You’ve finished transforming your boring outdoor retaining walls with some stunning stone veneers and stone cladding, but you’ve stood back and looked at your masterpiece and it just doesn’t look complete.
We understand the feeling which is where stone capping comes to your rescue!
What is it?
Basically “stone capping” is where a large flat stone is used to be placed atop a freestanding wall, giving it a complete look.
When installing stone capping, the basic rule of thumb (for consistency purposes) is to use the same stone for the capping as you used for the cladding. And if you really want to give your retaining wall that designer appeal, we suggest choosing capping that is thick in height and one that ideally overhangs on each side of the wall: this gives your wall a majestic appeal.
Depending on personal preference, you can also install stone capping that contrasts the wall cladding. If you prefer this style, we suggest doing your research prior to starting your wall cladding project and picking out the contrasting stone colours and textures before you start installing the wall.
Below is an example of a contrasting wall capping project. As you can see, the retaining wall has been veneered with loose granite stone cladding that oozes with a rustic and natural texture. In contrast, the wall has been capped with bluestone capping – a stone that is deep blue-grey in colour and has a clean, smooth, and thick texture. This contrasts beautifully with the granite beneath it..
Essentially, capping should work like a roof for your wall and, just like a roof protects the house from damage, so too the stone capping protects the stone cladding from being weathered down from environmental factors like rain and heat.
If you have installed a short feature wall that is say approximately 600mm in height, a smooth surfaced capping can be installed to serve as a make-shift outdoor seat or couch: just throw some funky and colourful cushions over the top and voila! Your wall is now also an outdoor seating area. With this scenario you (quite literally) killed two birds with one stone.
If you prefer your capping to overhang over the wall, a 30mm overhang is the benchmark. We also recommend this as it further protects the wall cladding from environmental factors damaging the wall.
So let’s have a look at the four different profile edges that stone capping is available in:
1. Rock Faced
This type of finish is rustic in nature and is created with a split or chiselled face which creates a rough and natural looking edge that retains its natural aesthetic even if it chips. Usually this type of capping is used on Australian Sandstone.
2. Split-Faced Stone
This type of stone capping has a face where the stone has been broken to an approximate size. It looks rustic and natural and gives an edgy feel to the wall.
3. Chiselled Edge
This rustic, aged appearance on stone capping is produced by mechanically chipping at the stone’s edge to give it that edgy look. This is an ideal stone capping option for feature walls that blend well with nature.
4. Square, Pencil Edge
These types of stone capping finishes have a smooth and clean aesthetic which looks excellent on more modern and contemporary styled feature walls. With smooth edges, these wall capping stones look best installed flush against the wall cladding. This capping has edges that are sawn, with slightly rounded corners to reduce the sharpness.
Lastly the ‘bullnose edge’ (as seen in the image below) has a half circle look and adds another level of elegance to your wall. if you want your capping to overhang the wall, the ‘Bullnose edge’ looks brilliant!
Pier Caps
While stone capping adds a finishing touch to a feature wall, stone pier caps are slabs of stone that add the finishing touch to brick piers or gate pillars. While their main function is to give support, they also add a regal elegance to your feature wall by completing, protecting and accentuating the pillar or column.
Pier caps for pillars are available in a variety of sizes and styles including pyramid caps, flat pier caps and even single/double brick pier caps for brick walls (as you can see in the image above).
Apart from their appealing aesthetics in bringing a sense of brilliance to your gate pillars, letterbox, columns or boundary walls, pier caps (much like stone capping), serve the purpose of protecting the stone pillar/wall from environmental factors such as rain and heat, from damaging the pier itself. To fully maximise their protective purpose, we suggest installing overhanging pier caps.
Stone Pier caps are available in beautiful bluestone/basalt in dark grey and banded sandstone. We stock Bluestone gate pier caps all at Armstone and would love to help you out with your project! We stock them in many sizes and thicknesses.
If you have any questions, please reach out to us online or at 1300 560 560. Alternatively, visit our showroom in Glebe, Sydney. We would love to help you bring your project to life.
Whether they decorate the interior or exterior decor of a home, stone walls have a way of making a plain wall look abundantly cosy and attractive.
However, a real and authentic stone wall structure has a few downsides: they’re expensive, time-consuming to build and extremely difficult to repair if and when things go wrong.
As a result of these disadvantages, stone-masons have created an alternative solution that gives you that beautiful aesthetic of a stone wall, without the price tag and labour requirements.
Introducing ….
Stone wall cladding!
In an earlier article, we describe stone wall cladding in more detail. If you want to read it, check it out here. To recap, stone wall cladding is a way of dressing a wall with a thin layer of stone to give the look of a real stone wall.
Surprisingly, stone wall cladding has many advantages that make it a rock-steady choice for many structures. In this article we will explore five of these benefits in more detail.
Let’s get started…
1. All the Natural Beauty of Stone
As natural stone wall cladding is made of natural stones, it possesses that timeless beauty of natural stonewalls. Due to its completely natural textures, shadings and colour variations, natural stone cladding appears to have the same depth as an authentic stone wall. In fact, it can be almost impossible to distinguish between the premium stone cladding and a stone wall that has been built by laying individual stones on top of each other.
As such, whether your home has a traditional or contemporary design, stone cladding can be used to add style, texture and an element of authenticity to any Australian property.
Armstone’s beautiful and quality stone selection will give you the choice to pick the best cladding to build your dream natural stone wall to life. Our wide variety of colours, textures and styles are designed to cater for any project requirements.
One of the main benefits of wall cladding is the wide array of options it offers for builders and renovators alike.
Natural stone wall cladding is available in a variety of stone types, colours, styles and profiles. You can choose from limestone, sandstone, split granite, quartzite and more.
