Do you dream of turning your plain, boring wall into something that looks nothing less than a fancy artwork? Well, if that’s the case, natural stone wall cladding is the perfect choice! It not only makes your walls stronger but also adds personality and charm, turning your space into something truly unique.
You know what the best part is? This amazing transformation not that difficult. With our step-by-step guide to natural stone wall cladding installation, you’ll be good to go. Let’s start.
Steps to Follow for Stone Wall Cladding Installation
1. Clean the Surface
Before you begin the installation process, it is important to clean your surface thoroughly. You have to ensure that the outermost layer of the wall doesn’t have any dust, debris or loose particles. Also, scrape away any loose bits of old paint or plaster. Cleaning the surface is important as it allows the adhesive to stick properly, making it a durable stone cladding installation.
2. Measure & Planning
Measurement also plays a crucial role as it ensures how much cladding you need to buy and ensures a smooth installation. While measuring the walls, consider the windows, doors and other construction details. Make sure to use a measuring tape to find the exact height and width of your wall. Plan a dry arrangement, considering the position of the borders and edges of your wall for a cohesive and striking outcome.
3. Collect All the Tools
To make the installation process easy, you need to gather all the right tools and supplies. Here is the list:
- You need tile cutters or wet saws to trim the stones.
- Spacers to maintain a uniform space between the stones.
- A spirit level to make sure that stones are straight.
- Mortar or adhesive to secure the stone.
- A trowel and a notched trowel to spread the adhesives evenly on the stones.
- A sponge or brush for cleaning.
4. Use Adhesive
Now, the magic begins! Use your trowel to apply the adhesive evenly on the back of each stone before placing it on the wall. Ensure that the edges and corners are covered properly for a high-quality stone wall installation outcome. However, don’t apply too much, as it can dry out before you place the stones on the walls. Thus, work in small sections to ensure the best results.
5. Align and level the stones
Use a spirit level to ensure that every stone you place on the wall is precisely level and aligns with the stone next to it as you arrange them together one by one. Press each stone gently to make sure they’re in straight alignment. Doesn’t it feel like you’re putting back together a big puzzle on your wall? However, make sure to leave space between the stones for grouting. Go slow and be patient to guarantee a seamless wall cladding installation.
6. Trim & Cut (if required)
A stone may be too big to fit into a specific spot. But there’s nothing to worry about as you can trim or cut them as per the requirements. To make the cut cleaner use a wet saw or trim the stones to the desired size. However, while cutting the stone, make sure to wear proper safety gear such as gloves and eyewear. Safety gear is important as it keeps your face, hands and eyes safe from stone splinters. With proper trim and cutting, you will have a high-quality stone wall installation.
7. Grouting and Sealing
Once you have applied all the stones on the wall, it is time to fill the gap between them. However, make sure you let them dry for a day.
Make your grouting paste ready and use a small brush to start filling the spaces. Also, remove the extra grout using a moist sponge and let it dry. Once your grout is dry, seal the stones with a protective layer of sealant. Make sure to use a sealant suitable for your natural stone. The layer of sealant makes your stones shiny and fresh and adds an extra protective layer to the stone wall cladding installation.
Wrapping it up
Your artwork is ready—your very own natural stone-clad wall! Make sure not to miss any step. From cleaning the wall surface to grouting and sealing, each step is crucial. By following this wall cladding installation guide, you can easily achieve a premium-looking wall, which is also durable and functional. Grab your tools and supplies and start your adventure of installing stone cladding in your home. You can build statement walls, feature walls, retaining walls, fireplaces, boundary walls, façades, exterior walls and more.
