Why Stone Veneers are the Ideal Choice for Stunning Facades
Sketch flexible stone panels as a solution for bathroom déco
The bathroom is a room which is universally seen & known specifically designed for personal grooming apart from the obvious use, & as such, there are specific challenges in decorating the appearance of the bathroom which needs to be taken into consideration, including the use of chemical agents as well as exposure to constant moisture & humidity. Resilient material is an absolute requirement when considering renovations for your bathroom. Let’s explore some of the most common bathroom renovation material in the market nowadays, shall we? 1. Paint – No hassle, nothing exceptional No introduction is needed for this timeless classic. Paint can be used virtually on any surface in the bathroom, from the shower walls to the washbasin. There’s virtually an unlimited array of paint colours to choose from, & it’s relatively easy to apply. Maintenance is also easy as long as you clean it from time to time, & if you want to change the style, it’s just a matter of painting the walls to another colour. However, using paint in your bathroom renovations comes at many a cost. Firstly, paint is a very traditional option, so it’s not going to be anything to write home about, no matter what colours you use. Secondly, it’s important to select a good water proof, high quality paint, to withstand the moisture & various chemical agents used in the bathroom, or you’ll be dealing with constant mould or faded paint. Finally, you’ll most certainly want a professional to apply the paint to apply a symmetrical coating of paint, & also to do a neat job. 2. Tiles – The obvious choice with limits Tiles are nothing new to use in a bathroom renovation, not to mention that tiles are ideal for damp rooms & go hand in hand with bathroom claddings. Tiles are relatively durable, waterproof, & help in keeping the appearance of the bathroom with easy & occasional cleaning. There’s also a large variety of tiles to select from, with different sizes & colours. You can also choose to tile your bathroom on your own, especially if you’re a DIY enthusiast. However, there are a few things you need to consider too. Tiles, like paint, are very common to use in a bathroom, & your bathroom will never be anything more than unremarkable to your guests or visitors. Also, tiles, while relatively durable, can be chipped or cracked, especially if used on the bathroom floor. Finally, while you can choose to install tiles on your own, if you don’t do a good job on your own, you can be sure that the tiles won’t have a good fitting. 3. Tadelakt wall – Natural & neutral The tadelakt wall is among the most natural claddings which you could apply in your bathroom, being made of water, lime & marble powder. The different shades that the material offers are, therefore, more natural looking, & the neutral colours will match with the bathroom fixtures too! There are a few drawbacks, though. Mostly, even though there are a few easy to apply coats which are similar to tadelakt, the original one still requires technical knowledge to install, so it’s most definitely not a DIY product & installation can be costly. Also, the colours are not that vibrant in comparison to other options. 4. Waxed concrete – The “waxed” option Waxed concrete gives a more modern look to your bathroom when compared with tiles, paint & even tadelakt. It is also relatively durable & water proof. However, one of the biggest snags about this is that installation will definitely have to be undertaken by a professional. If not properly done, waxed concrete will be neither durable, nor water proof. 5. Wallpaper – A timeless classic with a few “buts” Using wallpaper in any kind of household renovation is certainly not uncommon, & using it in the bathroom is more common than you’d think. If you use special wallpaper, you can use it in a bathroom with more moisture. It’s easy, it’s quick & you can create your own vibe. There’s a caveat – it’s not the easiest to apply, & either needs a lot of patience & experience, or a professional. Besides, using wallpaper will not add any protection to the layer below, & it’s certainly not going to be a crowd-pleaser. Also, unless you use the best quality wallpaper, there’s a likelihood that it won’t do well with cleaning products & frequent moisture which you’d expect in a bathroom. 6. PVC cladding – Practical but an imitation PVC cladding is light-weight, has a good thermal insulation, easy to maintain & has a wide range of appearance, from glossy to wood-like. It’s generally known as an inexpensive way to substitute the more expensive materials since it can imitate most of them. However, the keyword here is “imitate”. Imitations don’t always bring to the table the most of the original product. For starters, PVC claddings are toxic, it’s not biodegradable, & it cannot be recycled, so you can ensure that it’s hazardous to the environment. It can look cheap, even though it’s expensive, & if you’re guests can guess it’s artificial, it’s certainly not flattering. So, we’ve explored the good, the bad & the ugly. Could there be an alternate solution for bathroom renovations & claddings that we haven’t explored so far? 7. Sketch Australia flexible stone veneers – Elegant & durable Sketch Australia’s flexible stone veneers are extracted from 100% natural stone, resulting in a durable, flexible, easy-to-install thing stone sheet. Sustainably extracted with a minimum carbon footprint, Sketch Australia’s flexible stone sheets are water & heat resistant, thanks to the surface being natural stone. Installable on virtually any flat surface, it can be attached on top of cement, glass, wood, tiles, brick & render. It goes on walls as well as floors. One of the best things about Sketch Australia’s flexible stone veneers is that it’s a DIY product, so you can make it a weekend project to do it on your own without the help of professional installers. It’s also much cheaper than using the options such as stackstone or actual stone slabs. The finish of the stone will take after the actual stone it was extracted from, whether it be marble, sandstone or slatestone. There are no discolorations since it’s natural stone, & if proper installation & aftercare is done, it will last a lifetime. Using Sketch Australia’s flexible stone panels in the bathroom is a great option if you’re looking for a durable yet elegant renovation solution. It’s not as common as using wallpaper or tile, it’s definitely not bad for the environment as using PVC, nor does it look cheap, which is what PVC can sometimes come across. You can also use it on the floor as well as the wall. In terms of durability, it’s more durable than tile, since no man-made cladding can come close to natural stone in terms of durability. It’s not as complicated to apply as waxed concrete, & it’s not as neutral looking as tadelakt. Overall, one of the best options that you can consider for your bathroom renovations happens to be Sketch Australia’s flexible stone veneers. After all, you do deserve the best!
Learn all
Render or veneer – What should you go with?
