Stone has been a part of our lives and work for more than 30 years. We believe that it is an eternal material that connects us with nature and provides assurance that the structures we build will be appreciated by future generations. Architectural and design trends may change, and the industry may introduce many new materials, but what nature has created remains a standard for beauty, quality, and sustainability.
Stone slabs do not yield their positions as a top material in construction and architecture, and leading design publications have confirmed its worthy place among the preferred materials, emphasizing and bringing the Earth's strength and beauty closer to our daily lives.
Here, you will discover an inspiring range of stone slabs that can be used for wall cladding and exterior paving. Stone slabs are the best choice for those seeking durable, beautiful, and natural materials for their homes with a focus on a sustainable future and health safety for their families.
The aesthetics of stone slabs are unique and diverse. They are available in various colors, textures, and shapes that can be combined to achieve the desired visual appearance. Stone slabs are perfect for creating a cozy and stylish atmosphere both indoors and outdoors.
Stone slabs can be used for wall cladding, both indoors and outdoors. They are ideal for those looking for a natural and authentic look. Natural stone is particularly suitable for cladding entrances, terraces, gardens, houses, and other places where a cozy and attractive appearance is desired.
The installation of stone slabs is a standard procedure and can be performed by a professional mason. The slabs can be adhered to the wall or floor with special flexible adhesive for natural stone. They can be arranged in various combinations to achieve the desired visual aesthetics.
The maintenance of stone slabs is easy and minimal. Stone doesn't require special care, but like anything else, regular cleaning is necessary to preserve its noble aesthetics. Cleaning stone slabs is done with cleaning products specifically designed for this type of material.
Often overwhelmed by the abundance of possibilities and solutions for creating or renovating a home, we need a reliable guide, information that reminds us and helps us make the right decisions.
That's why we've summarized three compelling reasons to choose stone slabs for the interior, exterior, and garden.
The three reasons to be truly convinced are:
1.Natural stone has a wide range of applications and incomparable natural beauty and aesthetics.
Here is a list of all the real possibilities for using natural stone:
- For exterior and interior flooring.
- For exterior and interior cladding.
- For solutions in wet spaces.
- For accessories and thematic corners.
- For the garden and outdoor culinary corners.
Nature has created so many types of stone, and modern processing methods allow these types to come to life in various products that can meet both aesthetic and functional expectations. The dilemma of where we can afford to use solid stone and where not finds an answer in this diversity.
Mosaics and types of cladding panels stand out with less weight and imply easier installation, further supporting the choice in favor of natural materials.
2. Clean Living Environment
We all want cleaner air for ourselves and our children, less dust and allergen-triggering pollens. To make this a reality, the materials in our interiors are of utmost importance. Reason number two to choose natural stone in our homes is more than clear:
Its ecological and hygienic characteristics set it apart.
Stone surfaces in the interior retain significantly smaller amounts of dust.
They do not foster mold.
They reduce the amount of released dust particles and the presence of allergen-triggering pollens.
When the spaces we inhabit guarantee a good environment and a pleasant, beautiful atmosphere, we can only wish for it to last longer. In this regard, stone tiles once again meet our expectations with quality and assurances, summarizing our reason number three to rely on their presence in our homes.
3. The functionality of natural stone is limitless
- Resistant to thermal, atmospheric, and mechanical impacts.
- Retains and distributes heat – an excellent partner for heat exchange.
- Sturdy and long-lasting for the benefit of generations.
The fast-paced way of life has presented us with numerous demands but has not succeeded in steering us away from nature, from the need to be close to it, and to seek its energy.
On the other hand, stone adapts to the expectations of the modern consumer: someone who desires accents in their home, functional spaces, a modern look, an expression of their own idea of aesthetics, and uniqueness.
Now, let's talk about the practical part: The most important aspects of attaching natural stone wall cladding.
1. First, calculate the net square footage of the area to be clad with natural stone and plan for about a 10% surplus when ordering the required quantity.
2. When the stone tiles are over 15mm thick or the wall cladding will be higher than 1m, it is necessary to ensure sufficient load-bearing capacity of the wall to support the weight of the stone. This is achieved by reinforcing with a metal mesh in squares of about 20mm/20mm, which is attached with dowels to the bricks before applying a waterproof two-centimeter plaster.
The base must be well cleaned, leveled, pre-primed, and dry. The wall should be solid and not frozen if applied in winter.
3. Follow the instructions and the exact recipe for making the adhesive homogeneous mixture. Wait for the chemical processes in the elastic adhesive to activate, and stir again with a tool in the bucket.
4. Start from the bottom and work your way up, focusing on existing edges or corners. Apply the adhesive both to the wall with a notched trowel and to the back of the stone tiles. The goal is to achieve full contact between the two surfaces without leaving any air spaces. Complete adhesion must be achieved.
5. Grouting enhances the quality of the cladding. Decisions about whether to have grout, how wide it should be, whether it should be recessed or flush, and the choice of color contribute to the aesthetic effect.
To achieve even grout lines with cut stone tiles in rectangular sizes, use plastic spacers that aesthetically and symmetrically fix the tiles at equal distances from each other. Level at every step.
Always use high-quality grout in a suitable color, filling the empty spaces between the tiles to the maximum.
It is essential to clean the stone cladding promptly from excess adhesive or grout residues.
Impregnating the surfaces provides water-repellent protection against atmospheric influences and ensures easy maintenance.
Good luck with your project!