Why use Smiling Rock’s Stone Wall Cladding?
Spruce up a plain limestone or brick wall with natural feature stone from Smiling Rock. We have an extensive range of wall cladding ranging from stacked stone for interior walls, dry stone with cement backing for exterior walls and even stacked stones suited for water features.
Wall claddings are stone veneer tiles which provide a decorative covering for your walls. It can be installed to both interior and exterior walls to serve two main purposes:
1) Provide a degree of thermal insulation and weather resistance
2) Boost the aesthetic appeal of a building’s exterior/interior as part of an artistic expression and add value.
How to Install Smiling Rock’s Stone Wall Cladding?
Installing your own wall cladding is not as difficult as it seems. In fact, it can be an enjoyable and satisfying process seeing your property being transformed.
Let’s begin!
Step 1: Measure Your Walls
Before you begin, first ensure that you have the necessary amount of wall cladding for your project. Measure the lengths and widths for all the walls you would like to install the wall cladding on. This includes all the additional measurements, i.e., around windows, doors, ventilation covers and fireplace etc. for any assorted trims that will be required.
Step 2: Clean and/or seal your wall!
Ensure that there are no dust, dirt or debris on the wall you intend to work on, if there are any gaps/holes or edges that need to be sealed, use an appropriate silicon product to seal it.
Note: If you’re planning to clad your water feature, please waterproof the wall beforehand.
Step 3: Laying the first layer/row of Stacked Stone
A spirit level is recommended. Ensure that the base/floor/ground surface is levelled, then even out the surface using tile spacers. Instead of cladding your wall straightaway, you can start off by dry laying the first row to grasp a mental picture of the end result.
Step 4: Mix the Tile Adhesive/ Glue
Purchase an appropriate amount of wall tile adhesive required for the project. Prepare a bucket/tub to make the mixing process easier. Alternatively, you could purchase different forms of pre-mixed adhesive, e.g. liquid nails and Sika glue.
Note: Depending on the wall type the wall cladding will be installed onto; you may need to first prime the wall.
Step 5: Apply the Tile Adhesive/Glue
First apply the adhesive/glue to the first level of the wall using a trowel and/or glue gun, then apply some adhesive/glue to the back of the individual stacked stone panel as well, and press it onto the wall. Do not be stingy with the glue/adhesive, as there will be a whole lot of work to do if it starts falling off later!
Note: Be sure to push it firmly onto the wall so the glue spreads and sticks better.
Step 6: Attaching & cutting the stacked stone
Cut your stacked stone by using a grinder equipped with a diamond blade (Angle grinder as well as any other tile/brick/paving cutter works as well; the most important aspect is the blade – ensure that it is a continuous diamond stone blade).
When laying the stacked stone, always start from the bottom and work your way up each row. Remember not to be stingy on the tile adhesive and stagger your cladding when installing – it will produce a much better result!
Step 7 – That’s It!
Now it’s just a continuous process of applying the tile adhesive, attaching your stack stone, and cutting it to size if needed. You can prepare a wet rag/sponge to clean up any excess adhesive stuck to the wall.
*Tip: Sometimes its best to do 3-5 levels at a time and let it cure/dry for a day; then continue working upwards as the weight of the stone may result in it falling off the wall. Depending on your preference, you may also choose apply a stone sealer on top of the stacked stone for a darker colour effect and/or glossy wet look.
How to Properly Maintain Smiling Rock’s Stone Wall Cladding?
Some easy ways to keep your new feature wall looking brighter for longer, is to seal the stone (depending on stone type), or sweeping and brushing off debris regularly. This will help ensure that your new feature wall will stay durable and sturdy for years to come.