Render or veneer – What should you go with? Building material manufacturers are continuously working on new methods of combining minerals & chemicals to produce superior material which can be used on site. Sometimes, these new material can prove to be easy to apply, while also being low maintenance due to improved performance. Render is one such products, however, keep in mind that with the variety of different options & results, it may be challenging to understand which render will work best on the exterior of your project. Using render is ideal to give a new outlook to an ageing or unattractive exterior for existing houses. It’s commonly established that by adding a weatherproof barrier between the brick surface & the weather elements, render can prolong the life of a building. Rendering can also help to invigorate damaged or worn-out brickwork with a consistent overall finish across the building & property.Let’s understand what render really is, & the different types of render that you can choose from, shall we? What is render? Render is a coating which is applied over a building’s external walls. It’s the smooth, usually white surface on the exterior of a house. To create a flexible & breathable covering, traditionally, render was prepared by mixing lime, water & an aggregate (such as sand). However, this method hasn’t been very popular in the past few decades, & mostly used for period property conservation. Many modern render products are cement free. The newer render options can sometimes include elements which help to add waterproofing or resistance to algae growth, & you can even get the renders pre-mixed with a colour to add a vibrant finish as well as for external insulation. Generally, modern render can be divided into three main types, which are mineral, acrylic & silicone. Usually, these only need one coat with a thickness of 1 mm to 4 mm, but this is primarily based on the substrate that is under the render. If chipping is added to the surface once the render is done, then the render may need to be at least 6 mm thick. To level out poor brick surfaces, a basecoat of 8 mm to 10 mm may be needed. Sand & cement render – Cheap but costly in the long run? Cement-based or mineral renders are nothing new. Cement-based or mineral renders are made from sharp sand, cement &, to add more flexibility, adding a little lime to the mixture, & consists of several layers. The best advantage in using cement-based render is the relatively lower cost, at around $ 45 to $ 80 AUD per square meter, including the material & labour costs. However, on the other hand, you need to paint on top of cement-based render (it’s not self-coloured), so there’s a cost for maintenance over the years. The paint also needs to be a good quality paint with weather & moisture resistance. Cement-based render could also be more prone to cracking since it’s not very flexible, & its efficacy is based on the correct mixing of the components, since it’s not usually pre-mixed in a quality-controlled, modern factory environment. When the render fails, there’s a possibility for water to seep in, which in turn leads to damp & mould problems. There are pre-mixed products designed to make sure the right ratio of ingredients is mixed, though. Silicone & acrylic render – Durable but slack water resistance? The modern silicone & acrylic renders are usually pre-made, & arrives to the site in tubs. These types of renders can be pre-coloured with almost any pigment so that it results in a very vibrant appearance. While these types of renders are durable, they may not be too great at waterproofing, so there’s the possibility to attract algae. This option is suitable especially if your interest is in a product which is flexible to prevent cracking with the time passing by. This kind of render is applied in stages (the base coat, then the primer & finally the top coat), & the time needed to dry it is lesser than standard cement.Silicone render is self-coloured, & since the colour is embedded to the topcoat, no painting is required, meaning no redecoration during its lifetime. If properly applied & cared for, it does have a relatively long-life expectancy, being more flexible than traditional products meaning less chance for cracking & more room for expansion/contraction. It’s also water repellent. Another factor to consider is the cost, since thin-coat silicone/acrylic renders are premium products, costing approximately between $ 117 to $ 180 AUD per square meter including labour & materials. Monocouche – Quick application but limited durability This is a more breathable option even though it’s cement-based, & it’s through-coloured, meaning no extra painting is needed.This render arrives on site as a dry mix ready to be blended with water, with an overall thickness designed to be around 15 mm. For a well-built, neatly finished blockwork, one layer can be more than enough, so it’s ideal for anyone who’s looking for quick application process with a good outcome. In terms of cost, it would be approximately $ 100 to $ 135 AUD per square meter including labour & materials, & homeowners who are looking at this option would compare the silicone option too.However, compared with the silicone option, monocouche is slightly cheaper & won’t last as long, it’s also not as good at resisting water & dirt. Using flexible stone veneers as an alternative to render Flexible stone veneers are sustainably extracted with minimum carbon footprint from 100% natural metamorphic rock, resulting in a 100% natural thin sheet of stone. It is naturally water & heat resistant, while also being durable. Since it’s attached to a backing (usually fibreglass, but other options include fabric for more flexibility & translucent for lighting options), it’s also flexible (being only 1.5 to 2.0 mm in thickness), so it can be installed on top of any flat surface, even on curves! It’s also very lightweight, a single sheet being around 1 kilo. It goes on top of any interior or exterior surface, from floors to walls & ceiling, on top of any kind of substrate, including cement, tiles, glass, steel, wood or even render! Applications are unlimited, from feature walls to fireplaces, splashbacks, bedrooms, bathrooms, or even furniture! One of the main advantages that Sketch Australia’s flexible stone veneers have over render is the appearance. Being extracted from slatestone, sandstone or marble, the split surface of the stone sheet makes a statement of its own with finesse & texture. Each sheet has its own appearance in terms of the colour & texture, & is the perfect conversation starter. It’s also more durable than any man-made product, including cement-based renders, since it’s made of natural stone. Another advantage that stone veneers have over render is the fact that it’s both water & heat resistant, so you can be assured that with the proper installation & aftercare, your mind will be free from worry of future repairs. Flexible stone veneers by Sketch Australia come with an installation guideline, & unlike render, stone veneers are considered a DIY product with no special requirement of tools & adhesives for installation. From cutting to installation of the flexible stone veneers, whether you’re a DIY enthusiast or prefer to have it installed by tilers, you can be sure that the labour cost is cheaper than render due to this reason. Finally, natural stone lasts a lifetime, with a 5-year warranty given by Sketch Australia for chipping & discolouration. The flexibility of the stone veneers means that it’s ideal for extreme weather conditions, allowing for expansion & contraction. As you can see, while render has its own advantages & appearance, if you’re looking for a more durable, elemental resistant & easier installation option, then it’s certainly an option you should consider.
