Learn about the history of stone, modern day quarrying techniques, and stone's durability, beauty, and value.
2. Study and discuss landscape, interior and exterior use and application of natural stone.
3. Obtain information about integrating trims, caps, stoops, poolcopings, watertables, veneers, etc into your designs.
4. Tour a working stone facility and view the equipment used to fabricate stone.

Program Length: 60 minutes

• AIA Course Number: 2009TL, 1.0 HSW LU
• LACES (ASLA, CSLA, CELA, CLARB, LAAB, LAF) Course Number: ASLA3, 1.0 HSW LU

NOTE: This course is only available through Natural Stone Institute Member firm Sturgis Materials.

This one-hour seminar will give a working knowledge of where natural stone comes from, how it is formed, how it is extracted, and how it is processed. It also teaches techniques for protecting, maintaining, and restoring different types of natural stone in various applications. Knowing the key characteristics of various stone types will help members of the design community properly specify natural stone and the care procedures associated with maintaining its beauty and functionality over time. Learning objectives include:

1. Gain a basic understanding of common natural stone types and how their unique characteristics affect their performance in various applications.
2. Learn about different ways natural stone is processed and how this affects its performance.
3. Learn about different products and techniques used to protect, maintain and restore natural stone.
4. Reduce potential job complaints and unnecessary callbacks by properly specifying stone and the care procedures associated with its application.

Program Length: 60 minutes

• AIA Course Number: MIA06, 1.0 HSW/LU
• IDCEC (ASID, IDC, IDEC, and IIDA) Course Number: CEU-101172, Subject Code: 5.3, 0.1 HSW CEU

NOTE: This course is only available through Natural Stone Institute Member firm Miracle Sealants.

This presentation will explain where to find key sources of information relevant to the natural stone industry. Resources are plentiful, but knowing where to find what can be a challenge. You will learn the history of several relevant organizations, identify the publications & standards they produce, and see practical examples of why each organization is relevant to the design professional. Please take a moment to download some resources that we’ve included in the program for your benefit. These documents will be referenced throughout the program and it will be beneficial for you to have them on hand.

Learning Objectives:

1. Be aware of the multiple organizations that influence natural stone standards.
2. Be able to identify publications created to satisfy the information needs of our industry.
3. Have a clear understanding of which resources are to be cited for specific information needs.
4. Have a means of contact for each of the organizations discussed.

Program Length: 60 minutes

• AIA Course Number: MI_12.2013 / 1.0 LU
• IDCEC (ASID, IDC, IDCEC, and IIDA) Course Number: pending
• LACES (ASLA, CSLA, CELA, CLARB, LAAB, LAF) Course Number: MI_12.2013 / 1 LU/ASLA

Access Instructions:

1. Click here to access Hanley Wood University.
2. Register for an account.
3. Allow pop-ups in your browser.
4. Launch course player.
5. Complete the final test to receive credit.

This course offers a look at the types of building enclosure systems and the design of between them. It addresses best practices design and details of how to transition air barrier, vapor retarder and water barrier lines between typical enclosure systems.

Learning objectives include:

1. Identify basic air water and vapor types and strategies.
2. Recognize the variables involved designing and detailing transitions between systems.
3. Utilize transition type knowledge in designing building envelopes.
4. Ensure safety by using these best practices.

Program Length: 60 minutes

• AIA Course Number: MIACDC2, 1.0 HSW LU

NOTE: This course is only available through Natural Stone Institute Member firm Curtain Wall Design.

Find out what stone cladding technologies exist and explore key factors for "Getting it right the first time." Is the selected material and anchoring system suitable for your application?

Learning Objectives Include:

• Review various types of cladding & see examples of cladding projects including a case study on the University of Minnesota McNamara Alumni Center.
• Learn what key factors are important to ensure your project is done right the first time including:
  • Material Selection
  • Structural Integrity & Back up
  • Shop Drawings
  • Anchor Design
  • Anchors
• Find out about the codes and regulations in place to monitor anchor design and spacing.
• Discuss essential items for designers, other factors affecting design, and why testing is important for safety.

Program Length: 60 minutes.

• AIA Course Number: MIAPE, 1.0 HSW LU
• GBCI Course Number: 920000094
• OAA (equivalency with AANB, AAPEI, MAA, NLAA, NWTAA, SAA, and others): 1 credit hour of structured learning

NOTE: This course is only available through Natural Stone Institute Member firm PICCO Engineering.

This is an informative presentation with a Q&A session. It will educate the limestone industry, specifiers and architects, on the challenges of using "cast stone" and the advantages of using limestone.

Learning objectives:

1. Gain a short primer on cast stone – what is it and how is it fabricated?
2. Learn about the various considerations for choosing cast stone and limestone.
3. Understand the focus on service life and long term durability – highly favorable characteristics of limestone vs cast stone.
4. Learn about the differentials in testing requirements for proper material.

Program Length: 60 minutes

• AIA: MIASM1, 1.0 HSW LU
• LACES: MIASM1, 1.0 HSW LU

NOTE: This course is only available through select Sturgis Materials.