Stone cladding is also available in interior and exterior wall cladding panels, as well as loose pieces for those tricky areas such as corners.
At Armstone, our extensive natural stone cladding collection gives you the opportunity to bring your dream look to life. Whether you are creating a modern, chic or rugged decor, you can rest assured knowing that our range will add that special touch you desire. Couple these with our fine selection of extras, including stone capping and corner pieces, and voila! It’s like you have a new stone wall – minus the time required to build it and the expense of purchasing the materials.
3. Highly Versatile
Stone wall cladding is an exceptionally versatile material. Like we mentioned earlier, whether you choose to use it indoors or outdoors, it’s equally striking and functional.
If you are looking to install natural stone wall cladding outdoors, you can use them to ornate barbeque areas, water features, retaining walls, letterboxes, chimneys, and other exterior substrates like a feature wall for the patio.
If you want to give your home’s interior a natural stone touch, stone cladding is an excellent choice for fireplaces, feature walls and bathrooms.
As you can see, wall cladding ideas are limited only by your imagination.
While building a safe and strong traditional stone wall is a complex and time-consuming process, installing stone cladding, on the other hand, is much simpler!
This is thanks to the panels being sawn flat from the back. Their smooth backing is specifically designed to allow for a no-fuss application. Additionally, natural stone cladding panels have strong adhesion.
Unlike building a stone wall from individual stones, assembling wall cladding is a much cleaner and tidier process. Matching individual stones of varying shapes and sizes as well as cementing and grouting them one at the time, makes building with individual stones quite a messy and cumbersome endeavour. It also requires a lot of cleaning afterwards.
Furthermore, if you are stretched for time, using stone wall cladding instead of building a stone wall from individual stones is a speedier process. In probably a quarter of the time it would take to build a stone wall, you can create a beautiful natural stone feature for your property using natural stone wall cladding!
While there is no denying that an authentic stone wall, built with individual stones, is a stunning feature to have in any home, it comes at great expense. Wall cladding, on the other hand, is a cost-effective option that delivers equally impressive results. Armstone’s premium wall cladding products allow you to replicate the same luxurious look, at a far more accessible price point.
Contact Us
If you’re in Sydney, you can check out our natural stone wall cladding in a realistic setting by visiting our stunning showroom in Glebe. You’ll be able to see our top-of-the-line products and imagine them for your own home project.
For more information about stone cladding, please contact us today.
Giving your home a beautiful, natural look could be just a stone’s throw away! And we would be delighted to help you.
If you want to keep your home up to date, all you need to do is keep your flooring up-to-date!
It’s that simple.
Every year there is a new trend in the interior design industry, so if you want to spruce up your home with the latest and greatest ideas, this guide will show you the tile flooring trends of 2020.
You see, tile flooring is revolutionising home interiors, both inside and out.
Now, we hear you asking: what type of tile flooring is most popular at the moment?
Generally speaking, there is a strong preference for natural stone and porcelain. Homeowners love these products for their uniqueness, elegance and unrivalled durability.
So let’s dive in and explore the tile flooring trends that will be hot in 2020 and beyond.
1. The look of luxury
Floors typically reflect the overall home aesthetic. So if you’re looking to make your home a luxurious space, the best way to do this is by installing a luxurious floor. A good starting place for this is choosing a traditional natural stone because its sophisticated and timeless appeal is right on trend.
You have probably noticed that bathrooms and kitchens in high-end hotels and buildings are typically built using marble and travertine. These natural stone pavers are known for their deluxe qualities and if we look at their application over time, we can see them in many buildings that are thousands of years old.
Marble and travertine are also excellent flooring choices for entryways, patios, entertainment areas and any spaces that may be exposed to rain or moisture. So if you want your home to be a statement of luxurious living, these tiles are unrivalled for their royal appeal.
2. Textural details
One crucial trend in 2020, is utilising texture throughout the home. Whether it’s on your floors, walls, fixtures or fittings, applying different textures is a way to customise your space and also create a sense of harmony throughout it.
The benefit of installing natural stone pavers, or tiles, is that they typically have a smooth texture that also stays quite cool underfoot. This is exceptionally important for homes built in warm tropical climates, like Australia. If you prefer your home to have a freshness to it, the texture of bluestone products have a way of keeping the space crisp and they also feel very comfortable underfoot for hot Australian summers.
Marble is another natural stone paver that keeps its cool and looks glamorous and glossy no matter where you choose to install it.
If you prefer a more earthy, wooden look, timber-look tiles are another option with an incredible textural aesthetic. Much like timber, they exude warmth and richness but unlike real wooden tiles, they are much more hard-wearing. Why? Because they’re made of porcelain! So while the knots and grains in these matte-finished tiles look exactly like real timber, if you are looking for a more durable tile that is easier to maintain, these are definitely worth considering.
3. Colour trends for 2020
Believe it or not, in the design world/community, colour is a trend that regularly changes. Many interior designs can tell you the year a home was built just by the colours used within its interior. So what are the colour trends of 2020? Let’s have a look!
Colour trend #1
Along with soft beige and light grey, champagne is a 2020 colour that is trending in interior design. These neutral hues are popular because they create a clean, stylish and minimalist canvas for your living quarters. If you look at other lifestyle trends around the world, it correctly reflects the minimalist trend that many people are embracing.
A tile like the Serino Travertine Tile, pictured below, with its pinkish undertones, is the perfect neutral flooring for contemporary homes.
Colour trend #2
Another colour that will be making a big impact in 2020 and beyond is blue. If your home has grey tiles (dark grey, light grey or silver) throughout, blue is a lovely complimentary colour that adds style and contemporary touch to your current design.