Learn all
Cladding options for Kitchen Cabinetry
Cladding options for Kitchen Cabinetry You’ve no doubt come across the term cladding. But what is cladding? Cladding can be defined as a layer of a covering which is installed or applied over an external surface of a structure to either protect it &/or give it a new look. Due to day-to-day wear & tear, structures can begin to show signs of age, & cladding can be a way of covering up the damage while also stopping it from continuing. Cladding can come in a variety of material, including but not limited to glass, stone, brick, plastic & timber. However, the cladding options we’re talking about today are a tad different than house cladding – it’s cladding options for kitchen cabinetry. So, let’s explore what are the different options to use as kitchen cabinetry, shall we? Timber veneers – Cheap but irreparable In terms of longevity & beauty, solid timber used as cabinetry cladding is hard to beat. Back in the 1970’s, the technique of slicing wood to thin slices of about 3 millimetres was refined by industrial furniture makers, & this was glued onto core panels. This practice made a vast array of timber species available to the general public, & it’s now known as timber veneers. One of the best things about timber veneers is that you can choose to use an expensive or cost-effective species of timber, since it’s directly glued on top of a cheap timber substrate & use it en mass, for example, to clad a wall as well. If this was done with solid timber, a great cost would be incurred. You can use timber veneers on walls as well as the kitchen cabinetry, which will complement the look of not only your cabinetry, but create a theme of its own in the kitchen area. Easily the best advantage of timber veneers is that it’s easy to shape & it’s available in a number of species. Timber veneers are also not prone to warping or splitting, since the glue gives it strength. It’s also an affordable cladding option. Among the limitations, the greatest would be that you can only use it in low-impact areas in the kitchen, such as cupboard doors & feature walls. Also, you can’t repair timber veneers by sanding back & re-staining, which is limited to solid timber. Incorrectly installing timber veneers is another issue, so most certainly you’ll have to have a professional install the timber veneers, so even though the timber species itself can be a low-cost cladding option, the installation cost could be high. Laminate – Durable but difficult to maintain Laminate cabinets have a thin film of material which is bonded to the exterior surface. The cabinet itself can be made from an inexpensive wood or pressed wood material. The more attractive thin film, the laminate, is glued on the cabinet exterior. Laminates can come in a number of different colours & styles, from low-cost plastics, to expensive & exotic woods. Laminate cabinets have a noticeably lesser price than their solid wood counterparts. There are mainly two types of laminate materials. Hard plastic which comes in a number of different colours & textures is the most commonly used laminate. The other type of laminate is thin sheets of wood. Wood laminates, once applied over pressed wood material, give the illusion that the cabinets are made of solid wood. In order to create the effect of high-quality solid wood cabinets, high-quality wood laminates can be used to cover plywood surfaces. There are several advantages in using laminate cabinets. The most obvious would be that plastic laminate surfaces are durable & easy to clean, while also being water proof & stain resistant. Also, laminates can be used for cabinet refacing, so that the look & colour of the kitchen cabinets can be replaced without having to replace the cabinets. Laminate, however, is not without its disadvantages. One of the greatest disadvantages in laminate is that the material can peel away from the surface of the cabinet if it’s not properly attached. Also, the corners or edges may tend to swell & warp if the cabinet is exposed to water or a great deal of humidity. The edges of the laminate material are vulnerable to damage, & can be chipped after years of use. Also, even though the water repellent surface is easy to clean, it’s difficult to paint or refinish. Flexible stone veneers – Rebranding kitchen cabinetry décor After scrutinizing the timber veneers & plastic/wood laminate options, let’s take a look in a different direction entirely, shall we?Flexible stone veneers are sustainably extracted with minimum carbon footprint from 100% natural metamorphic stone, resulting in a 1.5 mm to 2.0 mm thin sheet of natural stone, which is attached to a backing, which is usually fibreglass, but can also be fabric or translucent. This thin sheet of natural stone is extracted from sandstone, slatestone or marble, & result in a surface that is both natural water & heat resistant, as well as extremely durable. Since you can quarry a number of thin sheets from a large rock, it is a sustainable practice than quarrying slabs from stone. Since the thin stone surface is attached to a fibreglass backing, it’s not only flexible, but light-weight as well, a single sheet being around 1 kilo. This light-weightiness makes the flexible stone veneers easy to install, not only by professional, but also by DIY enthusiasts using day-to-day household tools & glue. Flexible stone veneers can not only be installed on wood, but any kind of substrate, which is another benefit you’ll no doubt enjoy. When comparing flexible stone veneers with timber veneers, one of the main advantages that you’ll have is the durability. While timber veneers can only be installed in relatively low impact areas, flexible stone veneers can be installed in areas which can sustain high impacts, example benchtops. Further, due to the durability of the natural stone surface, unlike timber veneers, you would not have to replace stone veneers since it’ll last a lifetime with proper installation & maintenance. Finally, unlike being limited to getting professional help to install timber veneers properly, you can install flexible stone veneers on your own, with day-to-day household tools & glue, drastically reducing the cost of labour. When comparing flexible stone veneers with laminate, the main advantage would be the durability of natural stone, which unlike laminate, will not tend to peel away from the substrate with time. Also, flexible stone veneers can contract & expand, unlike laminate, which may tend to swell or warp if exposed to water or humidity. Unlike laminate, the durable stone surface is also resistant to chipping, even after years of use, similar to the rocks it’s extracted from. Finally, when compared to both laminate & timber veneers, the application of flexible stone veneers is unmatched. You can use flexible stone veneers not only in your kitchen cabinetry, but you can use it in splashbacks, benchtops, fireplaces & feature walls, creating a theme of its own. While granting you the durability of natural stone, it’ll also give the look of stone slabs, while being far more environmentally sustainable than using actual stone slabs, not to mention the significantly lower cost. All in all, flexible stone veneers are taking over the cabinetry cladding options for the many advantages that it offers over other options, including the most common timber veneers & laminate material. After all, what can be more durable or reliable than natural stone?
Learn all
How installing flexible stone veneers increase your home value
How installing flexible stone veneers increase your home value There are many reasons why you may choose to do renovations to your home. It could simply be that you’re looking for a change, but most of the time, it’ll be because you’re looking to see your home. When selling your home, it’s going to be your number one priority to do whatever needs to be done to get the best possible price you can, & this is where you’ll seek out specific solutions to grow the home value. Today let’s understand how installing flexible stone veneers can increase your home value. What are flexible stone veneers? Sketch Australia’s flexible stone veneers are sustainably extracted with a minimum carbon footprint from 100% natural metamorphic rock. It results in a thin layer of stone which is attached to a backing, which is most commonly fiberglass, but could also be fabric or translucent. This backing, with the thinness of the stone layer (1.5 mm to 2.0 mm) gives not only tremendous durability, but also ensures a light-weight & easy to install stone veneer. The stone surface provides natural water & heat resistant, which means that it can be installed both indoors & outdoors. Sketch Australia’s flexible stone veneers can be installed on top of any substrate, including glass, tiles, cement, wood, brick & render. From floors to walls & ceilings, applications are only limited by your creativity, with the most common applications being splashbacks, feature walls, fireplaces, bathrooms, bedrooms, & furniture. Why you should consider flexible stone veneers to increase your home value? There are many reasons why you should consider flexible stone veneers to increase your home value. Let’s discuss a few of those reasons in detail. 1. Ease of installation Unlike stone slabs, flexible stone veneers are extremely light-weight, only being around 1 kilo per sheet. That, combined with the thinness, contributes to ease of installation, to the point where the product is DIY. No need for special equipment or tilers, just an angle grinder to cut the sheets, a PU adhesive to paste it, & finally a penetrative sealant on top of the surface. You’ll not only save up on labour cost, but also, it’ll be something fun for you to look forward to do in the weekend, especially if you’re a DIY enthusiast! 2. Durability The stone surface speaks for itself. Since the surface of the veneer is natural stone, it’s durable & resistant to extreme weather conditions, whether scorching hot or freezing cold. This is the main reason that it can be installed outdoors. Unlike so many other cladding options, the stone surface is also resistant to scratching & chipping, & with the proper installation & maintenance, it’s bound to last a lifetime. 3. Water & heat resistant Sketch Australia’s flexible stone veneers are naturally water & heat resistant, since the surface is natural stone. So, you can install it in places where water & heat resistant is an absolute necessity, including splashbacks & fireplaces. 