30 Mar 2023

Benefits of Stone Wall Cladding: Durability to Design

Wall cladding is an excellent way to add character and interest to your walls, while also improving their functionality and appeal. Natural stones have been used for centuries as a building material and are still popular for wall cladding. Not only do they provide a protective layer for your walls, but they also give them a stunning look that other materials just can't match. In this blog post, we'll look at how wall cladding can be used to enhance the overall look and feel of your home. From creating eye-catching feature walls to providing a warm, inviting atmosphere, wall cladding can be used in many ways to add a touch of personality and style to your space.

Stone wall cladding possibilities

Cladding your walls with natural stone is a beautiful way to enhance the look and durability of cement, steel or concrete walls. When it comes to selecting the right natural stone wall cladding for your project, you have plenty of options to choose from. Whether you're looking for a timeless and classic Limestone finish, a rustic and distinctive Sandstone texture, a sophisticated and contemporary Slate design, or a luxurious and eye-catching Marble feature, you can find the perfect solution for your project. With so many possibilities, you can pick the one that best suits your needs and create a stunning feature that will last for years.

Why choose natural stone cladding?

For its visual brilliance

Natural stone wall cladding is the ideal choice for those seeking to add a touch of natural elegance to their home design or business set-up. Not only does it boast an array of colours and textures, but it also sparks endless design possibilities. Whether you want to add a classic touch to your living area or a contemporary look to your kitchen, natural stone wall cladding is a great way to add texture and visual interest to your home. Plus, it's easy to maintain and long-lasting, so you can enjoy its beauty for years to come.

If an old-world style is your thing, you can achieve a timeless and seamless look with the Traditional Walling style.
For a more contemporary and distinctive look go with Free Style or loose wall cladding options. With this style, you can arrange random pieces to create a truly unique and eye-catching pattern.
If you want to create an impression without breaking the bank, Stacked Stone Walling or Ledge Stone wall cladding is a great option. This type of cladding uses leftover stone cuttings to cover a large area, creating a stunning and impressive wall.

Whatever your style, natural stone wall cladding will age and endure well into the future.

For its functional benefits

In addition to its beauty, natural stone wall cladding also provides many functional benefits.

Natural stone is an excellent insulator, it can help keep a building warm in winter and cool in summer. This can lead to significant energy savings over time, making it an eco-friendly and sustainable choice.
Natural stone is also incredibly durable, which means it will last for years without fading or losing its natural beauty. It is resistant to weathering and can withstand even the harshest climates, making it an excellent choice for outdoor applications.
Stone Wall Cladding acts as a shield against the elements and is also fire-resistant, making it an ideal choice for fire-safe buildings.
They are also easy to maintain. Unlike other building materials, it doesn't need regular upkeep. There isn’t a lot of mould and weed growth and it doesn’t rot or decay over time. It makes natural stone wall cladding an excellent choice for hard-pressed homeowners who don’t have the time or resources to devote to regular maintenance.

So, it’s safe to say investing in stone cladding is a great way to ensure your walls will remain strong and attractive for years to come.

Incredible Wall Cladding Ideas for Your Space

Exterior Wall Cladding

Exterior wall cladding can be used to create a stunning first impression for your property. It enhances the architectural design and provides insulation and soundproofing as well. Exterior wall cladding can be made from various materials such as stone, brick, metal, and wood. But nothing can beat the beauty and functionality of natural stone wall cladding.

Interior Wall Cladding

Interior wall cladding can be used to add texture and depth to your space. It can transform a plain wall into a work of art by giving it a unique pattern and texture. Interior wall cladding is often used in living rooms, dining rooms, and bedrooms to create a focal point.

Bathroom Wall Cladding

Bathroom wall cladding is a practical and stylish solution for high-moisture areas. It protects your walls from water damage while adding a sleek and modern touch to your bathroom. The only requisite is sealing them regularly. These materials are easy to clean and maintain, making them ideal for busy households.

Kitchen Wall Cladding

Kitchen wall cladding is a popular choice for homeowners looking to add a splash of colour and texture to their kitchen walls. It can create a feature wall behind the stove or sink. Kitchen wall cladding can be made from tiles, glass, metal or natural stones such as Slatestone and Limestone.

Commercial Wall Cladding

Wall cladding is also commonly used in commercial settings such as offices, retail stores, and hotels. It can create a unique and sensational look for your space and set your business apart from the competition.

Installation Steps for Stone Wall Cladding

The beauty of stone cladding lies in the quality of the stones and the care taken during installation. With a few simple steps and the right combination of stones, you can create your desired look that will last for aeons.

Take accurate measurements of the area

To begin the installation, calculate the square metres of the area to be covered by measuring the width and height. Subtract any openings such as windows or doors. For corners, measure the vertical edges of the door or window frames. This will give an estimate of the total number of stones needed.

Set up a solid base

A stable and firm base is essential for the installation of stone cladding. We suggest constructing a foundation with either brick or concrete. If you're using concrete, allow it to cure for at least 6 weeks. A strong foundation is essential to support the wall. If the foundation is pre-existing, it has to be cleaned, levelled, and reinforced.

Prep the area

Ensure that the surface is even and not rough, this will help the stone clads remain in place. Scratch-coat the surface to make it level. Make sure the area is free of contaminants such as paint, wax oil, or debris. To get rid of any dust, brush it off or use a damp cloth. Let the surface dry before continuing.

Prepare the design layout

Before you install the stones, create a design on the ground to have a pattern ready. Drawing the pattern on paper won't reveal any potential difficulties that could arise during the installation process. This layout will be beneficial in accommodating the differences in size, texture, and colour as well as combining different pieces as desired. It is especially useful for Freestyle Walling design due to the varying thickness and texture of each stone.

Use a quality adhesive

It is essential to be aware that the durability of natural stone walling depends on the quality of the adhesive used. There are various types of stone walling adhesives in the market, so make sure to choose the one that is suited to your requirements. A professional installer can help you make the right selection. When applying the adhesive, begin at the corners and slowly move to the centre of the wall. Utilize a notched trowel to spread the adhesive on the back of the stone. Additionally, it is essential to ensure that the surface is free of dirt or debris before beginning. Then, cover the stone with the adhesive and firmly press it to the wall. Make sure the cladding is level using a spirit level. Lastly, remove any extra adhesive using the trowel.

Fill with grout

Once the stone wall is in place, fill the spaces between the stones with mortar or grout. This will help secure and tighten the area around the stones. Allow the grout to dry but not completely harden to be able to scrape along the joints using a striking stick and obtain a levelled and uniform look.

Seal it off

Using a medium bristled brush, clean the stone wall. The final step is to seal it off with a quality sealant to extend its lifespan. It is very important if it will be in a damp outdoor area or a bathroom with high humidity. And that's it - you're all set!

Final Takeaway!

Natural stone wall cladding is an excellent choice for any building project. Its natural beauty and durability make it a wise investment that will add value and aesthetic appeal to any property. Whether you're building a new home, a commercial building, or renovating an existing space, stone wall cladding is a versatile and timeless choice that will stand the test of time. With a wide range of materials and designs available, you can customize wall cladding designs to suit any style and preference. So, if you’re looking to upgrade your property, don’t forget to consider natural stone wall cladding as a stunning and practical solution.

Here are a few more blogs that will help you to learn more about Stone Wall Cladding: