They have the art of transforming ordinary walls into full-fledged decorations . But how do you choose the right stone? Does this process have only advantages and does it require specific maintenance?
What is natural stone facing?
Thin cladding stone is a wall covering that creates the illusion that a room is made of natural stone. It is an excellent way to transform one or more walls for very natural and warm decoration.
The stones of facing are installed with a specific adhesive. Their installation is relatively simple when you are used to a little bit of handiwork. After coating the back of the stone with glue, it must be pressed firmly on the wall for a few seconds to maximise its adhesion. The glue is chosen according to the weight of the stone and the location of the installation.
Uses Of Stone Facing?
Cladding stone can be found both indoors and outdoors. In homes, cladding a single wall can visually change the appearance of an entire room. But it is also possible to use it outdoors; if it lends itself to that, of course. The choice of the nature of the stone is very important because it must be able to withstand the weather, frost and temperature variations. The glue must be carefully chosen to last over time.
Stone cladding can be used to cover the entire facade of a house, giving it more character than a simple coating or plaster. It is important to remember that the first image we have of a house is its facade. This is very important in case of resale. It is also possible to cover an ordinary retaining wall to give it more allure or even to crimp one or two terrace walls. This break; which is much talked about in outdoor spaces; gives the feeling of enlarging the space, by multiplying the points of view; which can be heard as well; if not better in small gardens.
What Are The Different Natural Stones Used As Facing Stones?
Several natural stones can be used for cladding. These materials are environmentally friendly, durable and aesthetically pleasing, which explains their growing popularity. Travertine stones, which can be found in floor tiles, can be used as facing stones. This can be interesting in a bathroom, for a visual continuum. Quartz, slate, marble or granite are all natural stones that can be applied to interior or exterior walls.
The choice is made according to the colours, and the nature of the relief that we want to find. The granite facing stone is the best effect on a fireplace mantle and gives the impression of living in a chalet in the mountains. Slate, ranging from grey to the deepest black, is a bold choice best adopted on a single wall in a room to instinctively catch the eye of visitors.
Can I Install A Stone Facing Myself?
Installing a stone facing requires a little patience. You need to have some DIY skills and specific tools. You need a machine to make the various cuts. It is not very difficult to work in a straight line, it is especially the angles which need certain know-how to be successful. The application of the glue is done progressively, to avoid fast drying. Finally, the last step is to proceed with the grouting and put a waterproof product and also fireproof if in the kitchen.
The choice to go through a professional can be judicious for qualitative work. They are more likely to know the most appropriate glue for the stone and also do neat and fast work.
What Are The Advantages Of Installing Stone Facing At Home?
There are many advantages to installing stone facing in your home, whether inside or outside. They contribute to the beauty of the interior decoration that they can change radically. As long as you are a bit handy or follow a tutorial, it is easy to install them.
Natural stones are varied and offer a wide range of colours and reliefs, it is quite possible to find a facing to your taste. Durable over time, they do not get discoloured by the sun like wallpaper or paint.
When they are affixed to the facade, time does not affect them if they have been carefully installed. On the contrary, natural stone has a tendency to become more beautiful over the years, which cannot be said of plaster or even coating, which must be redone every ten years or so.
The Disadvantages Of Facing Stone
The only disadvantage of natural stone cladding is its price. This represents a certain cost if one has to work on a large surface, such as the front of a house. But the fact that this material can stand the test of time with such panache should give the homeowner food for thought when considering this solution. Installing stone veneers is an investment in the future and a way to beautify one's home in the long term.
The price varies according to the type of material chosen, the number of square metres and also the fact that one passes by a professional or not.
How To Maintain The Stone Facing
The maintenance is almost similar whether the stone facing is installed inside or outside. On interior walls, regular dusting is necessary. Stone facing is prone to settling dust due to the relief of the stones. Using a vacuum cleaner with the brush tip is perfect for cleaning your stone facing as it is gentle on the product too. All acidic or aggressive products should be avoided.
For the exterior, it is important to proceed in the same way, forgetting the basic household cleaning products. Using a broom with soft bristles immersed in a little water with gentle soap is the best solution. This will remove any residue that may have gotten on the relief of the natural stone.
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