4. Versatility of application Sketch Australia’s flexible stone veneers can be installed both indoors & outdoors, but that’s not the best part – seeing that it can endure extreme weather conditions as well as be installed on top of any kind of substrate, applications are limitless! 5. Visual appeal Flexible stone veneers have an elegant look, whether it’s installed indoors or outdoors. The natural stone surface is unique in appearance & since each sheet is unique from the other, it creates a theme of its own. 6. Affordability Compared with other cladding options & considering the advantages it offers, flexible stone veneers are affordable. Not only saving up on the labour cost if you do it on your own, but each sheet is extremely cost effective, especially compared with stone slabs. 7. Lightweight Unlike stone slabs, the flexible stone veneer is an extremely thin slice of rock, weighing only around 1 kilo per sheet, so it’s the perfect solution when you want an elegant stone appearance, without the weight & difficulty in installation. It’s also perfect for installation on structures that are unable to bear heavy weights, such as stone slabs. 8. Low maintenance Once a penetrative sealant is applied on the stone surface after installation, it’ll preserve the surface & the most basic dust & day to day dirt can be easily cleaned with water. How flexible stone veneers add to the home value Since we’ve established the why, let’s understand how flexible stone veneers add to the home value, shall we? 1. Cover up damages to the surface below Let’s be honest – you’ve lived in a house for years & years, the structures in your house, whether the wall or floor, is bound to show signs of wear & tear. The best part of installing flexible stone veneers is that you can install it on almost any surface, & using the glue, you can fill in any gaps in the surface below & install the veneers to cover the damages. This means that not only are you covering up the damages, but also, you’re doing it with style. 2. Wow factor Talking about style – flexible stone veneers have the look & feel of solid stone slabs, & the moment anyone sees it, they’re bound to think that it is natural stone slabs. It’s often said that the first impression is the last impression, & in that case, flexible stone veneers offer a very pleasant experience to the viewer. 3. Create a theme For example, you can create a feature wall using the flexible stone veneers, in an otherwise bland looking room. You can also use the flexible stone veneers to create a theme or pattern of its own, depending on how you lay the stone sheets. One of the main features of the stone veneer is that you can use it outdoors, so as soon as someone enters your property, they get to enjoy the natural vibrance. 4. Add to the surface structural integrity This applies especially if the structure below is damaged. Flexible stone veneers can be applied over damaged surfaces using the glue to fill up the damages, & applying this durable thin stone sheet will add to the structural integrity of the surface below, further reinforcing it. Food for thought Flexible stone veneers are taking the Australian construction & renovation industry to the next level by offering a cladding option that is versatile in application, while also being durable & affordable. If you’re planning to add value to your house or property, flexible stone veneers will do so adding to the visual appeal & reinforcing the structural integrity. It’s a bonus that it’ll last a lifetime.
Learn all
Of flipping houses & luxury stone veneers
Of flipping houses & luxury stone veneers So, you’ve decided to sell your house. No matter what the reason, selling your house is never an easy process, & for so many different reasons. Flipping houses is generally an expensive process, inclusive of any renovations or repairs that need to be done, while also being a time-consuming process. Out of all the tasks you need to focus on when flipping houses, one of the most underrated is that of renovations & repairs of the structure, which can be both time consuming & costly, if not planned correctly. So, let’s look at an option that is both financially feasible & less time consuming while adding to the value of your property, shall we? What are flexible stone veneers? Sketch Australia’s flexible stone veneers are sustainably extracted with a minimum carbon footprint from 100% natural metamorphic rock. It results in a thin layer of stone which is attached to a backing, which is most commonly fiberglass, but could also be fabric or translucent. This backing, with the thinness of the stone layer (1.5 mm to 2.0 mm) gives not only tremendous durability, but also ensures a light-weight & easy to install stone veneer. The stone surface provides natural water & heat resistant, which means that it can be installed both indoors & outdoors. Sketch Australia’s flexible stone veneers can be installed on top of any substrate, including glass, tiles, cement, wood, brick & render. From floors to walls & ceilings, applications are only limited by your creativity, with the most common applications being splashbacks, feature walls, fireplaces, bathrooms, bedrooms, & furniture. Why consider stone veneers as a renovation option There are many reasons why you should consider flexible stone veneers in renovations, primarily to increase your home value. Let’s discuss a few of those reasons in detail. 1. Ease of installationUnlike stone slabs, flexible stone veneers are extremely light-weight, only being around 1 kilo per sheet. That, combined with the thinness, contributes to ease of installation, to the point where the product is DIY. No need for special equipment or tilers, just an angle grinder to cut the sheets, a PU adhesive to paste it, & finally a penetrative sealant on top of the surface. You’ll not only save up on labour cost, but also, it’ll be something fun for you to look forward to do in the weekend, especially if you’re a DIY enthusiast! 2. DurabilityThe stone surface speaks for itself. Since the surface of the veneer is natural stone, it’s durable & resistant to extreme weather conditions, whether scorching hot or freezing cold. This is the main reason that it can be installed outdoors. Unlike so many other cladding options, the stone surface is also resistant to scratching & chipping, & with the proper installation & maintenance, it’s bound to last a lifetime. 3. Water & heat resistantSketch Australia’s flexible stone veneers are naturally water & heat resistant, since the surface is natural stone. So, you can install it in places where water & heat resistant is an absolute necessity, including splashbacks & fireplaces. 4. Versatility of applicationSketch Australia’s flexible stone veneers can be installed both indoors & outdoors, but that’s not the best part – seeing that it can endure extreme weather conditions as well as be installed on top of any kind of substrate, applications are limitless! 5. Visual appealFlexible stone veneers have an elegant look, whether it’s installed indoors or outdoors. The natural stone surface is unique in appearance & since each sheet is unique from the other, it creates a theme of its own. 6. AffordabilityCompared with other cladding options & considering the advantages it offers, flexible stone veneers are affordable. Not only saving up on the labour cost if you do it on your own, but each sheet is extremely cost effective, especially compared with stone slabs. 7. LightweightUnlike stone slabs, the flexible stone veneer is an extremely thin slice of rock, weighing only around 1 kilo per sheet, so it’s the perfect solution when you want an elegant stone appearance, without the weight & difficulty in installation. It’s also perfect for installation on structures that are unable to bear heavy weights, such as stone slabs. 8. Low maintenanceOnce a penetrative sealant is applied on the stone surface after installation, it’ll preserve the surface & the most basic dust & day to day dirt can be easily cleaned with water. How flexible stone veneers add to the home value Since we’ve established the why, let’s understand how flexible stone veneers add to the home value, shall we? 1. Cover up damages to the surface belowLet’s be honest – you’ve lived in a house for years & years, the structures in your house, whether the wall or floor, is bound to show signs of wear & tear. The best part of installing flexible stone veneers is that you can install it on almost any surface, & using the glue, you can fill in any gaps in the surface below & install the veneers to cover the damages. This means that not only are you covering up the damages, but also, you’re doing it with style. 2. Wow factorTalking about style – flexible stone veneers have the look & feel of solid stone slabs, & the moment anyone sees it, they’re bound to think that it is natural stone slabs. It’s often said that the first impression is the last impression, & in that case, flexible stone veneers offer a very pleasant experience to the viewer. 3. Create a themeFor example, you can create a feature wall using the flexible stone veneers, in an otherwise bland looking room. You can also use the flexible stone veneers to create a theme or pattern of its own, depending on how you lay the stone sheets. One of the main features of the stone veneer is that you can use it outdoors, so as soon as someone enters your property, they get to enjoy the natural vibrance. 4. Add to the surface structural integrityThis applies especially if the structure below is damaged. Flexible stone veneers can be applied over damaged surfaces using the glue to fill up the damages, & applying this durable thin stone sheet will add to the structural integrity of the surface below, further reinforcing it. Food for thought Flexible stone veneers are taking the Australian construction & renovation industry to the next level by offering a cladding option that is versatile in application, while also being durable & affordable. This is why you need to think of flexible stone veneers for any renovation requirement you may have. While adding durability of the structure, flexible stone veneers also add to the elegance, within no time & for a relatively low cost compared with other cladding options.
