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A Step-by-Step Guide to Add Flexible Thin Stone Veneers to Columns and Pillars

A Step-by-Step Guide to Add Flexible Thin Stone Veneers to Columns and Pillars

Looking to add some interesting finish to your pillars and columns? How about adding flexible thin stone veneers. Check out our wide range of natural, thin stone veneers for accessorizing your interior and exterior columns, and add a sophisticated elegance to your property.

Thin Stone Veneers that Look Just Like Solid Stone

Choose from our extensive range of thin stone veneers, available in a wide array of colours, finishes, and textures. Our range of ultra-thin stone veneers works for both interior and exterior applications. They are cost-effective, easy to install and maintain and offer superior aesthetics that match real stones.

Despite resembling natural stone slabs closely, our thin stone veneers have a layer of polyurethane, which makes them tougher and more durable compared to regular natural stone slabs. Polyurethane is extremely robust and withstands even the harshest climatic conditions. Be it moisture, heat, cold or insect damage – our thin stone veneers will look good, just like today, even years down the line.

They are extremely robust and do not chip, peel, fade or crack. Years down the line, your pillars and columns will look new and fresh, without showing any signs of wear and tear. Unlike natural materials, that weaken the structural integrity of pillars and columns due to their heavyweight, thin stone veneers are extremely flexible and lightweight. They don’t cause any structural damage to your columns.

Another huge benefit of thin stone veneers is that they are extremely simple to install. The entire project can be completed in a single day, without the need for any complicated machinery. What more, if you have the inclination, you can tackle the project as DIY, with the help of our concise, step-by-step instructions.

Step-by-step Guide to Add Thin Stone Veneers to Columns and Pillars

Step 1 – Surface Layering

This step involves getting your base layer (in this case, the pillar or column) ready and prepped. Ensure that you have all the tools and materials at hand before you commence the project.

Ensure that the pillar or column is clean and dry. If required, add a moisture barrier to the base layer. To do this – make use of waterproof building paper. Staple it all around the column uniformly.

Once you have applied the waterproof layer, the next step is to attach a galvanized metal lath sheet. Just like the paper, use staples or nails to attach the metal lath barrier.

Next, apply the scratch coat mortar. Ensure that the mortar is mixed properly and has a firm consistency. Use a trowel to spread the mortar on the metal lath layer, until the entire surface of the column is covered.

Use a rake to scratch grooves horizontally into the scratch coat. This is essential to ensure that the mortar gets proper moisture and aeration. Wait until the scratch coat sets. It takes around 24 to 36 hours, depending on the size of the column and temperature.

Step 2 – Installing Thin Stone Veneers

The first step is to arrange your stones on the column roughly so that you get an idea of the final arrangement you want to achieve. Then, trim and shape the stones to fit the curvature of the column or pillar. Use an angle grinder or a mason hammer for this step.

The next step is to clean your thin stone veneers to remove excess dust, oil and other residues from the stones. Use dry brushes for this step. Next, mix the veneer mortar in the same consistency as the scratch coat.

Dampen the backs of individual stone veneer slabs with a wet brush and use the trowel to place a generous dollop of mortar on the back of the veneer stone. Spread the dollop and start hanging the stone veneers on your column.

Start from the base and work your way upward. Press the stone veneer firmly into the scratch coat. You can adjust the stones to fit into place. Ensure that the gap between individual stones is no more than a half of an inch.

Continue working your way from the bottom up. Take a few minutes of break to assess your work and adjust your layout accordingly.

Step 3 – Apply the Finishing Touches

Use a grout bag to fill in the joint lines and when the grout has dried around 80% use a joint tool to chip out the excess grout chunks. Brush away the excess dirt accumulated on top of the thin stone veneers. Do this process, while the mortar is semi-wet.

If required, you can add a sealer to provide your thin stone veneers with an extra layer of protection. The sealer protects the stones from wear and tear, dirt, dust and other stains. But, remember that not all stone veneers require a sealer. Get in touch with your Thin Stone Veneer Supplier to find out whether if your choice of stone requires a sealer or not.

Leave the project undisturbed for a couple of days. Then use a dry brush to wipe away the excess dirt.

Presto! You have completed your project successfully.

Wrapping Up

Give your columns and pillars a brand new look with thin stone veneers. Boost your curb’s appeal and add personality to your space. While adding flexible thin stone veneers is a simple project, the output is far impressive. Give your property a facelift with our dynamic range of thin stone veneers.

Get in touch with our team to locate a dealer near you.

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