The beautiful combination of blues and greys. Photo credit: Unsplash
4. Shapes and sizes for home tiles flooring
A 2020 floor tiling trend is the bigger, the better! This means that interior designers will be choosing tiles that have a broad width and length, installing fewer tiles but also creating the illusion of openness and space by stretching out living room areas. For homes with open-planned living areas, bigger tiles typically create a sense of seamless flow from one area to the other.
So whether you invest in large rectangular or square tiles, this trend has staying power. Change your tiles once and they will be on trend for years to come! If you would like to browse our selection at Armstone, we stock all our tiles in big sizes. The largest natural stone paver we have available is limestone tiles. If you like an earthy feel underfoot, the large limestone slabs are your ultimate paver!
The Melba Limestone Pavers, pictured below, are also luxuriously large. Choosing your natural stone paver depends on your home’s aesthetic, colour design and lifestyle. Some natural stone pavers are more porous than others and might not be as ideal for homes with young families where spills are a common occurrence. If you’re unsure which stone paver to choose, contact us at Armstone. We would love to help.
The luxurious and large Melba Limestone Pavers available at Armstone. Photo credit: Armstone
5. Quality over quantity
Another hot trend that is going to grow over the years is how many more people are opting for a more sustainable lifestyle. The throwaway culture of the previous decades is well and truly heading for the rubbish tip (thank goodness!).
What does this mean for interior design and home improvement projects? Simply that choosing quality products that will stand the test of time is the more fashionable choice. This means choosing durable and high quality materials such as natural stone pavers and tiles. With the correct maintenance and care they can last several lifetimes and generations.
Though it might seem like you’re forking out more capital now, your wise choices for your home flooring today will definitely pay off for you in the long run. Not only will you get longevity from the tiles but you’ll also enhance the value of your property.
Join the 2020 trend and invest in the future.
6. Environmentally friendly
Another hot 2020 trend is…
Respecting the environment by choosing products that are environmentally friendly.
For example, if you love the look of natural wood but you are environmentally conscious, products like our Timber-Look Tiles are 100% environmentally friendly. They have the attractiveness of natural wood but are made from porcelain stoneware.
The Cipresso Timber Tiles, pictured below, create a warm, cosy vibe similar to wooden tiles. Check out our full range of Timber-Look Tiles at Armstone here and create a home that is both trendy and environmentally friendly!
Contact us
Now that you’re well aware of the floor tiling trends for 2020 and beyond, it’s time to upgrade your home!
If you have any questions about which tiling solution would best suit you, contact Armstone today or visit our Glebe showroom in Sydney, Australia.
Our tiles will keep your home on trend and wow your family and friends.
Using Sandstone Cladding for your house? What you need to know
Using Sydney Sandstone Cladding in Australia for your home can achieve both the most aesthetically pleasing, traditional and modern designs.
Dealing with numerous Sandstone quarries in Australia and hearing constant feedback from reputable stonemasons/installers that work closely with Armstone, we have learned what sandstone needs to have to last the test of time.
Sandstone has helped shaped the landscape of Australian country towns and cities. The stone is produced within Australia and it’s the most desirable natural stone in the country.
Sandstone adds value and excitement to any building application but with its beauty, there is also a risk, in some cases, it might not suitable for you.
It is very important to use Sandstone inappropriate locations, away from moisture to ensure the longevity of the aesthetics of the stone.
By reading this article to the end you will know how to minimise the chance of discoloration and keep its beautiful natural colour as fresh as you get on the first day.
If you are considering Sydney Sandstone as a wall cladding, you should read the below 6 most helpful tips:
6 Most helpful tips when using Sandstone cladding
With so many options available to you at the tip of your fingers, there are things to consider and take into account before getting the Sandstone Cladding.
Tip 1: It would be best to put Sandstone cladding in the direction facing mostly towards the sun. When Sandstone is under the shade, the stone can be prone to discolour and attract mould.
Tip 2: Make sure you do not have direct water interacting with sandstone as most feature walls around pools, for example, have the pool water going over it.
All pools have some kind of harsh minerals in the water (chlorine, acid, salt etc) those minerals will cause your sandstone to crumble over time and you will find lots of sand in the filter of your pool.
Tip 3: If sandstone is used for piers or columns, please consult with us directly to know which size and format will work the best with your specific column size, we are able to supply the recommended size, meaning you don’t have to cut to size on-site and this will in-turn cut the installation cost down to the minimum.
Tip 4: Consult us directly about the cost of your preferred size as we might be able to suggest a cost-effective size that will bring the cost down drastically. For example, 600×300 size Rock faced Sandstone cost twice as much as the 400×200.
Tip 5: Ask us about installation method as by changing the format of the cladding could potentially save you lots of money on installation. If you opt for large pieces of Sandstone the weight of each piece can be extremely heavy which will mean it will need to be mechanically fixed, again this can be costly to install and buy.
Tip 6: It is a must to Seal Sandstone with appropriate sealant to keep its colour new. On some cases, sandstone cladding needs to be dip sealed prior Installation. Ask us what would be recommended stone sealer for your cladding. Of course, you don’t need to seal sandstone if you like the stone to look worn/aged to match the style of your surrounds.
Sydney sandstone can be seen today in many iconic buildings across Australia. A popular choice as a building solution, paving and cladding.
If you are considering achieving the visual appeal of a Solid Sandstone wall then we have some good news for you. You can achieve this either by Dressing your existing brick wall or rendered wall with Sandstone rock face or Split face cladding – an inexpensive alternative to creating a natural look sandstone wall, you can see examples of this in our Glebe showroom.