Learn all
Flexible stone veneers as a floor cladding
Flexible stone veneers as a floor cladding Cladding your floor can be a tricky business. When using a cladding on your floor, it needs to be able to bear weight, easy to clean & while also being suitable to be installed on the surface below. Today, let’s discuss what flexible stone veneers are & what benefits flexible stone veneers bring when used as a floor cladding. What are flexible stone veneers? Sketch Australia’s flexible stone veneers are sustainably extracted with a minimum carbon footprint from 100% natural metamorphic rock. It results in a thin layer of stone which is attached to a backing, which is most commonly fiberglass, but could also be fabric or translucent.This backing, with the thinness of the stone layer (1.5 mm to 2.0 mm) gives not only tremendous durability, but also ensures a light-weight & easy to install stone veneer. The stone surface provides natural water & heat resistant, which means that it can be installed both indoors & outdoors. Sketch Australia’s flexible stone veneers can be installed on top of any substrate, including glass, tiles, cement, wood, brick & render. From floors to walls & ceilings, applications are only limited by your creativity, with the most common applications being splashbacks, feature walls, fireplaces, bathrooms, bedrooms, & furniture. Why consider stone veneers as an option for floor cladding There are many reasons why you should consider flexible stone veneers as an option for floor cladding. Let’s discuss a few of those reasons in detail. 1. DurabilityThe stone surface speaks for itself. Since the surface of the veneer is natural stone, it’s durable & resistant to extreme weather conditions, whether scorching hot or freezing cold, so you can install this in both indoors & outdoors floors. Unlike so many other cladding options, the stone surface is also resistant to scratching & chipping, & with the proper installation & maintenance, it’s bound to last a lifetime. After applying a sealant on top of the surface, it makes the cleaning process much easier as well. 2. Water & heat resistanceSketch Australia’s flexible stone veneers are naturally water & heat resistant, since the surface is natural stone. So, you can install it in places where water & heat resistance is an absolute necessity, including the outdoor floors where it’s more prone for moisture or rain, or even the bathroom or shower floor. 3. Visual appealFlexible stone veneers have an elegant look, whether it’s installed on indoor or outdoor floors. The natural stone surface is unique in appearance & since each sheet is unique from the other, it creates a theme of its own. 4. Ease of installationUnlike most cladding options like large format tiles, flexible stone veneers are extremely light-weight, only being around 1.5 kilos per standard sheet. That, combined with the thinness, contributes to ease of installation, to the point where the product is DIY. No need for special equipment or an installation team, just an angle grinder to cut the sheets, a PU adhesive to paste it, & finally a penetrative sealant on top of the surface. You’ll not only save up on labour cost, but also, it’ll be something fun for you to look forward to do in the weekend, especially if you’re a DIY enthusiast! 5. Versatility of applicationSketch Australia’s flexible stone veneers can be installed on both indoor & outdoor floors, but that’s not the best part – seeing that it can endure extreme weather conditions as well as be installed on top of any kind of substrates used on the floor, including cement, tiles or wood, applications are limitless! You can not only install it as a cladding for your floor, but also, install it as a wall cladding too, & create a theme of its own. 6. AffordabilityCompared with other floor cladding options (including tiles) & considering the advantages it offers, flexible stone veneers are affordable. Not only saving up on the labour cost if you do it on your own, but each sheet is extremely cost effective for the benefits & unique look it offers. If you use large format tiles, they will be comparatively more expensive & prone to crack easily. 7. LightweightUnlike other cladding options, the flexible stone veneer is an extremely thin slice of rock, weighing only around 1.5 kilos per standard sheet, so it’s the perfect solution when you want an elegant stone appearance, without the weight & difficulty in installation. 8. Low maintenanceOnce a penetrative sealant is applied on the stone surface after installation, it’ll preserve the surface & the most basic dust & day to day dirt can be easily cleaned with water, so you can be rest assured that it’s perfect to use in messy areas, even outdoors! 9. Add to the substrate structural integrityThis applies especially if the floor below is damaged. Flexible stone veneers can be applied over damaged floors using the glue to fill up the damages, & applying this durable thin stone sheet will add to the structural integrity of the surface below, further reinforcing it. This is especially a useful feature if your floor has endured long years of wear & tear, & you’re installing a cladding for reasons beyond style or theme, but more focused on longevity, durability & damage control. 10. Cover up damages to the floor belowIf you’ve decided to install a cladding on your floor, it could be for more reasons than just to upgrade its look, but also because it’s bound to show signs of wear & tear, especially with years of use. The best part of installing flexible stone veneers is that you can install it on almost any floor surface, including tiles, cement & wood, & using the glue, you can fill in any damages in the floor below & install the veneers to cover the damages. This means that not only are you covering up the damages, but also, you’re doing it with style. 11. Create a themeYou can also use the flexible stone veneers to create a theme or pattern of its own, depending on how you lay the stone sheets on the floor. One of the main features of the stone veneer is that you can use it on both indoor & outdoor floors, as well as on walls, so you could use this to your advantage & lay the sheets on the outdoor floors & walls in one design, & complement it on the indoor floors & walls with another design. 12. Wow factorTalking about style – flexible stone veneers have the look & feel of solid stone slabs, & the moment anyone sees it, they’re bound to think that it is natural stone slabs installed on the floor, & it’s a wow factor to think of a stone cladding on an indoor or outdoor floor. It’s often said that the first impression is the last impression, & in that case, flexible stone veneers offer a very pleasant experience to the viewer. Food for thought Flexible stone veneers are taking the Australian construction & renovation industry to the next level by offering a cladding option that is versatile in application, while also being durable & affordable. It’s one of the best stone products which you can use on both indoor & outdoor floors due to the sheet’s flexibility, lightweight, water & heat resistance as well as ease of installation. This is why you need to think of flexible stone veneers as an excellent option for floor cladding, whether indoors or outdoors. While adding durability to the structure, flexible stone veneers also add to the elegance, within no time & for a relatively low cost compared with other cladding options used on floors.
Learn all
Tiny homes & luxury stone veneers – Time to renovate!
