How to Install Natural Stone Cladding by Wet Method?

How to Install Natural Stone Cladding by Wet Method?

In the wet stone method, the stone cladding adheres to the perimeter wall of the building by using wet mix like mortar or adhesives. The wet installation can be performed by two main methods-the Direct Adhesion Method and Spot Bonding Method.

Among the techniques mentioned above, the most common and easiest way used is the direct adhesion method. This article explains the procedure to install wall stone cladding by direct adhesion type wet method.

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Procedure to Install Natural Stone Cladding on Walls

Given below is the step by step method followed to install natural stones on the walls by wet installation method.

Step 1: Material Calculation for Stone Wall Cladding

Determine the area onto which the cladding stones need to be installed. It is calculated by measuring the length and breadth of the region and multiplying it. From the area, calculate the quantity of tile required.

Step 2: Surface Preparation to Install Stone Wall Cladding

Surface preparation is the most crucial part of wall cladding installation. As the stone cladding is heavy, a proper surface can only withstand the heavy weighed tile. The quality of surface preparation ensures adequate bonding with the adhesive or the mortar. The surface preparation for different cases are:

1. The wall must be free from dust and dirt.

2. A plastered wall must be rough finished before starting installation. If its a painted wall, then remove the paint using angle grinders. Use angle grinders to cut grooves on the wall to facilitate proper bonding with the adhesive or mortar. Make grooves both horizontally and vertically.

3. If the wall has old plaster, then it must be hacked using a chisel or hammer to prepare the surface.

Step 3: Preparation of Mortar for Wall Stone Cladding Installation

The most commonly used stone cladding are marble and natural stone type. It uses a thin mortar mix of 1:2 mixed with clean water. In no case, the mortar color affect the natural stone. Instead of mortar, the use of adhesive is also a choice. Adhesives are available in a variety of options in the market.

Step 4: Installation of Wall Stone Cladding

Before starting the installation, always arrange the tiles and fix the design layout. Then follow the below steps:

1. Clean the surface. Do not wet the surface before the cladding commences.

2. Apply the mortar mix to a minimum bed thickness of 10mm

3. Apply mortar just required for a single piece. Take out extra mortar out of bed by employing a trowel.

4. Take the natural stone as per the layout arranged and press to the wall with a twisting action. Use the rubber mallet to bed the piece to the wall.

5. To avoid voids behind the cladding, lift the random cladding, and replace it. Also, ensure the cladding and mortar have good contact.

6. In situations where the natural cladding is irregular or placed in awkward locations, follow back buttering.

7. Once the stones are entirely laid, remove the excess mortar from the joints and the cladding stones. Perform this before it dries up.

8. The minimum joint width followed for natural stone cladding is 2mm.

9. Seal the joint with the help of a pointing tool based on the finish required by the client.

Important Highlights

1. What is the minimum width provided for stone cladding joints?

The minimum joint width followed for natural stone cladding is 2 mm.

2. How to prepare wall for stone cladding installation?

The wall must be free from dust and dirt.
1. A plastered wall must be rough finished before starting installation. 2. If its a painted wall, then remove the paint using angle grinders. Use angle grinders to cut grooves on the wall to facilitate proper bonding with the adhesive or mortar. Make grooves both horizontally and vertically.
3. If the wall has old plaster, then it must be hacked using a chisel or hammer to prepare the surface.

3. What is the mortar mix used to install stone wall cladding?

A thin mortar mix of ration 1: 2 mixed with cold water is used for installing stone wall cladding. It is generally applied in a thickness of 10 mm on the walls.

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