What Is A Stone Cladding? Benefits Of Stone Cladding
What Is A Stone Cladding?
Stone cladding is a thin layer of natural stone applied to the interior or exterior of a building, typically over a non-stone material like concrete. It is used to reduce the weight and cost of using full-size stone in construction.
Stonewall cladding is a modern engineering solution that offers an opportunity to personalize your home and eliminate the need for costly and maintenance-heavy stone blocks.
The versatile cladding can be used inside and outside, to cover plain walls or enhance other cladding types and comes in a variety of finishes and colors to add elegance and sophistication. It combines the warmth and style of 19th century architecture with the practicality of modern living.
It typically consists of lightweight simulated stone products that are affixed to a concrete-type base. These products are often fitted to lightweight substrates, such as timber stud frames, waterproof barriers, and fibre cement sheets, to reduce the material cost of construction.
In some cases, natural stone is used instead of simulated stone and is cut into thin pieces to reduce weight.
Natural stone cladding typically requires mechanical fixing, such as shelf angles or stone clips, to be adhered to substrates. There are several methods or systems available for installing stone cladding on the exterior of buildings.
Types Of Stone Cladding
Types of stone cladding include:
Limestone, a flexible material used for both interior and exterior walls that is easily carved and sculpted.
Mountain-ledge, a rough layered rock with unique patterns and designs.
Natural-stone, made from quarrying various rocks and grinding them into small pieces, used for both interior and exterior walls.
Ledge-stone, also known as piled stones, used for walls, fireplaces, and borders.
Coursed-stone, individual rock pieces cut to a regular height and length for a consistent appearance.
Stack-stone, carved natural quartzite or marble used to refresh a tired-looking facade or create a unique feature wall.
Artesia-stone, natural stone with individual characteristics, easy to install and maintain.
Country-Rubble-Stone, a cladding that evokes the timeless essence of the European countryside, typically used in outdoor settings.
Benefits Of Stone Cladding
Stone cladding is becoming increasingly popular among home and business owners due to its numerous benefits. Stone cladding offers various benefits, including its attractive appearance, durability, versatility, ability to increase property value, ease of maintenance, and uniqueness.
Natural stone is a durable and long-lasting material that can be used in a variety of settings, both inside and outside of a home. It is also fire-resistant, making it a great option for areas such as fireplaces.
Stone cladding can enhance the aesthetic of a space and increase curb appeal, potentially increasing the value of a property. It is also relatively easy to maintain and because each piece of natural stone is unique, it can provide a one-of-a-kind look to any space.
How To Install Stone Wall Cladding
Installing stone cladding can involve an intricate process, depending on the type of stone and application. The use of stone wall cladding adds elegance and character to a home, but installing it can be challenging due to its weight.
Proper preparation, including cleaning the surface and cladding pieces, is crucial for secure adhesion. Stone cladding can be applied using either large shaved rocks or small pebbles and is typically in the form of sheets or flexible materials that are attached to the exterior of the wall with space left for ventilation.
Waterproofing the wall before installation is also important to prevent water damage and mold growth.
Stone Cladding Cost
The cost of stone cladding varies depending on the design and type of stone used. It is generally more expensive than other types of cladding, but its durability and resistance to weather, fire, and pollution make it a worthwhile investment in the long run.
Stone cladding adds aesthetic appeal and texture to any space, and can be found in various finishes such as natural, polished, tumbled, aged, sandblasted, bush-hammered, leather, flamed, mushroom and sawn.
