Facing the base with natural stone: types of material and installation stages

Any structure gains a touch of elegance and durability when natural stone faces the base. Natural stone has a classic aesthetic that can improve the appearance of both conventional and modern structures. Each project is distinctive and visually appealing due to its distinctive textures and colors.

This post will discuss the various kinds of natural stone that can be used as facings and how to pick the best kind for your project. We will also guide you through the installation process to guarantee a seamless and effective application. Whether you’re creating a new structure from scratch or updating an old one, knowing these fundamentals will help you get the best results.

What types of natural stones are used in finishing

When using natural stone to face the base of a house, one can use:

  • The most common option for finishing the base is granite. It has a very original external design. The sizes of the stone are quite varied. It is in the form of tiles, the thickness of which is from 1 cm or in the form of stone blocks, which are used for laying a wall or decorative structure.
  • The next most popular is sandstone. This stone is significantly different from granite. It has an external design in only one color scheme – sand.
    Its sizes are also different. There are also tiles and stones.

Suggestions. Sandstone lacks sufficient strength and its structure is based on sand, so building walls or other structures out of it is not advised.

  • Facing the base of natural stone can be done with shell rock. It is stronger and more reliable than sandstone and, as a rule, only comes in thick slabs.
    In some cases, there are solid blocks from which the building is erected. It has only one shade – closer to yellow. The entire structure of such a stone consists of pores and for this reason it should not be left without finishing for too long.

Suggestions. Shell rock needs a protective layer applied to its surface in order to function as a finish for an extended period of time. For this, a simple varnish or specialized primer is used.

  • Wild stone for facing the base is also very popular. It is called "Slab", since it comes in slabs for finishing, which can be of different sizes and thicknesses.
    The most common are slate and quartzite. They have a fairly dense structure, due to which they do not perceive weather and climatic influences.
  • The color range of such material is quite diverse. There are dark and light shades. On the surface of the stones, veins are visible that decorate it.

Suggestions. Other naturally occurring rocks can also be used to face the base with wild stone. The most crucial factor is that the material must be mined in areas with climates comparable to the area where the house is being constructed.

  • Facing the base with wild stone can also be done with sandstone, since some of its types are also considered "wild" and are not subject to special processing.

Suggestions. Marble slabs are frequently used in interior design, but it is not advised to use them for exterior decoration as their structure may be susceptible to deformation in some areas, ruining the building’s exterior aesthetic.

How to choose natural stone correctly

The finishing budget should be your primary priority. You can use sandstone or shell rock if it’s not too big. Quartzite is included in the economy category as well. You can select a more beautiful granite if the budget permits. Next:

  • The next step will be choosing a color scheme. The shade of natural stone for finishing the base depends on the design of the building itself. It can also be several tones darker than the entire color scheme of the building.

Suggestions. Asking the seller to produce certification documents proving the stone is naturally occurring and does not emit radiation is necessary when selecting natural stone.

Technical characteristics of natural agglomerate

The primary characteristic of natural stone used to face the house’s foundation is its environmental friendliness. The environment and human health won’t be harmed by it. It is incredibly dependable and robust. It can support practically any load on its surface. It is all because of the extremely dense structure. Benefits and attributes:

  • The stone does not burn and does not react to changes in weather and climate conditions, as it was formed in nature. It can easily withstand temperature fluctuations (withstands low and high temperatures).
  • The service life of the material is almost unlimited. It can last for 100 years.
    Only in this case, its operating conditions must be normal. If the stone is in tiles, then it has a fairly simple and quick installation
  • The only drawback of natural stone will be its price. It is quite high, compared to other types of finishing material.
  • Natural stone is moisture resistant and can be cleaned with plain water and a rag, and it is not recommended to use chemical cleaning agents on its surface for this purpose. They can damage the protective surface layer of the stone and thereby begin to destroy its structure.

Suggestion: You can use artificial stone, which is significantly less expensive than natural stone but has an identical appearance, to finish the base in addition to natural stone.

Types of natural stone surfaces

Natural stone comes in a variety of popular surface types with unique appearances. Surface:

  • Grinded, which may have some roughness, but is smooth in structure.
  • Chipped – resembles a torn surface of artificial stone. It is uneven and not smooth. Has a certain relief.
  • Polished – this is a surface with shine, since during the processing of the stone it is polished using special equipment. It is perfectly smooth.
  • Rough – the surface is practically not processed using special tools and equipment, and it is this that is considered the natural surface of the material.

Suggestions. It is important to think about how fast and simple it will be to clean a natural stone surface when selecting one. It is preferable not to use the material for facing the base if there are numerous distinct depressions on the surface and the color of the material is light.

What can natural agglomerate be combined with for finishing the base

Natural stone facing the base of the facade can be paired with any other type of wall surface finishing material. Plastered walls with natural stone at the base are the most popular choice. Natural agglomerate is frequently found on the base, while man-made stone is typically found on the walls. Thus:

  • Plastic or siding panels with different surface designs are also used. There are imitations of brick or stone masonry.

Suggestions. When finishing a building with natural stone on the base, it is not advised to use plastic lining because the house will not look good.

The image displays a few different ways to adorn a building with natural stone at the base.

Material Type Description
Granite Durable and stylish, ideal for both modern and classic looks. Requires sealing to prevent staining.
Marble Elegant and smooth, but more prone to scratches and stains. Best for low-traffic areas.
Slate Natural and textured, provides a rugged look. It’s slip-resistant and great for outdoor applications.
Sandstone Soft and easy to cut, often used for a warm, rustic appearance. It may need regular maintenance to keep its look.
Installation Stage Description
Preparation Ensure the base is clean, dry, and level. Apply a suitable primer if needed.
Layout Plan the layout and start placing stones from the center or a reference point to ensure symmetry.
Fixing Apply adhesive and fix each stone carefully, pressing firmly to ensure a good bond.
Grouting Fill gaps between stones with grout, then clean off excess before it dries.
Sealing Apply a sealant to protect the stone and enhance its color, following manufacturer instructions.

Natural stone facing the base of any structure improves its strength and visual appeal. You can obtain a long-lasting, high-quality finish by choosing the appropriate stone type and using the right installation methods.

The secret to a successful project is knowing the different kinds of natural stone that are available and their unique installation requirements. Choosing between slate, granite, or limestone presents a variety of advantages and disadvantages. When selecting the stone, it’s critical to take climate and maintenance requirements into account.

Maintaining the security and aesthetic appeal of your stone facing requires careful planning and execution. It is possible to prevent common problems and achieve a professional finish by adhering to the recommended procedures for base preparation, adhesive application, and stone placement.

Using real stone in your design offers long-lasting durability in addition to a touch of elegance. You can turn your base into a gorgeous feature that raises the curb appeal and value of your house with the appropriate method.

Natural stone is a common option for base facing because of its strength and visual appeal. This post will go over the various natural stone options for base facing, including granite, marble, and limestone, as well as the important installation steps. You can improve the appearance and longevity of your base by making well-informed decisions by being aware of the available material options and the installation procedure.

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Veronica Gerasimova

Interior designer, author of books on the design of residential premises. I will help you make your home not only functional, but also beautiful.

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