Protection of floors after fixing

Whenever the construction programme allows, one should insist that the paving is laid last, after all the other trades, and just before the painting. 

If that is not possible and other trades have to intervene after fixing, it is essential to protect the floor effectively, and from experience we recommend laying sheets of 15mm thick expanded polystyrene.   These should be attached to each other, and to the skirting around the perimeter, by large strips of duct tape which will also ensure the effective sealing of the protection (be careful about the quality of the tape as some adhesives leave traces on the stone). 

A plastic film type polyane can also be spread on the floor as protection.  It needs regular inspection to ensure that the plastic does not get torn which could result in the freshly laid floor being stained. 

Be careful of wood shavings and saw dust created by carpenters as certain wood can permanently stain the stone.   They should never be left in contact with the stone.

 For stairs it is advisable to protect the front edge of the steps with right angle sections of pine or light wood.   This protection always pays as it avoids cleaning operations and replacing damaged stone.