The use of Sandstone cladding will give you a feeling of performance and connection to the natural world, a grounded feeling and an earthy sensibility that resonates through the entire space.
Sandstone Cladding is made to dress your wall with sandstone without the costs of building walls with blocks and labour costs associated with them. You can easily clad your wall with your preferred texture and colour of Sandstone and blend it in to suit your environment in a more efficient and cost-effective way.
At Armstone we supply Sydney Sandstone in various finishes and colours.
The colours are available in White, Buff, Brown/Yellow and Pink.
White – Plain white to very light pink or light grey.
Buff – Consistent grey with no banding.
Brown / Yellow – light, dark, figured and plain.
Pink – light, dark, figured and plain.
Armstone can produce a wide range of textures/finishes available to suit your styling preference and project needs.
The most popular finish for Sandstone cladding is Rock Faced. The Rock-Faced finish describes a textured rough-looking surface that is hand chipped to create a formally dressed finish. Rock-facing has commonly used
for cladding and capping as well as foundation courses at the base of buildings.
Hydro Split finish Cladding is A split edge achieved by being put through a hydraulic press. the machine-split finish which exposes the natural face of the stone.
Sawn Cladding – The cleanest and most precise cut that produces smooth surfaces and sharp edges.
Crude Cladding: Sawn back, split all edges and split face.
At Armstone you can choose the preferred coloured blocks coloured slabs and we can cut them to your preferred size, we deliver Australia-wide.
To cover the topic of Sandstone Wall Cladding we would also like to advise that there are imported sandstones. These have a similar look to Sydney sandstone, for example, Teakwood Rockfaced sandstone which is a much denser type of sandstone stone in comparison with Sydney Sandstone. We have Teakwood sandstone available in 12mm thin tiles (a true display of the strength of the stone) Sydney sandstone will crumble in your hand if you had these cut to 12mm thick!
You don’t have to set it with Sandstone cladding, there is another Stone Wall Cladding option on the market that you might desire.
Conclusion:
Sandstone is a very beautiful stone that can be used in many settings, it’s important to remember that the genetic makeup of this stone is porous and can have adverse effects if the stone happens to interact with water (more so than other types of natural stone) It’s vital to keep this in mind when making the decision of which stone to use as it can be an expensive exercise to get it wrong. Armstone supplies only the finest grade Sandstone, be this Sydney sandstone or imported. If you need help determining the most suitable options for your sandstone project – reach out to us, we are happy to help.
If you are looking to improve your home’s visual appeal, add value to your humble abode and spruce up your dull walls with something fancy, wall cladding is the most cost-effective and simple (to a degree) way to start your renovation project.
In this article we will look at the types of wall cladding available, review their particular features and benefits and share the best ways you can use them in your home.
But first things first…
What is Wall Cladding?
Wall cladding is a thin layer of natural stone with a flat backing, making it easy to adhere to a retaining wall, planter box, the outside wall of your home and any other flat surface. Wall cladding, compared to building a wall with natural stones from scratch, is a simpler and more cost-effective way of decorating a dull wall and transforming it into a stunning feature piece. As well as adding beauty to your home, another benefit of installing wall cladding is that it protects the wall from environmental factors and varying weather conditions that can cause damage and deterioration.
Wall Cladding is available in a variety of colours, textures and types of natural stone: there is literally something to suit everyone’s tastes from modern to traditional homes.
The reason so many designers and architects gravitate towards natural stones is that they add a timeless appeal and organic look that is equally striking when installed inside and outside. In this sense, natural stone is extremely versatile and there is something to match a variety of tastes in design, not to mention that natural stones are quite durable and long-lasting.
To make the installation process even easier, you can invest in matching corner and capping pieces. These will enhance the finishing touches to your wall’s design and enhance the aesthetic of your overall space.
Before investing in your wall cladding, it’s important to know which form would best suit your home. There are four types available and below we will review how they differ.
Organic free-form cladding, when installed, looks like the wall was assembled by random stones found around the house. Essentially organic free-form cladding is made of loose pieces of stone with naturally occurring split surfaces and chipped edges. These individual pieces are assembled in a jigsaw-like manner to create the final masterpiece. Organic free-form cladding gives you, the renovator, more flexibility with creating your desired effect for your feature walls, retaining walls, fireplaces and other projects.
To enhance your wall’s finish with a classy and natural touch, our free-form cladding is available with matching full corner pieces. Each stone piece also has a sawn back, which allows for easy and quick adhesion to your substrate.
In a nutshell, sky’s the limit with free-form cladding!
The only word of caution we will offer here is doing your due diligence to find an expert installer who not only knows how to work with organic free-form cladding, but also has an eye for design and detail. Once it comes together, an organic free-form cladded wall is truly a piece of art so you want to make sure that it is installed by someone who appreciates this craftsmanship enough, to do it the right way.
Like the name suggests, Z-Panels are Z-shaped stone panels.The beauty of this particular wall cladding product lies in its simplicity to install whilst also resembling an authentic stonemason’s drywall.
Our Z-Panel wall cladding range is manufactured overseas and includes multiple small pieces of natural stone assembled together on a concrete backing.
This is definitely a more ‘do it yourself’ type of cladding and the trick is to make sure your vertical lines don’t line up. You want to steer clear of this so that the final design doesn’t look unnatural.
In terms of installation, Z-Panels are very easy to install. Simply apply glue to the back of each stone panel and then apply the glue to your substrate and off you go! In next to no time, you will have your completed cladded area.
While there are a variety of z-panel stone offerings, the ones we have found to be the most popular are Rustic Granite, Mica Schist and Toad Limestone.
If you love a wall styled like a mosaic, then individual crazy wall cladding is definitely for you! This type of wall cladding is made of a mix of small and large pieces that, when assembled together, create a unique design. As such, this is a very versatile form of wall cladding.
