How the tool works — inputs, results & what to expect
The tool guides you through key project parameters that determine basalt tile performance requirements. You’ll answer questions about project type (pool deck, plaza, rooftop terrace), traffic intensity (light residential to heavy commercial), environmental conditions (barefoot/wet exposure, climate zone), and preferences (finish aesthetics, maintenance tolerance, visual consistency needs). Additional inputs capture accessibility requirements and special constraints like vehicle access or historic restoration compatibility.
Based on your responses, the tool generates a customized recommendation card showing the optimal finish name and grade, primary rationale for the selection, required test reports to request from Citadel Stone, installer-specific notes, confidence level, and any risk flags with suggested mitigations. Results include a shortlist of compatible SKUs and direct links to request physical samples, technical data sheets, and engineered verification for complex projects.
The output can be downloaded as a specification-ready CSV for integration into project documentation, RFI responses, or purchasing systems. For multi-zone projects, the tool accepts bulk CSV input allowing you to process multiple areas with different requirements simultaneously. Every recommendation prioritizes safety, durability, and regulatory compliance while balancing aesthetic and budget considerations. Use tool results as a starting point for specification conversations with Citadel Stone technical support—not as a substitute for professional engineering judgment on structural, code, or site-specific decisions.
Tool UI copy — exact question list & help microcopy
Copy-paste ready tool questions with field types and help text:
Question 1: Project type
Field type: Dropdown
Options: Residential patio | Pool deck | Hotel terrace | Restaurant outdoor dining | Boutique retail | Commercial plaza | Industrial yard | Rooftop terrace
Help text: “Choose the primary project use. If multiple uses apply, select the highest traffic or most-demanding use case.”
Question 2: Traffic intensity
Field type: Radio buttons
Options: Light foot traffic | Residential frequent | Moderate commercial | Heavy commercial | Occasional vehicle access
Help text: “Heavy commercial includes delivery vehicles, forklifts, dense pedestrian flows, or rolling equipment. Occasional vehicle access means maintenance carts, golf carts, or light trucks under controlled conditions.”
Question 3: Barefoot & wet exposure
Field type: Checkbox (Yes/No) + Conditional dropdown
Checkbox: Will surfaces be used barefoot or remain wet?
Conditional dropdown (if Yes): Always wet/submerged | Frequent splash zones | Occasional wet conditions
Help text: “Pool decks, spa surrounds, fountain edges, and shower areas require enhanced slip resistance and specific finish choices. Select ‘always wet’ for pool coping or steps. Request slip test data for all wet-area applications.”
Question 4: Climate zone
Field type: Dropdown
Options: Cold freeze-thaw region | Temperate | Hot-dry | Humid coastal | High-salt coastal environment
Help text: “Climate affects absorption tolerance and freeze-thaw durability requirements. Cold regions require low-absorption materials with proven freeze-thaw test results. High-salt coastal environments need chemical resistance verification. Consult Citadel Stone for region-specific test data.”
Question 5: Finish preference
Field type: Multi-select checkboxes
Options: Honed | Brushed | Sawn | Flamed | Tumbled | Polished
Help text: “Select all finishes you’re open to considering. Finish affects slip resistance, visual appearance, maintenance needs, and fabrication cost. The tool will recommend the best match from your selections. Leave blank for the tool to suggest optimal finishes based on other inputs.”
Question 6: Maintenance tolerance
Field type: Slider (1-5 scale)
Scale labels: 1 = Low maintenance preferred | 5 = High-maintenance acceptable
Help text: “Low-maintenance preferences bias toward sealed, dense, low-absorption finishes requiring minimal resealing or stain removal. High-maintenance tolerance allows wider finish range including more porous or decorative options. Consider staffing, budget, and owner expectations.”
Question 7: Visual consistency tolerance
Field type: Slider (1-5 scale)
Scale labels: 1 = Tight lot-matching required | 5 = Tolerant of natural variation
Help text: “Tight visual tolerance recommends batch-matched material, Grade A selection, and careful sequencing during installation. Projects tolerating variation allow more cost-effective Grade B selections and broader lot mixing. Specify tolerance in contract documents.”