Tiny homes & luxury stone veneers – Time to renovate! Homes in Australia are generally known to be large. However, there’s a trend going against large houses, with people beginning to see that good things can come in small (or tiny) packages, namely, in the form of houses. “Tiny houses” are generally defined as a dwelling that is 37 square meters or less. Tiny houses have the functionality & the character of a permanent house & it’s fixed to the land, unlike tiny houses on wheels, build on caravans. There are also “small houses”, which is any dwelling that it less than 90 square meters. Since the average Australian home is approximately 240 square meters, it’s no surprise that even the “small house” by definition is relatively tiny to the majority of the Australia population. So, if you have a “tiny” or “small” house, you’re sure to be a connoisseur of style & keeping to date with the latest trends & upgrades which you can do to your little nest egg. If so, read on! We’re about to explore how flexible stone veneers fit in with any renovations that you may be planning for your “tiny” or “small” house. What are flexible stone veneers? Sketch Australia’s flexible stone veneers are sustainably extracted with a minimum carbon footprint from 100% natural metamorphic rock. It results in a thin layer of stone which is attached to a backing, which is most commonly fiberglass, but could also be fabric or translucent. This backing, with the thinness of the stone layer (1.5 mm to 2.0 mm) gives not only tremendous durability, but also ensures a light-weight & easy to install stone veneer. The stone surface provides natural water & heat resistant, which means that it can be installed both indoors & outdoors. Sketch Australia’s flexible stone veneers can be installed on top of any substrate, including glass, tiles, cement, wood, brick & render. From floors to walls & ceilings, applications are only limited by your creativity, with the most common applications being splashbacks, feature walls, fireplaces, bathrooms, bedrooms, & furniture. For anyone who’s interest in DIY products, you can be sure that this is the best stone product that you can install on your own, with a few household tools & easily available adhesives & sealants. Using flexible stone veneers to renovate tiny homes There are many reasons why you should consider flexible stone veneers in renovations for your tiny home. Let’s discuss a few of those reasons in detail. 1. Ease of installationUnlike most cladding options, flexible stone veneers are extremely light-weight, only being around 1.5 kilos per standard sheet. That, combined with the thinness, contributes to ease of installation, to the point where the product is DIY. No need for special equipment or an installation team, just an angle grinder to cut the sheets, a PU adhesive to paste it, & finally a penetrative sealant on top of the surface. You’ll not only save up on labour cost, but also, it’ll be something fun for you to look forward to do in the weekend, especially if you’re a DIY enthusiast! 2. DurabilityThe stone surface speaks for itself. Since the surface of the veneer is natural stone, it’s durable & resistant to extreme weather conditions, whether scorching hot or freezing cold. This is the main reason that it can be installed on the exterior walls of a tiny home. Unlike so many other cladding options, the stone surface is also resistant to scratching & chipping, & with the proper installation & maintenance, it’s bound to last a lifetime. 3. Water & heat resistanceSketch Australia’s flexible stone veneers are naturally water & heat resistant, since the surface is natural stone. So, you can install it in places where water & heat resistance is an absolute necessity, including the exterior of a tiny home. 4. Versatility of applicationSketch Australia’s flexible stone veneers can be installed on both indoor & outdoor surfaces, but that’s not the best part – seeing that it can endure extreme weather conditions as well as be installed on top of any kind of substrate, applications are limitless for your tiny home renovations, from indoor & outdoor floors to walls & even ceilings. Common applications that’s popular include splashbacks, feature walls, fireplace exteriors & even furniture! It’s also a beautiful product to install on your cabinetry, bathrooms & bedrooms. 5. Visual appealFlexible stone veneers have an elegant look, whether it’s installed on the indoor or outdoor of your tiny home. The natural stone surface is unique in appearance & since each sheet is unique from the other, it creates a theme of its own. 6. AffordabilityCompared with other cladding options & considering the advantages it offers, flexible stone veneers are affordable. Not only saving up on the labour cost if you do it on your own, but each sheet is extremely cost effective for the benefits & unique stone look it offers. 7. LightweightUnlike other cladding options, the flexible stone veneer is an extremely thin slice of rock, weighing only around 1.5 kilos per standard sheet, so it’s the perfect solution when you want an elegant stone appearance, without the weight & difficulty in installation. It’s also perfect for installation on structures that are unable to bear heavy weights. 8. Low maintenanceOnce a penetrative sealant is applied on the stone surface after installation, it’ll preserve the surface & the most basic dust & day to day dirt can be easily cleaned with water. 9. Cover up damages to the surface belowLet’s be honest – you’ve decided to renovate your tiny home not just to upgrade its look, but also because it’s bound to show signs of wear & tear, especially with years of use. The best part of installing flexible stone veneers is that you can install it on almost any surface, & using the glue, you can fill in any gaps in the surface below & install the veneers to cover the damages. This means that not only are you covering up the damages, but also, you’re doing it with style. 10. Wow factorTalking about style – flexible stone veneers have the look & feel of solid stone slabs, & the moment anyone sees it, they’re bound to think that it is natural stone slabs, & it’s a wow factor to think of a stone cladding on the interior or exterior of a tiny home. It’s often said that the first impression is the last impression, & in that case, flexible stone veneers offer a very pleasant experience to the viewer. 11. Create a themeYou can also use the flexible stone veneers to create a theme or pattern of its own, depending on how you lay the stone sheets. One of the main features of the stone veneer is that you can use it on the exterior of your tiny home as well as the interior, so you could use this to your advantage & lay the sheets on the exterior of the tiny home in one design, & complement it on the inside with another design. 12. Add to the surface structural integrityThis applies especially if the structure below is damaged. Flexible stone veneers can be applied over damaged surfaces using the glue to fill up the damages, & applying this durable thin stone sheet will add to the structural integrity of the surface below, further reinforcing it. This is especially a useful feature if your tiny home has endured long years of wear & tear, & you’re installing a cladding for reasons beyond style or theme, but more focused on longevity, durability & damage control. The future of tiny home renovations with natural stone veneers Flexible stone veneers are taking the Australian construction & renovation industry to the next level by offering a cladding option that is versatile in application, while also being durable & affordable. It’s a one-of-a-kind stone product which you can use on both indoors & outdoors of your tiny home as a renovation option due to the sheet’s flexibility, lightweight & ease of installation. This is why you need to consider flexible stone veneers for any renovation requirement you may have for your tiny home, whether it’s for the interior or exterior. While adding durability to the structure, flexible stone veneers also add to the elegance, within no time & for a relatively low cost compared with other cladding options that are available.