Preparing to install geometrical crazy wall cladding can be challenging because you need to have an eye for the bigger picture. Actually installing the stones is a fairly straightforward process because each crazy paving stone is attached to a mesh backing, allowing each tile to interlock with its surrounding pieces and be simply glued to the suitable substrate. If you need to create a unique sculpted stone, you can chip away at it to shape it accordingly.
If you want to create a modern and cutting edge look for a modern or contemporary home, geometrical crazy wall cladding is ideal! We have this wall cladding available in a variety of materials including Quartzite, Bluestone and Slate. These are durable and hard-wearing natural stones so they will be able to stand the test of time, look exquisite and protect your wall in the process.
Classic stacked stone panels are ready-to-install stone veneers where each individual stone is glued onto a panel and the final product has a 3D appearance that resembles natural stone. When installed, classic stacked stone wall cladding creates a beautiful and eye-catching feature wall.
Along with feature walls, this type of wall cladding is also used to decorate fireplaces and water features.
Stacked stone wall cladding panels are manufactured in a light-weight manner in panels that are 600x150mm in size. If you want to give your wall a ‘complete’ stone-wall look, we have stacked stone wall cladding panels available as corner pieces. To install, simply glue each panel to the wall like you would do when installing tiles and you’re ready to go!
Easy to install, beautiful and strong: classic stack stones are definitely a cost-effective way to build a stand-out feature wall.
Now that you know the four different types of stone cladding available to you, let’s review where you can install it in your home for maximum effect:
1. Home Exteriors – Wall cladding can spruce up a bland front wall of a house with a cutting edge contemporary look and – depending on the type of stone used – it can add a unique vibe to the wall. For example, sandstone adds a warm and welcoming façade, while grey bluestone is much cooler in tone and exudes a more sophisticated presence.
2. Interior Walls – A stone clad feature wall in a study or conservatory adds a sense of sophistication to the space which can boost productivity. Meanwhile, adding stone cladding in an entrance hall or corridor is an excellent way to extend the exterior of the home into the interior design, blending inside and outside in a seamless manner.
3. Fireplaces – Stone cladding is ideal for decorating the walls around fireplaces and barbecues as it adds a depth and primal appeal with its raw and natural texture, to what would otherwise be a flat and un-captivating wall.
4. Garden Walls – When decorating your garden substrates, wall cladding can serve as a landscape feature in its own right or as a natural backdrop to the garden or a water feature. Wall cladding adds an elegance to low retaining walls around gardens or sloping grounds.
5. Floors – If you want to add a rustic look to your kitchen floors or narrow hallways, stone cladding is an excellent way to create the illusion of space. As a durable and easy-to-clean material, it’s the perfect solution for those areas that are prone to high traffic.
In Summary
As your home is the place where you and your family spend the most part of the day, both physically and emotionally, it’s important that it is designed in such a way that brings you joy and peace.
If you feel it’s time to upgrade your dull walls with the beauty and texture of wall cladding, you deserve to do so! Remember, you’re not just adding value to your home: you’re adding value to your life as well.
If you have questions about the types of wall cladding available or would like to order your panels, please reach out to us at 1300 560 560 or online.
Our passion is helping customers like yourself bring their projects to life.
We love this stuff and have helped thousands of others and would love to help you too.
And compare their words with our methods below to see if there are any inconsistencies.
Also check out this article to understand why it’s important that your stone supplier works closely with an installer.
But now…
Let’s get to the technical things.
3 METHODS HOW TO LAY NATURAL STONE PAVERS
The 1st Method called “SLAB PAVING”- The best and most ideal method
Our preferred method for laying stone pavers is to always start with installing a concrete slab that’s 50-60mm high.
Let’s have a look at the steps involved:
Install 100mm compacted road base footing.
Pour a concrete slab min 90-100mm thick for foot traffic and 125mm thick minimum for a driveway. Once poured, allow 14 days for it to cure.
Waterproof your concrete slab to avoid efflorescence. Efflorescence happens when salts come to the surface of the concrete. This creates a white icky, foam-like substance along the grout joints. As most natural stones are porous.If the concrete slab is not waterproofed. Efflorescence can come out of the pores of the stone.Otherwise, with stones like porcelain pavers, the salt will find any way to seep through.And this typically happens through the grout joints.
But efflorescence can also occur when using a traditional mortar bed installation.
Why?
Well, there are salts and minerals found in the bush sand.
Once your concrete slab has been waterproofed. Use your 12mm Notch Towel to apply a flexible glue, like Ardex x18, onto each paver. Allow a minimum 3mm gap between each stone paver for expansion and contraction.
If you are working with highly textured surfaces, be sure to pre-seal them before you start grouting. Otherwise, it will be very challenging to remove any grout haze from the textured surface. To do this, you can use a specific non-bond-breaking sealant, such as theAqua-Mix Pro Block. This product improves adhesion and lightly seals your natural stone which makes cleaning the excess grout easier.
Once you’ve laid the concrete slab, waterproofed it, sealed the stones and applied the glue, you can finally grout your pavers! Here we recommend using either theMapei Ultracolour Plusrange or the Ardex FG8 with an added Grout Booster. The Mapei Ultracolor Plus products have an in-built sealer. This helps the stones resist efflorescence as well as fight against mould and/or staining. The majority of other grouts on the market do not have this added feature.As always, research the products to ensure they are a premium make.With helpful benefits for your home in the long term.