Question 8: Accessibility requirement
Field type: Checkbox
Option: ADA/wheelchair accessibility required (US)
Help text: “Check if project must comply with ADA or equivalent accessibility standards. Tool will flag surface texture, joint width, and substrate requirements. Licensed installers must verify compliance with local AHJ. Request Citadel Stone ADA-compliant installation guidelines.”
Question 9: Special constraints (optional)
Field type: Free text area
Placeholder text: “Examples: Must accommodate occasional delivery trucks | Historic restoration context | Rooftop weight limits | Specific budget constraints | Colored grout required”
Help text: “Provide project-specific details not covered above. The tool will flag when constraints require engineer verification or proof testing. For structural, load-bearing, or unusual applications, request engineered verification from Citadel Stone before finalizing specifications.”
Submit button text: “Get My Basalt Recommendation”
Interpreting results — what a recommendation means
The tool output displays a comprehensive recommendation card summarizing the optimal basalt tile solution for your project inputs. The Finish & Grade section identifies the specific surface treatment (honed, flamed, brushed) and material grade (A, B, or custom specification language) best suited to your requirements. Grade A indicates tight visual consistency with minimal natural variation, ideal for high-visibility applications requiring batch matching. Grade B allows moderate variation, balancing aesthetics with cost-effectiveness for projects tolerating natural stone character.
The Use Case Rationale provides 1-2 concise bullets explaining why this finish and grade combination suits your project’s traffic, environmental conditions, and maintenance expectations. This language can be adapted directly into specification narratives or client presentations. The Required Test Reports section lists specific documentation to request from Citadel Stone—typically including material TDS, water absorption values, flexural strength data, and slip resistance testing relevant to your application. Always verify that test reports cover the exact finish and grade you’re specifying, as surface treatments significantly affect performance characteristics.
Installer Notes highlight critical installation considerations such as substrate preparation requirements, recommended joint widths, edge restraint needs, or special bedding techniques. Share these notes with your installation contractor during bid review and pre-construction meetings. The Confidence Level (Low, Medium, High) indicates how well your inputs match typical basalt applications. High confidence means the recommendation aligns with proven use cases; Medium suggests requesting additional Citadel Stone technical consultation; Low flags that your project may require engineered verification, proof testing, or custom fabrication.
Risk Flags appear when project conditions push beyond standard applications—such as vehicle loading, unusual climate extremes, or accessibility edge cases. Each flag includes suggested mitigations, which may involve requesting additional test data, conducting field mock-ups, engaging structural engineers, or modifying installation details. Never proceed with flagged applications without professional verification. Use the CTA buttons to request physical samples (showing both wet and dry conditions), download your results as a specification-ready CSV, or schedule a verification consultation with Citadel Stone technical specialists.
What to request from Citadel Stone — procurement checklist
Use this copy-paste ready checklist when requesting materials and documentation to support your basalt tile specification:
- Sample slabs showing wet and dry conditions — Request minimum 12″ × 12″ samples in specified finish and grade, photographed both wet and dry to evaluate slip characteristics, color shift, and visual consistency under actual use conditions
- Technical Data Sheet (TDS) for specified finish and grade — Complete material specifications including absorption rate, apparent density, compressive strength, flexural strength, and abrasion resistance; verify TDS covers exact finish (surface treatments affect properties)
- Water absorption test results — Lab report per ASTM C97 or equivalent showing absorption percentage; critical for freeze-thaw regions, wet applications, and stain resistance assessment
- Flexural strength test data — ASTM C880 or equivalent results confirming load-bearing capacity for your application; especially important for large-format tiles, vehicular areas, or unsupported spans
- Slip resistance testing — Request test results appropriate to your application (DCOF for barefoot/wet areas per ANSI A137.1, pendulum testing for accessibility compliance); specify wet testing for pool decks and outdoor applications
- Lot and batch identification photos — High-resolution images of actual material lot showing color range, veining, and natural variation; essential for visual tolerance assessment and batch-matching decisions
- Freeze-thaw test results (if applicable to climate zone) — ASTM C1026 or equivalent demonstrating durability through multiple freeze-thaw cycles; required for cold-climate installations and northern U.S. projects
- Recommended adhesive, grout, and sealer TDS — Technical specifications for system components including VOC content, curing times, and compatibility verification with basalt; request both interior and exterior options
- Mock-up protocol and acceptance criteria — Written procedures for field mock-up installation including size requirements, test methods, sign-off process, and what constitutes acceptance vs. rejection
- Availability, lead time, and lot reservation policy — Current stock status, production lead times for specified quantities, and policies for reserving specific lots to ensure color matching across project phases
- Warranty terms and acceptance conditions — Manufacturer warranty coverage, exclusions, and what documentation is required at project completion; clarify responsibilities for installation-related issues vs. material defects
- Engineered verification package (if tool flags high-risk application) — For vehicle loading, structural spans, unusual substrates, or complex applications: request engineering review, calculation verification, and professional stamp where required by AHJ
Safety note: Follow product TDS/SDS for all adhesives, sealers and cleaners. Use licensed installers for mechanical or penetrative works.
Tool accuracy & verification — how we ensure a safe recommendation
The Basalt Tile Suitability Tool employs conservative assumptions based on proven basalt applications across residential, commercial, and infrastructure projects. When inputs match well-documented use cases—such as residential patios, hotel terraces, or commercial plazas—the tool returns High confidence recommendations grounded in extensive field performance data. Medium confidence results indicate your project parameters fall within acceptable ranges but may benefit from additional technical consultation or performance testing. Low confidence flags appear when project demands exceed typical applications, requiring professional engineering verification before specification.
The tool defaults to conservative selections when inputs suggest borderline conditions. For example, if traffic intensity approaches the threshold between moderate and heavy commercial, the recommendation errs toward higher-grade material and more robust installation details rather than minimum-acceptable solutions. Similarly, climate zone inputs trigger specific test report requirements: cold regions automatically flag freeze-thaw testing needs, while coastal environments prompt chemical resistance verification requests.
Risk flags and suggested mitigations identify when your project requires escalation beyond tool recommendations. Vehicle access, unusual structural requirements, historic restoration constraints, or rooftop weight limits all trigger flags directing you to request engineered verification packages from Citadel Stone. These packages include engineering review, calculation support, and professional consultation appropriate to your jurisdiction’s requirements. The tool cannot replace professional judgment—it accelerates initial material selection while clearly identifying when expert verification is mandatory.
For all projects, conduct field mock-ups using specified materials, finishes, adhesives, and installation methods before full procurement. Mock-ups allow stakeholders to evaluate appearance, confirm slip characteristics, verify installer proficiency, and identify unforeseen site conditions. Document mock-up results and obtain formal sign-off before ordering production quantities. This practice protects project budgets, schedules, and quality expectations while providing empirical verification of tool recommendations.
Safety & legal note: Final structural, load-bearing or code compliance decisions must be verified by licensed engineers and the Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ). Request Citadel Stone TDS, lab reports and engineered verification for project sign-off.
FAQs — short answers about the tool
Is the tool a substitute for an engineer or architect?
No. The tool provides material selection guidance based on project inputs but cannot replace professional engineering judgment on structural, code compliance, or site-specific decisions. Always engage licensed professionals for load-bearing applications, accessibility verification, and AHJ approval.
Can I use the tool for rooftop terraces or elevated installations?
Yes, but the tool will flag weight constraints, drainage requirements, and structural coordination needs. Rooftop applications require engineer verification of substrate capacity, waterproofing compatibility, and wind uplift resistance. Request Citadel Stone engineered verification package for elevated installations.
How accurate are finish color previews in the tool?
Color accuracy varies by monitor calibration and lighting conditions. Always request physical samples showing both wet and dry states before finalizing specifications. Digital previews guide initial selection but cannot replace in-hand sample evaluation under site-specific lighting.
Does the tool account for regional building codes?
The tool provides general guidance compatible with U.S. building practices but cannot interpret jurisdiction-specific codes. Verify all recommendations against local AHJ requirements. Request Citadel Stone assistance with code interpretation and compliance documentation for your region.
What if my project doesn’t fit the standard categories?
Use the “Special constraints” field to describe unusual requirements. The tool will flag custom applications requiring Citadel Stone technical consultation. For one-of-a-kind projects, schedule a verification call to discuss engineered solutions beyond standard product offerings.
How current is the tool’s product database?
The tool references Citadel Stone’s current product catalog, updated quarterly. Availability and lead times change based on quarry production and demand. Always verify stock status and lead times during procurement regardless of tool recommendations.
Next steps — download CSV, request samples or book a consultation
Download your recommendation as a specification-ready CSV containing project details, recommended finishes and grades, required test reports, and installer notes—ready for integration into project documentation or RFI responses. Request physical samples and complete technical data sheets directly from Citadel Stone using the sample request form linked in your results. For complex projects, flagged applications, or multi-zone developments, schedule an engineered verification consultation with our technical team to ensure your specification meets structural, code, and performance requirements. Start your next basalt project with confidence—backed by evidence-based material selection and comprehensive technical support.
Finish vs Use Table
| Finish | Best for | Maintenance note |
|---|---|---|
| Honed | Pool decks, spa surrounds, barefoot areas, elegant residential patios | Moderate maintenance; periodic resealing recommended; good stain resistance when sealed |
| Brushed | High-traffic commercial, restaurant terraces, retail entries | Low maintenance; texture hides wear; resists showing scratches or scuffs |
| Sawn | Rustic residential, historic contexts, garden paths | Moderate to high maintenance; may require frequent cleaning to prevent organic staining |
| Flamed | Commercial plazas, accessibility-required areas, heavy pedestrian flow | Low maintenance; excellent slip resistance; durable texture maintains performance over time |
| Tumbled | Decorative residential, low-traffic accent areas, historic restoration | High maintenance; irregular surface retains dirt; requires specialized cleaning |
| Polished | Interior lobbies, showrooms, low-traffic decorative applications | High maintenance; shows scratches and wear; not suitable for wet or exterior use |
Grade Definition Table
| Grade | What it implies | Typical uses |
|---|---|---|
| Grade A | Tight visual consistency with minimal color variation; batch-matched from same quarry run; premium selection for aesthetic uniformity | High-visibility projects, hotel lobbies, boutique retail, residential where seamless appearance is critical; spec when client has low variation tolerance |
| Grade B | Moderate natural variation acceptable; may blend multiple quarry benches; cost-effective while maintaining structural performance | Commercial plazas, restaurant patios, mid-range residential; spec when budget and naturalistic appearance balance is desired; still requires reasonable lot coordination |
| Grade C / Rustic | Wide natural variation expected; may include more pronounced veining, color shifts, or surface texture differences; emphasizes stone’s natural character | Accent walls, garden paths, rustic or historic contexts where organic variation enhances design intent; not suitable for projects requiring tight matching |
| Custom Spec | Project-specific requirements exceed standard grading; may involve hand-selection, special sorting, or unique fabrication | One-of-a-kind installations, landmark projects, restoration matching; requires Citadel Stone consultation and custom pricing |
Risk Flags Table
| Flag | When it appears | Suggested mitigation |
|---|---|---|
| Vehicle Loading | Tool detects occasional or regular vehicle access (delivery trucks, forklifts, maintenance carts, golf carts) | Request engineered verification package; engage structural engineer to verify substrate capacity, tile thickness adequacy, and bedding/joint design; consider proof loading test |
| Rooftop/Elevated Install | Project type indicates rooftop terrace or elevated deck with structural constraints | Verify dead load capacity with structural engineer; confirm waterproofing compatibility; request lightweight format options; assess wind uplift and edge restraint requirements |
| Extreme Climate | Cold freeze-thaw or high-salt coastal zones with aggressive environmental exposure | Request freeze-thaw test results (ASTM C1026) and verify absorption <0.5%; for coastal: request salt-spray/chloride resistance data; consider additional sealing protocols |
| ADA/Accessibility Edge Case | Accessibility required with challenging finish or joint-width combination | Verify slip resistance meets ADA standards (static COF ≥0.6 wet, or equivalent); confirm joint width and substrate flatness with licensed installer; request ADA-compliant installation guide |
| High Aesthetic Demand + Budget Constraint | Tight visual tolerance selected with inputs suggesting cost sensitivity | Flag potential conflict between Grade A material costs and budget; recommend value-engineering options: smaller format to reduce waste, Grade B with careful sequencing, or phased procurement |
| Unusual Substrate | Special constraints mention historic masonry, wood decking, existing tile overlay, or non-standard substrates | Require substrate evaluation by licensed installer or engineer; request Citadel Stone compatibility guidance; may need specialized primers, decoupling membranes, or reinforcement |
Specifying Citadel Stone basalt tiles — State & city considerations
Citadel Stone basalt tiles are a dense, volcanic product that would suit many exterior and interior schemes where durability and a refined aesthetic are priorities. The short notes below offer hypothetical, city-focused guidance for specifiers and procurement teams across a mix of U.S. locations — the wording is illustrative and not a record of completed installations.
