The beauty and ruggedness of stone cladding for the walls (external or internal) cannot be replicated through any other wall décor technique. For example, don’t we find pebbledash or ashlar stone cladding absolutely breath-taking? This is why stone veneer or stone wall cladding, as many like to call it, remains a popular method of decorating structures, since the period of the Roman Empire, when stone cladding was probably first used.
With time, technological advancements have made stone cladding an easier and comparatively affordable option for home buyers worldwide. This has also led to its popularity as a method to dress up external and internal walls all over the world.
What is stone cladding?
Since using heavy weight stones would amount to load bearing issues, the early users of stone cladding came up with an idea. They cut beautiful stones of their choice in thin layers – obviously a highly arduous and costly affair – and pasted it on the wall using an adhesive. This process would be known as stone veneer or stone cladding. Machines were employed in the process that brought down the thickness of the stone front to three centimeters.
See also our pictorial guide on Boundary Wall Design With Grill
Natural stone cladding
When natural stones are used for stone cladding of a wall, they need to be cut into a consistent thickness and weight, to be used as veneer for wall cladding. The stones that are commonly used in stone cladding include granite, sandstone and slate.
See also: Wall tiles design for outside house
Simulated stone wall cladding
These days, stone cladding is also done using simulated stones apart from real ones. Simulated stones that have an appearance of natural stone are also commonly used for stone cladding. In manufactured stone veneer, the front is created by using a colouring process on lightweight concrete. Considering that natural stones are heavier, the use of simulated stones is more common in stone cladding. They also offer greater cost benefits.
Why use exterior stone cladding?
Attractive appearance is just the one of many benefits of stone cladding. Apart from eliminating the need to paint your wall time and again, stone veneering also protects the health of the structure and maintains the temperature of your home.
Providing tolerance and resistance to the external walls, the versatile stone cladding shields your house from the sun, rain, wind, temperature extremes, fire, moisture, noise, pests and even pollutants.
See also: Interesting home exterior elevation designs
Stone cladding cost in India
Stone cladding can cost a home buyer from Rs 50 per sq ft to Rs 700 per sq ft in India, depending on the stone or stone simulation used. Since the process for installation is highly technical, you have to hire skilled professionals to carry out the stone cladding work.
See also: Village home design to get inspired from
Stone cladding: 25 inspiring stone cladding ideas for 2022
While stone cladding has largely been used to deck up institutional buildings in India, they are also widely used in private homes for the exclusive look they confer on a structure. Its use is popular outside and within private homes. Here, we list seven awe-inspiring stone cladding ideas.
Stone cladding idea no 1: Stone cladding for exterior walls
Mixing and matching of stone cladding with other forms of wall décor can be the way to go, to give your home a unique appearance. Check out the matching floor stone cladding, too.
Check out this grand pebbledash work at the front of this house that makes it look elegant and aesthetically marvelous.
Stone cladding idea no 2: Interior stone cladding
You would be wrong to think stone cladding is only for external walls. When incorporated in other spaces like this living room, stone cladding could make any space assume a classy-formal appearance.
Stone cladding idea no 3: Stone cladding for boundary wall
Nothing says sturdy and robust like a stone-cladded boundary wall. This is why stone cladding is widely used in dressing up compound walls.
See also: Boundary wall designs for Indian homes
Stone cladding idea no 4: Stone cladding for bedroom
For those who value elegance over drama and subtlety over loud expressions, stone cladding is the best thing in the bedroom. Stone veneer makes this space of relaxation even more soothing with its natural grace.
(Source: ArchiExpo)
Stone cladding idea no 5: Stone cladding for bedroom
(Source: Floorsandwalls.in)
Stone cladding idea no 6: Stone cladding for kitchen
Kitchen is another sphere where stone veneer works brilliantly well. It also helps cut down the cleaning and maintenance bit in an area that accumulates a lot of grime and grease over time.
(Source: https://enviroclad.com/)
Stone cladding idea no 7: Stone cladding for bathroom
(Source: nerangtiles.com.au)
The bath area also assumes a very different vibe when stone cladding is applied here. Apart from being gorgeous, it is also quite convenient and healthy for a space where excessive water can damage the internal walls.
See also: A guide to choosing bathroom tiles for flooring and walls
Stone cladding idea no 8: Stone cladding tiles for corners
This image is a testimony to the fact that stone cladding can be used in any area, including the area below the staircase.
(Source: livingimpressive.com)
Stone cladding idea no 9: Stone wall in the hall
Stone cladding idea no 10: Stone wall in bedroom
Stone cladding idea no 11: Stone wall for kitchen
Stone cladding idea no 12: Stone wall in the dining room
Stone cladding idea no 13: Stone wall along the stairs
Stone cladding idea no 14: Stone wall in bathroom
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FAQs
How to fit stone cladding?
Stone cladding is generally affixed to the wall using an adhesive material or it can be a ventilated cladding where there is a separation / cavity between the external wall and the cladding.
How much does stacked stone cladding cost?
Stone cladding can cost anywhere between Rs 50 per sq ft and Rs 700 per sq ft.
An alumna of the Indian Institute of Mass Communication, Dhenkanal, Sunita Mishra brings over 16 years of expertise to the fields of legal matters, financial insights, and property market trends. Recognised for her ability to elucidate complex topics, her articles serve as a go-to resource for home buyers navigating intricate subjects. Through her extensive career, she has been associated with esteemed organisations like the Financial Express, Hindustan Times, Network18, All India Radio, and Business Standard.
In addition to her professional accomplishments, Sunita holds an MA degree in Sanskrit, with a specialisation in Indian Philosophy, from Delhi University. Outside of her work schedule, she likes to unwind by practising Yoga, and pursues her passion for travel.
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