The Egyptian Pharaohs used to be mesmerized by the aesthetic beauty and strength of architectural veneer Stone and believed them to be a gem and a path for monetization, whose nobility continues in this modern age. Veneer Stones were made out of monolithic rocks which required manpower, but, with the passage of time stone work has changed a great deal since then. Now the stone veneer is ligh-weight and a user-friendly option for interior and exterior.
A stone veneer is a thin layer of any stone that isused as decorative facing and is not meant to be load-bearing. Stone claddingis a stone veneeror simulated stone applied to a building or structure made of material other than stone. Some times stone cladding is applied to concrete or steel buildings as part of their original architectural design.
These solid surfaces have highdurability keeping the surfaces maintained for long. Stone Veneer Panel has a compact core which makes it stronger than slate. They don’t only appear like stone but are also lighter than natural stone surfaces.
Today, different types of stone Veneer panels are available in the market which gives an ancient Egyptian look. Merino Laminates provide three types of Stone Veneer (Stoven).
Stoven- Stoven is a range offlexible stone veneerthat is made from a thin layer of stone stripped or peeled from the metamorphics lab. It brings the warmth and a luxurious charm of natural stone with flexible, natural stone veneers.
1. Translucent Stoven: Translucent Stoven sheets allow light to pass through when illuminated from the back. At night or in the absence of light they have a natural stone look. They have a compact core, making them more strong than slate. These sheets are lighter than stone and are highly durable.
2. Flexi Stoven: Stoven flexible stone veneer panel is made from a thin layer of stone peeled from a metamorphic stone slab. By using special proprietary technology thin veneers of slate, schist, or sandstone are pulled away from the original thick stone slab. Fiberglass backing is fused behind the stone veneer to make the final product.
3. Ultra-thin stoven: Ultra Thin stoven is an ultra-flexible natural stone veneer panel that is extremely thin and flexible veneer with a natural stone surface and cotton fabric backing. Their flexibility makes them easily applicable around corners and round objects.
Application of StoneVeneer-
Stone veneer can be added both inside and outsideyour home to host the surface. Merino veneer stones come in a range of different designs of translucent, flexible, and ultra-thin stoven. Translucent Stoven can be used on the roof of the hall, allowing the natural sunlight to enter making the atmosphere optimistic and refreshing. Another area where stone veneer can be putto use is the backyard, where natural surroundings and manmade features meet could be softened.
Check before Installation:
1. The base should be clean and dry when you begin the project. Avoid installing veneer outside when there is a chance of rain
2. Try to begin when there is a stretch of cool, dry weather ahead. But, if you are installing indoors, you can start anytime.
Here are basic steps to install stone Veneer-
1. Mix two parts of washed sand to one part of Portland cement. Stir the mortar until it has a thick and creamy consistency.
2. Layout the stones in the pattern you wish. You can trim the stones to usable size with the help of a masonry hammer.
3. Clean the stone by removing all dust and loose particles. You can also wash with water if needed. Once the stones are dry, moisten their rear sides with a masonry brush. This helps to ensure a strong bond between the stone and mortar.
4. Spread a half to one inch of mortar over the back of the stone, then press the stone to the wall. you press slightly, rotate, forcing excess of the mortar to squeeze out. Remove any excess from the surface with a rag or brush. Keep the joint line as narrow as possible between the adjacent stones for the most attractive appearance.
5. Once you are done with installing the stone veneer using the above method, proceed to grout any large gap between the stones.
