Stone Cladding, also known as Stone Walling, creates pleasing aesthetics with an unmatched style. Be it a feature wall or a garden retaining wall, it transforms the ambiance effortlessly. However, visual brilliance is not the only measure of the walling's success. It's the quality of stones and the process of installation that count. In this blog, we will share useful installation tips of Stone Cladding aka Stone Walling.
Wall Cladding: Where Can We Use Them?
Stone cladding walls can produce amazing visual effects with less initial investment because they are usually less expensive than standard-size stone tiles.
Stone wall cladding tiles are useful for many outdoor projects, such as patio-connected fireplaces, garden walls, water features, and entry pillars. Stone-clad walls are frequently utilized as wall partitions, as a backdrop for eating areas, and as bordering features around patios and porches to offer character and a more appealing appearance. Moreover, it creates a year-round cozy atmosphere in any entertainment area.
For interior living spaces like family rooms, dining rooms, and reception areas in commercial buildings, stone wall cladding is a practical choice. It looks great next to fireplaces and adds a unique accent to a kitchen backsplash wall. Anywhere it is mounted, the wall design is visually appealing. In areas like spas, you'll also find stone-clad walls with water features, as this is a fantastic way to create a calming, visually appealing atmosphere.
Step-By-Step Guide To Installing Stone wall Cladding
Measurement
The first step in the installation process is to measure the area and the number of stones required. For flat surface stones, just multiply the width and height of the area and deduct openings like doors or windows. This measurement in square meters is the total area that must be covered. For an estimate on corners, measure the vertical corners or the jambs of windows and doors.
Solid foundation
A structurally sound and solid substrate is required next to install the stone cladding. We advise building a foundation with brick or concrete. In the case of a concrete foundation, please allow it at least 6 weeks of curing time. A strong holding is necessary to support the wall. We need not even tell you what a poor-quality substrate will cost you! In case the foundation is an existing structure, it must be cleaned, levelled, and reinforced.
Prepare the surface
Uneven or rough surfaces do not let the stone clads stay in place. Make sure you scratch coat the surface to make it even. The surface must not have any contaminating material like paint, wax oil, or debris. You can brush out dust from the surface or use a wet cloth to clean the surface. Wait until it's dry.
Prepare the stone layout
Before you start installing the stones on the substrate, it is advised to prepare a layout on the ground to make a pattern ready. Please note, drawing the pattern on paper will not highlight the issues you might face during the installation. The ground layout aids in better arrangement basis size, texture, and colour variation as well as blending various pieces as desired. This layout on the ground will be extremely helpful in the case of Freestyle Walling as every stone has a different thickness or texture.
Quality adhesive
Please be informed that the longevity of natural stone walling depends on the quality of the adhesive. There are several stone walling adhesives available in the market. Pick the ones that are suitable for your walling range. The installer should be able to help you with it.
Always start from the corners towards the centre of the wall. A notched trowel is generally used to apply the adhesive to the back of the stone. Make sure the surface is clean. Evenly butter the adhesive to the stone and press it firmly to the wall. With a spirit level, check if the cladding has levelled horizontally. Scrape off any excess adhesive with the trowel.
Grouting
Once the stone wall is installed, fill the gaps between the stones with mortar or grout. This will help to seal and tighten the area around the stone. Let the grout dry but not harden, or else it would be difficult to strike out. Scrape along the joints with the striking stick and achieve a clean even look.
Finish
Dust off your stone wall with a medium bristled brush. The last step in the process is sealing to ensure a long life to the walling. Sealing is essential in case it's installed in wet outdoors or bathrooms with high humidity. And you are done!
In a nutshell
Wall cladding does wonders to the ambiance of the space. It not only strengthens the structures but also elevates the aesthetics. To know its benefits and why you should invest in it, here is all about wall cladding. The only way to ensure its long life is correct installation. Hope our tips help you achieve a flawless Stone Wall for both housing and commercial projects.
FAQs
- How Do You Secure Wall Cladding?
- What Cement To Use For Stone Cladding?
- What Is The Gap Between Cladding And Wall?
- What Are The Defects In Wall Cladding?
- How Long Does Wall Cladding Last?
The first step in installing natural stone wall cladding is to prepare a sturdy foundation, like cement board or a wall that is correctly framed. To guarantee a firm hold, adhere the stones to the surface using a strong adhesive, such as thin-set mortar, and apply it uniformly. Additionally, you can utilize mechanical fasteners or anchors for extra stability, particularly with bigger stones. Lastly, use caulk or grout to seal the joints to improve durability and stop moisture infiltration.
For cladding applications, a ready-mixed polymerised mortar is frequently utilised. All that is needed to prepare this material is to mix it with water. Another option is to use a regular 2 to 2.5:1 sand cement mix.
The most crucial element in the effectiveness of the cladding installation is a moisture gap (or cavity) behind the cladding; a minimum of 20 mm should be left between the cladding and wall. This cavity's function is to maintain air circulation behind the boards.
Physical damage to cladding, such as chips, dents and cracks, can be caused by debris impact, harsh weather or shoddy installation. Physical harm can weaken the cladding's barrier of protection and cause the building to sustain more, more expensive damage.
When properly cared for stone wall cladding lasts for more than 40 to 50 years. We recommend sealing the stones every 2-3 years to make them stand the test of time.
*Disclaimer: All information and advice given above in the blog are to the best of our knowledge. Please reconfirm at your end before execution.
