How to cut and fit stone cladding?

How to cut stone cladding?

Before we go into the actual installation of the stone cladding, we first need to figure out how to cut it to fit our design. For this task, we will need equipment, more precisely a wet saw. Some models have a fixed blade, others have a movable tray, but both versions allow us to clip each piece of veneer. It is best to choose a diamond-tipped blade for a clean and precise cut. The amount of work will be related to the area where we’re installing the stone cladding. If it's a clean wall, we will merely need to trim the pieces near the corners. However, if the surface has some power outlets, light switches or pipes, it will be a little more difficult. For these kinds of elements, we will have to use an angle grinder. Of course, while we’re cutting stone cladding, it’s crucial to be safe. What will you need? Be sure to wear safety goggles, a dust mask and some ear protection as well. It is also better to buy more pieces in case of any breakage.

How to fit stone cladding?

Now that we know how to cut stone cladding, it’s time to move to the next step - installing it! First, we need to prepare the surface and clean it off any oil, paint, dust, or loose debris. When the substrate is clean and dry, we can apply the primer to the area and let it dry as well. Mixing the adhesive is the next step, but we should reach for cement-based versions instead of the mortar. How to fit stone cladding? Most types of stone cladding can be applied similarly to the standard tiles, so it is best to start from the bottom and go up. The first bottom row will be the most important, and we should make sure it’s level as it will serve as a baseline for the rest of the pieces. There are two main methods of installing the cladding. We can put the adhesive on the back of each stone piece and then apply it on the wall, or we can spread it directly on the substrate and place the cladding elements on it. We should gently push each piece, so it can fully embed itself in the adhesive. We also shouldn’t forget about having a bucket of clean water and cloth nearby to clean any adhesive excess.

Now you know how to cut and fit stone cladding by yourself! But be sure to remember that there are plenty of professional companies that can do it for you if you prefer not to dabble in DIY.

Find out also other tips on our blog, for example: How to install stone cladding?