Once you’ve finished grouting, you want to clean off any excess grout from your pavers. To make this process easier, we suggest using the Aqua Mix – Grout Haze Clean-Up. Simply add this liquid to your bucket of water while you are cleaning the grout. After you’ve completed the initial clean, revisit the grout the following day. When you do this, you may find that some pavers still have grout haze left on them.This typically has a film-type look.Remove this with the Aqua Mix- Cement Grout Haze Remover.
This product has Phosphoric Acid in it so before application, read the instructions to determine the correct mixing ratio.
Call 1300AQUAMIX if you need any technical assistance with Aqua Mix products.
Now that your pavers look schmick and clean, you can add the final touch with the top sealer! We recommend using a product from the Aqua Mix range called the Sealers Choice Gold. As a water-based sealer, it penetrates well into the pores of the stone and typically lasts up to 15 years. You are using nanotechnology and micro-band formulation. It also fights against active mould and is specifically created to have a low VOC rating.
There is nothing better than having an A-grade product with an A-grade environmental rating!
Congratulations!
Now that your pavers are sealed you enjoy your entertainment area with your family and friends.
The 2nd Method called “RIGID PAVING” – Recommended method
When it involves improving one’s home.
We understand that this can become a costly investment.
And sometimes concessions need to be made along the way.
This is why we have this method as a recommended alternative to the first one.
This installation method can only be used on stones that have a thickness of 30mm and more.
20mm porcelains can be used as they are very dense and tough.
However, for any stone slabs that are less than 20mm or 12mm, this method is not recommended.
This is because this thickness is classified as a tile.
And, as such, must be installed using a tile adhesive on a sand cement tile screed.
Or using a direct stick method as referred to in the 1st point.
Here’s how this method works:
Install 100mm compacted road base footing.
Once the road base is set. The stone can be installed using a mortar bed installation. This consists of:
– 3 parts washed bush sand: 1 part GP white cement.
– 1 part water and or/additive.
Once the mortar mix is made, the mortar can be trowled out onto the slab. Or on road-base footing. The mortar bed should be no more than 30-40mm thick. Using a bricklayer’s trowel the mortar can be spread evenly. Make sure there are no air pockets. Once the mortar is ready, the paver can be placed on the mortar bed.Tap into place using a rubber mallet.Only tap a few times.
Roo much mortar or over-hitting can loosen the bond between the mortar.
This will cause it to be drumy once set.
Using a string line for correct fall(s) is recommended when using this technique. This will ensure that the stone is even and has correct falling.
Once installed in its desired position. Leave a 3-5mm joint for grout. Fill any voids and air pockets around the perimeters of the stone leaving it completely sealed.
Once this paver is set you can move on to the next stone installation following the same technique.
Once the mortar is set and the paver is solid you can now walk on the area and proceed grouting.
While this method is less costly and more efficient.
It is still considered a quality installation for laying natural stone pavers or porcelain pavers.
The 3rd Method called “FLEXIBLE PAVING”– The most cost-effective
Another widely accepted and adapted method of installing stone pavers.
Is known as flexible paving.
This is traditionally seen and used on brick paving.
Any pavers or stones that are 30mm thick (or thicker) can use this method.
Install a 100mm compacted roadbase footing.
Install a 20-30mm paving sand/river sand bed.
You can use screed rails or some form of rigid steel bar or pipe. This can be used as a gauge for your sand bed. Place the screed rails evenly apart (enough to get a large screed or level to be placed over the top).
Set the two rails to the desired height and fall.
Once set, infill with your paving/river sand. Scrape the sand back using the rails as a guide with your screed or level to create the perfect fall and surface.
Repeat this until the area is complete.
Once complete, carefully remove the screed rails. Then infill where the rails have been with paving/river sand to fill in the voids.
Once the screed and level are complete you can begin by placing your pavers into position. And lightly tapping them down with a hammer.
Leave a 3mm gap in between each paver.
Fill the gap with Sydney sand/paving sand.
Lightly mist the surface of the pavers. Sweep sand in the joints until they are flush with the surface.
This is by far the most cost-effective option.
It involves laying your natural stone pavers or porcelain pavers onto a substrate made of compacted road base and 20-30mm of River Sand.
An alternative to stone for this method would be installing the Armstone 20mm Structural Porcelain Paving range.
We recommend our structural porcelain paving range in this situation because the material is extremely dense and hard-wearing.
This is an ideal solution where using other (more natural) pavers may be somewhat dangerous.
While you still need to allow a 3mm gap between pavers (for expansion and contraction due to temperature changes).
You fill those gaps with sand, instead of grout.
As this method of installation will naturally evoke the movement in the base and pavements.
Grout will create visible cracks in the paving joints.
Ideally, you want to avoid this.
As with all budget options.
There are a few disadvantages to this method.
Namely:
Strong rain can wash off the sand between the pavers. This means you will need to regularly refill the gaps. Depending on Mother Nature, this may become a regular (and time-consuming) process and occurrence.
Weeds can easily grow through the grout joints because there is nothing stopping them from coming through. The time it will take for you to maintain the grout joints can cost you more than if you had invested your funds (and time) in methods 1 and 2.
Conclusion
Unless you are in extremely dire circumstances.
At Armstone we recommend using methods 1 and 2 for laying natural stone pavers.
We suggest holding off on method 3 as long as possible.
Overall, installing stone pavers does require a certain level of expertise.
As such, we strongly recommend finding a professional who can tailor the ideal solution for your unique landscape.
You are, after all, working with a valuable asset.
A little piece of Australia: your home.
We wrote this article to serve you as a general guide and blueprint.
If you are looking for an installer, we can easily recommend one.
There is a saying that the kitchen is the heart of any home.
Which, if you think about it, makes sense because the kitchen is where the food is.
And where there is food, there is usually a gathering of people.
And where there are people, there is conversation, joy and love.
