What information does Studmarc need to recommend the right product?
Information we need to recommend the right product
Whether you are specifying tactile indicators, anti-skate products or architectural studs, a small amount of project information can help us identify the most appropriate product, material, fixing method and finish.
You do not necessarily need a completed specification before contacting Studmarc. Drawings, photographs, dimensions and information about the intended application are often enough for our team to begin recommending suitable options.
What are you trying to achieve?
A large factor in the decision-making process is what the product needs to do to achieve the desired goal.
Some common applications include:
- Prevent skateboards, BMX bikes and rollerblades from grinding on a surface or edge using anti-skate studs
- Provide tactile guidance or warning for visually impaired pedestrians using tactile studs or tactile strips
- Improve stair visibility or add slip resistance to a stair tread using stair tread inserts
- Discourage sitting or loitering using anti-sitting studs
- Add an architectural or decorative detail to a surface
Understanding the main aim of the installation is the most efficient way to narrow down which product family is required.
Where is the product being installed?
Where the product will be installed can influence its material, finish, design and fixing method, as well as any legislation or guidance that may govern its use.
Useful locational information includes:
- Internal or external
- Public realm or private development
- Transport, commercial or residential setting
- Coastal or marine location
- Areas with high levels of contaminants
- Exposed or high-traffic area
- Historic or protected buildings
Environmental conditions can be particularly important when selecting materials and finishes. For example, projects close to the sea may require additional consideration due to chloride exposure and other contaminants. Our guide to using anti-skate studs in coastal environments explains these considerations in more detail.
What material is it being installed into?
The substrate can influence both the fixing method and the type of product suitable for the installation.
Common materials include:
- Concrete
- Granite
- Natural stone
- Paving
- Timber
- Metal
- Precast materials
It is also useful to know whether the installation is into a new or existing finished surface.
Some other important factors are whether the project is new-build or retrofit, whether the surface has been repaired previously, and whether the building or location has heritage significance.
Different surfaces may require different fixing methods. Our guide to surfaces suitable for anti-skate studs provides examples of how substrate type can affect an installation.
For anti-skate projects, it may also be useful to establish whether anti-skate studs or anti-skate blades are better suited to the surface and stage of construction.
What dimensions, drawings or photographs are needed?
When it comes to dimensions and visual information, the more detail available, the easier it is to identify products suited to the installation.
Some useful information includes:
- Width and depth of the surface
- Available fixing depth
- Dimensions of the installation area
- Stair or ledge dimensions
- Edge profile radius
- Proposed routing or layout drawings for tactile paths
- Architectural drawings
- Photographs of the location
For anti-skate installations in particular, measurements such as surface width, substrate depth and edge profile can influence the product, fixing method and quantity required. Our guide to the measurements needed for anti-skate studscovers these dimensions in more detail.
Any drawings or plans don’t need to be fully developed to aid in the decision-making process; rough markups often suffice.
Are there any specification, accessibility or aesthetic requirements?
Based on the location and intended application, there may be additional factors that influence the finish, dimensions and choice of product.
Specification or compliance
- Legislation and accessibility guidance
- Client preferences or requirements
- Project-specific dimensions or layouts
- Heritage or conservation requirements
For tactile installations, our complete guide to tactile studs and strips provides further information on the factors that can influence product selection and layout.
Appearance
- Finish
- Colour or contrast
- Anodisation
- Product profile
- Relationship with surrounding materials
- Bespoke architectural requirements
- Printed or engraved information, branding or signage
These details help Studmarc understand whether a product has to satisfy another need outside of its primary function.
What should you send Studmarc with your enquiry?
Ideal information to send with your enquiry includes:
- What the installation is intended to achieve
- Where it is being installed
- Whether the environment is internal or external
- Substrate or material
- New-build or retrofit
- Dimensions and rough layout
- Drawings or photographs
- Required finish
- Estimated quantity
- Any relevant specification or accessibility requirements
Don’t have access to all of this information?
You don’t need a completed specification before getting in touch with Studmarc. Send us whatever information you have available and our team will assist you in identifying what else needs to be established to recommend the most suitable product for your project.