San Diego, CA
San Diego’s maritime climate brings persistent coastal wind, salt spray and strong solar exposure with mild temperature swings; freeze is rare. For San Diego we would recommend low-porosity stone to limit salt migration and a honed or lightly textured finish to balance slip performance and ease of cleaning. Guidance on thickness: 20–30 mm for pedestrian patios and terraces; 30–40 mm where light vehicle access is anticipated. For San Diego projects the supplier could provide calibrated samples, technical datasheets, specification wording and palletised delivery options to assist mock-ups and tendering. Using our basalt tiles or our basalt tiles in these conditions would prioritise long-term surface stability and colour retention.
Honolulu, HI
Honolulu is exposed to strong UV, consistent humidity and salt-laden air; tropical storm events and trade-wind driven spray influence material choice. In Honolulu we would suggest specifying low-absorption basalt with textured or brushed finishes to preserve traction when wet and reduce apparent soiling from salts. Typical thickness guidance is 20–30 mm for pedestrian zones; 30–40 mm for light vehicle or service lanes, noting that substrate and drainage design are essential. For Honolulu the supplier could make samples available for coastal-weathering mock-ups, supply technical datasheets, offer specification support and arrange palletised sea- or road-ready delivery if required for logistics planning.
New Orleans, LA
New Orleans presents high humidity, frequent heavy rainfall, occasional storm surge and intense sunlight; freeze is rare but hurricane risk is significant. For New Orleans we would typically advise low-porosity basalt with a non-polished honed or textured finish to resist water uptake and improve wet traction. As general guidance consider 20–30 mm for patios and 30–40 mm for light vehicle areas, combined with a robust subbase and drainage strategy. For projects in New Orleans the supplier could supply sample packs for saline-exposure trials, comprehensive technical datasheets, specification assistance and palletised delivery options to coordinate with site access constraints.
Charleston, SC
Charleston’s coastal environment and summer humidity, together with UV exposure and occasional tropical systems, would direct material choice toward resilient, low-absorption stone. In Charleston it would be sensible to specify basalt with a textured or sawn surface to limit glare and aid slip resistance during rain; honed finishes could be recommended for interiors. Typical thickness guidance: 20–30 mm for pedestrian patios; 30–40 mm for areas subject to light vehicular use. For Charleston the supplier could offer physical samples, detailed product datasheets, advice on specification language and palletised delivery as part of a coordinated procurement package for coastal projects.
Boston, MA
Boston’s climate includes cold winters with freeze–thaw cycles, strong UV in summer and variable humidity — frost resistance becomes a key factor. For Boston we would recommend low-porosity basalt specifically selected and tested for freeze–thaw durability and a finish such as honed or textured (not highly polished) to reduce slipperiness when wet or icy. Thickness guidance is 20–30 mm for patios and terraces; 30–40 mm for light vehicle zones, with attention to edge details and an appropriate drained subbase. For Boston projects the supplier could provide freeze–thaw technical information, test data in datasheets, specification support and palletised delivery options to match northern logistics.
Phoenix, AZ
Phoenix’s arid, high-UV environment and large diurnal temperature ranges create different stresses — thermal stability and low water uptake are priorities rather than frost resistance. In Phoenix we would typically specify low-porosity basalt with a honed or slightly textured finish to reduce heat glare and provide comfortable underfoot performance; deep polish might increase surface temperature so would be used cautiously. Recommended thickness: 20–30 mm for pedestrian patios; 30–40 mm for light vehicle areas, with attention to expansion joints for thermal movement. For Phoenix the supplier could offer sample panels, technical datasheets on thermal and porosity characteristics, specification advice and palletised delivery to support site staging.
Across these varying climates the same underlying principles would guide choices for Citadel Stone basalt tiles and our basalt tiles: select low-porosity material in coastal or humid zones, choose finishes that balance traction and appearance for local rainfall/UV conditions, and align tile thickness with expected load and subbase design. The supplier could assist with specification language, provide technical datasheets and sample packs for mock-ups, and offer palletised delivery services to help coordinate on-site logistics — all offered as conditional support depending on project scope and procurement timelines.