In saying that, if your kitchen looks a little worse for ware: maybe a little old, dull or drab, it certainly might not feel like the heart of your home.
Have no fear though, because you can easily transform the heart of your home with a makeover to suit your new lifestyle!
While a couple of decades ago, families would sit around a table and have most meals together, nowadays, families are smaller and work longer, food is quicker, and more and more people are living in apartments with smaller spaces.
However, that doesn’t mean you need to settle for anything less than the best.
With kitchen designs and appliances being sleeker and smarter than ever before, you too can turn your space into a contemporary, modern haven where the whole household wants to gather.
So let’s dive into today’s article and learn seven easy ways you can spruce up the heart of your home.
1. Clean it up
First things first, start off with decluttering the space.
Clean up the counter, put items in their designated areas and don’t let it become a dumping ground again. Create cupboard areas so that everything has its own place to live in and utilise the pantry (if you have one) for your spices, dry goods, and appliances (especially if you have limited space in the kitchen to keep it out all day). This way, as soon as you close the pantry or cupboard door, voila! The countertop becomes completely clutter-free!
If you chose to renovate the kitchen by replacing the kitchen cabinets, opt for clean lines, flat panels and neutral, consistent colours. Some of the colours that are in style right now are dark grey, light grey, off cream, white and copper. The aim of the modern kitchen is to blend seamlessly together from one side of the room to the other. If you’re choosing to keep the kitchen as it is and give it a spruce up, consider painting the cupboards a neutral colour such as white or grey. Choose a colour and stick to it and maybe redecorate the rest of the kitchen to suit the new theme.
2. Island life
One of the easiest ways to create a sense of spaciousness is by installing an island bench. As well as making your kitchen look bigger, it also adds a focal point and increases functionality by giving you another bench-top to work on. Since most islands face outwards – especially in an open-plan area – installing a kitchen island will also create an inclusive environment for those who are in the rest of the house while you are in the kitchen or vice versa.
Some other advantages of installing an island bench is that you can convert it into anything you want to suit your lifestyle and needs. For instance, if you have a small household, you can add some stools to one side and use it as a table, or you can add some high stools so your kids can help you prepare food, or it can be a space where visitors hang around while you whip up something in the kitchen. Overall, kitchen islands create a cool, contemporary, and inclusive area.
3. Stacks of storage
Most modern kitchens are filled to the brim with gadgets. The challenge is giving all of these gadgets a home so that they create a clutter-free (and therefore, tidier) kitchen environment.
Going back to the first point, start with decluttering the kitchen benches by packing away any non-essential gadgets. For example, if you don’t bake daily, the big blender can live in the cupboard or pantry. And if you don’t eat toast daily, put the toaster away. Where possible, utilise all the space in your kitchen. We know those corner cupboards can be a pain, so maybe install or drill in a few drawers that swing out and voila! You’ve used the space effectively.
Another effective storage hack is installing large, deep drawers rather than cupboards. These tend to fit more bulkier items and you can pack them more efficiently given the extra space they create.
4. Rip up the floor
One of the most effective ways to modernise a kitchen, especially if it is open-plan one, is to redo the floors. So if you have the budget, time and means to do this, nothing says ‘fresh and modern’ like new, natural stone or porcelain pavers.
If you choose this path, you can create the illusion of space by contrasting the floors against the colour of the cabinets. For instance, if you have dark floors, make your kitchen cabinets light grey or white. Light floors? Paint the cabinets darker.
Next, before choosing the material for the floor, it’s important to consider how much foot traffic it will need to endure. Will kids be in and out of the kitchen with potential spills (in which case avoid porous natural stones)? How much time and energy do you have to maintain the floors (low on time? Maybe consider porcelain pavers)? How much sunlight does the kitchen get (darker tiles will heat up with direct sunlight and be hot underfoot which would be especially unpleasant in summer)?
Once you have decided the colour and have a general idea on what material that will suit your kitchen and lifestyle, feel free to reach out to our natural stone experts at Armstone for help. We stock a range of options to suit your needs including porcelain pavers, natural limestone pavers, travertine pavers, bluestone pavers, and marble tiles, and both wooden and wood-like flooring. If you need any help choosing an option, reach out to us at 1300 560 560, online or visit our Sydney showroom in Glebe and see them for yourself.
5. Bring in some colour and texture
While we have emphasised that modern aesthetic typically favours neutral colours, you also want the heart of your home to ooze with a sense of warmth and cosiness. You can do this by adding splashes of colour to the space. Whether it’s a splash-back, or installing a differently coloured island or hanging some funky shelves, or installing bright coloured appliances: these small touches really transform the space and make the kitchen the focal point for the entire family. And if you’re feeling really creative you can always add some texture to the space by building a feature wall from stone cladding.
6. Open the space
While not too long ago, society adhered to very stringent gender roles, nowadays, families are more diverse and household responsibilities, like cooking, are shared. This means that for a kitchen to be the heart of a modern day home, it needs to be built in such a way that two, or more, people can use it at the same time. So if you’re sprucing up the kitchen and have a budget to work with, open up the space by adding different work zones to it. Another nifty way you can make it more workable is by adding a double oven so that you can have multiple meals baking simultaneously!
7. Light it up
Finally, make the kitchen more enjoyable and an easier place to navigate by increasing how much natural light it receives. As well as elongating the space, this will reduce your energy bills – it’s really a win win win situation. And if these advantages aren’t enough, by creating more light in your kitchen, you can also plant and nurture an indoor herb garden. This will help you save on herbs and the green space will also add a sense of cosiness and comfort to the space.