Learn all
Of flexible stone veneers, home renovations & construction
Of flexible stone veneers, home renovations & construction Whether you’re building a new home, doing a home renovation, or doing any kind of construction job, it’s a matter which no doubt needs a lot of planning, research & decisions on which options you’d like to proceed with. The home renovation industry in Australia is a booming industry, & there are many products which are commonly used across residential projects simply due to large-scale availability as well as the products being more familiar to builders & construction companies. One prime example is the use of tiles in construction or renovations. Tiles have been tried & tested for so long, that it’s a more comfortable thought to settle for tiles, even when there may be more innovative, creative & long-lasting options on the table. So, today, let’s focus on a cladding option, which is extremely popular across the construction industry in Europe the United States. This is, of course, the flexible stone veneers, a cladding option that is not only capable of replacing outdated cladding options such as tiles, but also one which is able to be installed on top of any kind of substrate, & for a variety of applications. What are flexible stone veneers? Sketch Australia’s flexible stone veneers are sustainably extracted with a minimum carbon footprint from 100% natural metamorphic rock. It results in a thin layer of stone which is attached to a backing, which is most commonly fiberglass, but could also be fabric or translucent.This backing, with the thinness of the stone layer (1.5 mm to 2.0 mm) gives not only tremendous durability, but also ensures a light-weight & easy to install stone veneer. The stone surface provides natural water & heat resistant, which means that it can be installed both indoors & outdoors. Sketch Australia’s flexible stone veneers can be installed on top of any substrate, including glass, tiles, cement, wood, brick & render. From floors to walls & ceilings, applications are only limited by your creativity, with the most common applications being splashbacks, feature walls, fireplaces, bathrooms, bedrooms, & furniture. For anyone who’s interested in DIY products, you can be sure that this is the best stone product that you can install on your own, with a few household tools & easily available adhesives & sealants. Why consider flexible stone veneers as a cladding option for house renovations & building construction? 1. Ease of installationUnlike most cladding options, flexible stone veneers are extremely light-weight, only being around 1.5 kilos per standard sheet. That, combined with the thinness, contributes to ease of installation, to the point where the product is DIY. No need for special equipment or an installation team, just an angle grinder to cut the sheets, a PU adhesive to paste it, & finally a penetrative sealant on top of the surface. You’ll not only save up on labour cost but also, it’ll be something fun for you to look forward to do in the weekend, especially if you’re a DIY enthusiast! 2. DurabilityThe stone surface speaks for itself. Since the surface of the veneer is natural stone, it’s durable & resistant to extreme weather conditions, whether scorching hot or freezing cold. This is the main reason that it can be installed outdoors. Unlike so many other cladding options, the stone surface is also resistant to scratching & chipping, & with the proper installation & maintenance, it’s bound to last a lifetime. 3. Water & heat resistanceSketch Australia’s flexible stone veneers are naturally water & heat resistant, since the surface is natural stone. So, you can install it in places where water & heat resistance is an absolute necessity, including outdoors. 4. Versatility of applicationSketch Australia’s flexible stone veneers can be installed on both indoor & outdoor surfaces, but that’s not the best part – seeing that it can endure extreme weather conditions as well as be installed on top of any kind of substrate, applications are limitless for your home renovation or building construction project, from indoor & outdoor floors to walls & even ceilings. Common applications that’s popular include splashbacks, feature walls, fireplace exteriors & even furniture! It’s also a beautiful product to install on your cabinetry, bathrooms & bedrooms. 5. Visual appealFlexible stone veneers have an elegant look, whether it’s installed indoors or outdoors. The natural stone surface is unique in appearance & since each sheet is unique from the other, it creates a theme of its own. 6. AffordabilityCompared with other cladding options & considering the advantages it offers, flexible stone veneers are affordable. Not only saving up on the labour cost if you do it on your own, but each sheet is extremely cost effective for the benefits & unique stone look it offers. 7. LightweightUnlike other cladding options, the flexible stone veneer is an extremely thin slice of rock, weighing only around 1.5 kilos per standard sheet, so it’s the perfect solution when you want an elegant stone appearance, without the weight & difficulty in installation. It’s also perfect for installation on structures that are unable to bear heavy weights. 8. Low maintenanceOnce a penetrative sealant is applied on the stone surface after installation, it’ll preserve the surface & the most basic dust & day to day dirt can be easily cleaned with water. 9. Cover up damages to the surface belowLet’s be honest – you’ve decided to do a home renovation not just as an upgrade, but also because it’s bound to show signs of wear & tear, especially with years of use. The best part of installing flexible stone veneers is that you can install it on almost any surface, & using the glue, you can fill in any gaps in the surface below & install the veneers to cover the damages. This means that not only are you covering up the damages, but also, you’re doing it with style. 10. Wow factorFlexible stone veneers have the look & feel of solid stone slabs, & the moment anyone sees it, they’re bound to think that it is natural stone slabs, & it’s a wow factor to think of a stone cladding with versatile applications. It’s often said that the first impression is the last impression, & in that case, flexible stone veneers offer a very pleasant experience to the viewer. 11. Create a themeYou can also use the flexible stone veneers to create a theme or pattern of its own, depending on how you lay the stone sheets. One of the main features of the stone veneer is that you can use it on the exterior of your home as well as the interior, so you could use this to your advantage & lay the sheets on the exterior of your home in one design, & complement it on the inside with another design. 12. Add to the surface structural integrityThis applies especially if the structure below is damaged. Flexible stone veneers can be applied over damaged surfaces using the glue to fill up the damages, & applying this durable thin stone sheet will add to the structural integrity of the surface below, further reinforcing it. This is especially a useful feature if your home has endured long years of wear & tear, & you’re installing a cladding for reasons beyond style or theme, but more focused on longevity, durability & damage control. The future of cladding with flexible stone veneers Flexible stone veneers are taking the Australian construction & renovation industry to the next level by offering a cladding option that is versatile in application, while also being durable & affordable. It’s a one-of-a-kind stone product which you can use on both indoors & outdoors of your residential or commercial renovations or construction project, due to the veneer’s flexibility, lightweight & ease of installation. This is why you need to consider flexible stone veneers for any renovation requirement you may have for your home or office space, whether it’s for the interior or exterior. While adding durability to the structure, flexible stone veneers also add to the elegance, within no time & for a relatively low cost compared with other cladding options that are available.
