Frequently Asked Questions

Thank you for considering Sierra Stone. In today's world of advancing technology, we are proud to be leaders in the field of stone and epoxy overlays. By combining stone (one of the most durable products known today) with epoxy (one of the strongest binding agents created by modern science), we have been able to offer the commercial and residential construction industries a product that is both attractive and durable.

If this product is relatively new to you, the following information will provide you with general information about our product and its various uses.

What is Sierra Stone?

Sierra Stone is a unique, residential and commercial decorative stone and epoxy overlay system, which offers a beautiful, yet practical solution for a wide variety of applications. With unmatched design flexibility, Sierra Stone can accommodate the most complex logos and graphics, producing striking results in a variety of settings.

How long will the process take?

All projects are different. Under ideal conditions, we estimate one-day set-up, one-day to install, clean and detail. Size and design are factors that we consider. Weather is also a very important factor. Approximately 90% of our time constraints are based upon weather.

Unlike concrete, we will not, under any circumstances, resurface in the rain, or if there is a good percentage chance of rain. Because of the techniques we use, rain will cause the sealer to turn milky white in color. If it rains 3-4 hours after the sealer has been applied, the sealer will already have dried and cannot be damaged by the rain.

The process is quite technical and very detailed. Because of this, we are unable to give an exact schedule date for your project. We feel it is our responsibility to provide the best performance we can for each customer. Whether it is an order for additional work or considerations for weather, we treat you the same as the customer before you and the customer after. We encourage you to participate by watching the process. We feel that you will be quite impressed by the quality and experience that goes into our work and process.

Why is Sierra Stone so strong?

Sierra StoneTM uses epoxy as a bonding agent, and epoxy is one the strongest bonding materials created by modern scientific technology. We have testing data from an independent testing laboratory that confirms the strength and durability of our epoxy stone system in all types of weather: extreme heat, freeze/thaw cycles, excessive moisture and high winds. This strength adds credibility and makes it ideal to use in any application.

How many colors are available?

Only Mother Nature can produce the beauty found in our natural stone. We offer over 18 colors and textures to choose from all of which can be custom selected and blended together. This gives homeowners, architects and designers an almost unlimited range of design possibilities to create a unique visual appeal for each and every project. For larger jobs we can dye the stone any color you may need to match company logos, inlays etc.

Will my colors change or fade?

The stone colors will not change, but the sun will eventually cause the epoxy to lighten over time. Preventive maintenance through sealing keeps the colors protected and vibrant.

How long before I can drive/use my new Sierra Stone surface?

You should not drive on the surface for at least 96 hours. It will achieve minimum p.s.i. strength by the seventh day. For areas like patios and walkways, we suggest to not use or walk on these areas until one day after they have been sealed.

Will Sierra Stone crack?

Sierra Stone hardens to a compressive strength of 4500 PSI with 20% elasticity allowing for some surface expansion and contraction. However if the substrate shifts due to an earthquake or movement the Sierra Stone surface will crack also. We have a distinct advantage over other products as we can repair it easily by reinstalling the same stone mixture at a minimal cost. Since the stone is very small and multi-coloured, it is possible for such repairs to virtually eliminate any sign of the original crack.

Can you cover my Ugly steps and wall?

Yes, we can cover steps and small walls; we use an epoxy paste to hold the stone in place on step faces and foundation walls. This is a much more labor-intensive process and thus costs a little more.

Is there any required maintenance?

As with any flooring, it should be cleaned periodically. For cleaning we recommend power washing it at least once a year and typically a leaf blower and occasional hose will keep it debris free and looking like new.

The epoxy is stain resistant, so any oil drips from cars can be cleaned up with a degreaser and scrub brush. Interior Sierra Stone can be washed and vacuumed with a wet/dry vac or simple carpet cleaning equipment or steam vac. Epoxy is affected by the ultraviolet rays from the sun. The amount of traffic over the area covered is also a big factor in the life of the stone. The effects of both of these factors can be reversed with a simple re-coat of epoxy which we recommend about every 3 years. A fresh coat of epoxy will restore the shine to the stone as well as enhance the bonding of the existing stone to the substrate.

Be sure to request your free annual inspection. With proper care and maintenance, Sierra Stone can last a lifetime. Sierra Stone also maintains a fully staffed customer service department for all your cleaning / maintenance needs.

How Does Sierra Stone stand up to our weather here in the Northwest?

Sierra StoneTM is incredibly durable, and is not affected by the ice, snow or freeze-thaw cycles that occur in North America. It is used from Northern Canada to Southern California. Sierra Stone was established in Sasketchewan, Canada in 1979 where the winters are far more extreme than we experience here in the Northwest. With a minimal maintenance you can enjoy and trust the installation for a lifetime.

Is it slippery?

No. The National Floor Safety Institute has awarded our floor a "high traction" rating, SCOF, of .60 or better, wet or dry. To insure good traction we disperse a liberal amount of fine silica sand which adheres to the surface as the epoxy hardens.

Can I snow plow my Sierra Stone?

We recommend that you do not plow your Sierra Stone surface. The blade of a snowplow will scrape and scratch the surface; it can also chip the textured areas. We recommend using a plastic shovel and/or snow blower over these surfaces.

Where can I use Sierra Stone?

Sierra Stone is most commonly used on concrete, but may also be applied over tile, wood or even fiberglass. We cannot, however, go over Asphalt.

Where are people using it?

Residential applications range from basements and living rooms to patios, walkways, driveway, stoops and steps. Restaurants, Schools, Retail Stores, Manufacturing, Residential, Auto Showroom and Service Areas, etc.

What About Mold and Mildew?

Because Sierra Stone forms a porus surface water actually drains off to the grade of the substrate and does not sit on top of the surface. Water doesn't puddle up, which means the surface dries fast and is more resistant to black and green mold and mildew – it is also less susceptible to icy patches in winter.

How does it compare to other option to fix my Ugly cracked concrete?

Please see the attached list for comparison to stamped concrete, asphalt etc.

What's the #1 reason people use Sierra Stone?

Residential...for its beauty. Commercial & Retail...for its trendy upscale look. Institutional...for its reduced maintenance.

Will we work on a union job?

Yes, but the price may go up. All our pricing is based on non-union work.

Are you properly licensed and bonded?

In Oregon, all contractors are to be licensed and bonded with the CCB . If they are not, there is a reason why. If a company is not licensed then that company is illegally doing business in OREGON. If a company is not bonded then legally they cannot ask you for a deposit (even if you offer to give them a deposit).

Sierra Stone is licensed and bonded. Our Oregon License Number is 174564 and our Business carries a one million dollar insurance policy. Our business number is 1305593-5. We are licensed, bonded and insured.

Do You Have Workers Compensation Coverage?

If they do not have current workers compensation coverage, you and your Home Insurance are at risk. If one of their employees gets hurt on your property while installing your project, they can sue you and you can be held liable. You may think that your home insurance has enough liability insurance to cover these types of situations, but this may not be the case. In any case if your insurance has to pay out a claim, you can be sure your home insurance premiums will be increased next year. DO NOT GET CAUGHT! Call the Workers Compensation Board at 1-800-285-8525 to check whether the company you are hiring is covered and is in good standing.

Sierra Stone's Workers Compensation Account Number is 20-2807969

If I Do Business with You, What Can I Expect?

Beware if the contractor cannot show you what you can expect through samples, pictures, or a video. Are you able to make a good decision on who to hire and feel confident in the contractors ability to install the job properly? ASK lots of questions and be sure you know what you are getting.

Sierra Stone representatives can show you pictures and samples of exactly what you will get and explain what to expect during the installation process. No guesswork is required.

What area do you service?

We are located in Portland and we typically service an area within a three hour radius of our home. However, we are not against traveling further, usually a per-diem applies. Let us know where you are and tell us about your project, and we will be glad to discuss the possibilities. Just send us an e-mail!

What is the guarantee with Sierra Stone?

Our warranty every installation of SIERRA STONE for three years for workmanship and material.

What is the cost of Sierra Stone?

The cost of Sierra Stone can vary depending on the conditions of your existing concrete flooring, the amount of preparation required, the type of stone chosen and the thickness/ material necessary for proper installation. In general the price is around $8 per square foot. It is why it is necessary to physically inspect the area before an estimate can be given. All estimates are free and at no obligation.

If you have any questions that we haven't addressed above, please give us a call or drop us an e-mail and we'd be happy to answer all your queries.

Call us to today for a no-pressure, complimentary consultation with a Sierra Stone Professional.