Learn all
Stone veneer or Natural stone veneer – The good, the bad & the correct choice
Stone veneer or Natural stone veneer – The good, the bad & the correct choice Whether you’ve been looking at different cladding options for home renovations, or to use for your new house, no doubt you would’ve come across the terms stone veneer & natural stone veneer. But what are stone veneers, & how do they differ from natural stone veer? What are the advantages in using each, & which is the option that you should go ahead with? Today, let’s explore more on each of these options. What are stone veneers? For connoisseurs of natural stone, stone veneers offer the look & feel of natural stone cost effectively. Manufactured stone veneers, also known as cultured stone or faux stone, is almost as beautiful as natural stone, but it a manmade material which is designed to look similar to the look of natural stone. With the level of different shapes, sizes & colour gradients, even for the more trained eye, it may be difficult to determine the difference between stone veneers & natural stone veneers without closer inspection. How stone veneers are made? Stone veneers are usually made out of Portland cement, lightweight natural aggregates & iron oxide pigment to add colours. Stone veneers have a longer history than we may imagine. The first stone veneer, manufactured in the late 19th century, was made of natural stone, by slicing natural stone into thick-cut stone slabs. Cement became a part of its composition in the 1950’s, however, while cement gives the stone veneer stability, unlike thick-cut natural stone, it doesn’t add to the structural feasibility. The latest process for stone veneers would be to use moulds taken from natural stone, using a process which captured the most intricate details from the original stone surface. Faux stone can even replicate the unique & rough texture of natural stone. Pros of using stone veneers? One of the main advantages in using stone veneers is due to the versatile finishes that are available to select from. Whether you want a rough/rugged texture, or an elegant/high-end colour, there’s no limit on the design possibilities that are available with stone veneers, especially since the designs can be made to replicate actual natural stone veneer surfaces. Another fact is the cost factor. Generally, natural stone veneers are relatively more expensive that stone veneers. There are also stone veneers which are DIY products, so that means that you can save up on the labour cost as well, all while offering a similar look & feel to natural stone veneers, at a relatively lesser cost. Stone veneers could also be eco-friendly as a cladding option. As an example, there are few stone veneer manufacturers who maximize the percentage of recycled raw materials while not affecting the quality of the stone, all with no toxic emissions release & the excess water is treated & reused. Ease of installation is another reason why stone veneers are also more popular, since it’s light-weight & easier to transport & work with. For the skilled, it can also be a DIY project, with use of few basic tools & use of an installation handbook.But it’s not all green pastures when deciding to go ahead with stone veneers, so let’s look at the downside of using stone veneers, shall we? Cons of using stone veneers The most obvious con of using stone veneers as opposed to natural stone veneers is the durability. Since cultures stone is a man-made product from a concrete mixture, it is more likely to break or chip, while results in that section being replaced to preserve the look of the surface. Repairing the stone veneers once chipped will be an additional cost, while also may or may not give the same original look it had.Another point to consider is that the colouring in cultured stone may not always go all the way through the stone, so a chip or a cut edge could show through as plain concrete. While natural stone veneers may also chip, the signs of wear & tear are far less obvious, & cut edges are the same colours throughout. One of the most important points to ponder would be the installation process for cultured stone. The reason for this is, improperly installed manufactured stone will look extremely unnatural. Also, it’s important to note that cultured stone doesn’t have the density to support weights, so applications should be carefully considered. For those who want to do a DIY project from cultured stone, it’s important to note that if it’s not properly water-proofed, there’s a high likelihood of erosion caused by water damage, both to the substrate & the manufactured stone. Natural stone veneers as an alternative to stone veneers So, now that we’ve understood the pros & cons of stone veneers/manufactured stone, let’s look at an alternative for stone veneers, namely natural stone veneers. What are natural stone veneers? Natural stone veneers are sustainably extracted with a minimum carbon footprint from 100% natural metamorphic rock. It results in a thin layer of stone which is attached to a backing, which is most commonly fiberglass, but could also be fabric or translucent.This backing, with the thinness of the stone layer (1.5 mm to 2.0 mm) gives not only tremendous durability, but also ensures a light-weight & easy to install stone veneer. The stone surface provides natural water & heat resistant, which means that it can be installed both indoors & outdoors. Natural stone veneers can be installed on top of any substrate, including glass, tiles, cement, wood, brick & render. From floors to walls & ceilings, applications are only limited by your creativity, with the most common applications being splashbacks, feature walls, fireplaces, bathrooms, bedrooms, & furniture. For anyone who’s interest in DIY products, you can be sure that this is the best stone product that you can install on your own, with a few household tools & easily available adhesives & sealants. Pros of using natural stone veneers 1. DurabilityThe stone surface speaks for itself. Since the surface of the veneer is natural stone, it’s durable & resistant to extreme weather conditions, whether scorching hot or freezing cold. This is the main reason that it can be installed outdoors. Unlike so many other cladding options, the stone surface is also resistant to scratching & chipping, & with the proper installation & maintenance, it’s bound to last a lifetime. 2. Ease of installationUnlike most cladding options, flexible stone veneers are extremely light-weight, only being around 1.5 kilos per standard sheet. That, combined with the thinness, contributes to ease of installation, to the point where the product is DIY. No need for special equipment or an installation team, just an angle grinder to cut the sheets, a PU adhesive to paste it, & finally a penetrative sealant on top of the surface. You’ll not only save up on labour cost, but also, it’ll be something fun for you to look forward to do in the weekend, especially if you’re a DIY enthusiast! 3. Versatility of applicationNatural stone veneers can be installed on both indoor & outdoor surfaces, but that’s not the best part – seeing that it can endure extreme weather conditions as well as be installed on top of any kind of substrate, applications are limitless for your home renovation or building construction project, from indoor & outdoor floors to walls & even ceilings. Common applications that’s popular include splashbacks, feature walls, fireplace exteriors & even furniture! It’s also a beautiful product to install on your cabinetry, bathrooms & bedrooms. 4. Water & heat resistanceNatural stone veneers are naturally water & heat resistant, since the surface is natural stone. So, you can install it in places where water & heat resistance is an absolute necessity, including outdoors. 5. Visual appealNatural stone veneers have an elegant look, whether it’s installed indoors or outdoors. The natural stone surface is unique in appearance & since each sheet is unique from the other, it creates a theme of its own. 6. Low maintenanceOnce a penetrative sealant is applied on the stone surface after installation, it’ll preserve the surface & the most basic dust & day to day dirt can be easily cleaned with water. 7. LightweightUnlike other cladding options, the natural stone veneer is an extremely thin slice of rock, weighing only around 1.5 kilos per standard sheet, so it’s the perfect solution when you want an elegant stone appearance, without the weight & difficulty in installation. It’s also perfect for installation on structures that are unable to bear heavy weights. 8. AffordabilityCompared with other cladding options & considering the advantages it offers, natural stone veneers are affordable. Not only saving up on the labour cost if you do it on your own, but each sheet is extremely cost effective for the benefits & unique stone look it offers. Food for thought – stone veneer or natural stone veneer? It all comes down to weighing the advantages between cultured stone & natural stone veneers. Sure, stone veneers are relatively cheaper, with more versatile designs & colours, is light-weight, can be a DIY project, & has a very similar look to natural stone. But in reality, man-made concrete products will never have the same level of durability that natural stone has, while natural stone will continue to look great after many years of installation, cultured stone colours may fade with time. Installation of both natural stone veneers & cultured stone may be similarly easy, but considering the longevity of natural stone veneers, it’s better to install a product once & for all, rather than having to replace parts of it after years of wear & tear, as is the case with manufactured stone. All in all, while both natural stone veneers & cultured stone have their own inherent advantages & disadvantages, one cannot deny that the natural stone veneers’ appeal is undeniably seductive to connoisseurs of arts & elegance.
Learn all
Blog posts
Blog post
Give your customers a summary of your blog post
Blog post
Give your customers a summary of your blog post
Blog post
Give your customers a summary of your blog post