If, for whatever reason, you can’t add more natural light to your kitchen, consider installing some extra ceiling lights. Where possible, we recommend choosing energy efficient lights so that you save on your energy bills and help the environment while also giving your kitchen that contemporary feel.
If you want to pull out all stops, install pendant lights over the island bench and if you really want to make a statement in the kitchen, it’s worth making these the feature of the space. You can achieve this by finding unique looking pendants in different sizes or textures and creating an abstract installation over your kitchen island.
Another way to utilise lighting in your kitchen is by installing strip lights under the bench-tops or in the cabinetry. These will add a sense of drama and draw the focus to the kitchen features and brighten up any dull spaces.
And there you have it!
Seven ways you can transform your kitchen into the heart and hearth of your home.
Whether you choose to utilise a few small tweaks or embark on a full-scale renovation, modernising your kitchen will create a seamless, contemporary, comfortable space that you, your family and your friends will enjoy using every day.
And if you need any help choosing the materials for your renovation, reach out to our expert team at Armstone. We have over 10 years experience in helping people like you transform their houses into homes and would love to help you too. Find us online or at 1300 560 560. If you are more hands on and would like to see our natural stone, porcelain Pavers in person, visit our Sydney showroom in Glebe and be inspired by designs and materials.
There is something to be said about a stone wall: it adds a rustic, earthy touch regardless of how modern or traditional the rest of the house design is.
In saying that, building a stone wall from real natural stones can be both a pricey and difficult task.
However, there is an alternative that gives you the same appearance of traditional stone without the exorbitant cost.
This versatile product has been used in outdoor designs, such as landscaping, feature wall cladding, blade wall cladding, poolside retaining wall features and building facades for many years, and it’s no surprise that more and more people are choosing to install it their homes.
Firstly, unlike traditional natural stone, stacked stones are not as heavy and are available in a range of textures, colours and shapes. Though they are put together in what appears very intricate structures, compared to traditional stone walls, they are also very easy to install.
When it comes to installing stacked stones in your house, you are only limited by your imagination. Stacked stones suit both traditional and contemporary designs and their 3D textures are excellent for transforming dull, flat walls into vibrant and earthy features. Additionally, if you can use stacked stones to make a part of your home decor the focal point. Some places that come to mind are around the chimney stack or by framing your home’s doorway entrance. In both cases, you actually do not need a lot of stacked stones to achieve the required look. You can, of course, use more stacked stones to give your fireplace a rustic feel or to create a feature wall in your home.
Alternatively, you can install stacked stones outdoors and turn those basic block walls into stunning water features or feature walls. If you love of waterfalls and cliffs, you can easily replicate them in the comfort of your own home using stacked stones and create a mini natural escape/oasis. And if you are in the process of selling your home, use stacked stones to add an instant curb appeal to your property or cover up any exisiting walls that look a bit worse for wear. It’s a maximum return, low investment renovation idea.
Stacked stone for living areas
Far from being consigned for sprucing up fireplaces, the attractive ruggedness of stacked stones can be used to bring life to all the rooms in your home. From the entrance hall to the bedroom, stacked stones will transform any flat, boring and one dimensional walls into interesting textural features. Since they are available in a wide variety of colours and tones, you can use stacked stones to add light into a dark area or to add warmth and cosiness to large spaces. In saying that, we suggest using stacked stones in moderation, as they can add heaviness and overwhelm a small space. Here the axiom: ‘less is more’, definitely applies, so use stacked stones in spaces that can add interest to the space without drawing too much attention to it, such as the fireplace, a kitchen splash-back or a feature wall.
The focal point of the bedroom is (this probably sounds obvious) the bed. Whether you choose to buy a simple frame and create interest with your choice of bed covers and pillows, or you prefer a more dramatic look with imposing headboards or a four poster effect, the bed is the one item that tends to dominate the room. Along with this, many homeowners choose to spruce up the bedroom by adding a feature wall behind the bed. Stacked stones are usually the ideal material for creating stunning feature walls that look both simple and natural enough to keep the bed as the focal point. If you feel that a full feature wall would be too much for your bedroom, a strip of stacked stone on either side of the bed is another way to give that earthy, beautiful touch to the room.
Stacked stone in the bathroom or en-suite
The bathroom is another room you can use stacked stones to give a contemporary but natural look. Here you can use the stacked stones to create a feature wall behind a freestanding tub, or as a border around the shower cubicle. It’s the perfect contrast for smooth tiles and gleaming mirrors, as it adds depth and character to the room without being too ostentatious.
As you can see, strategically installing stacked stones can add dimension and vibrancy to – what would other be – a dull wall in your home. So whether you use stacked stones indoors or out, they will instantly transform the area with their earthy and textured aesthetic without the expenses required to install real stone.
If you have any questions about stacked stones or would like to check out our range at Armstone, reach out to our team of experts at 1300 560 560 or write to us online. We have helped many people choose the best product for their home and would love to help you too! If you are more tactile and visual, visit our store in Glebe, Sydney and check out examples of feature walls built from stacked stones.
People love wooden floors because they exude a warmth and connection with nature that helps one feel grounded and cosy.
In saying that, wood doesn’t necessarily suit every home and unlike standard porcelain and ceramic tiles, it is not ideal for every room or purpose.
In fact, there are several major problems that arise from using wood. One of the main issues is that it needs constant maintenance and can drastically deteriorate over time and use.
If you love the look and charm of wooden floors but want to forego the fuss of maintaining them, we recommend considering investing in reliable wood substitutes. They are relatively sturdy, durable and easy to install with a wide assortment of colours and designs to choose from for any aesthetic appeal.
In our article below, we’re going to review why using real timber tiles (even though they are a popular choice amongst homeowners) can become troublesome and compare this to the benefits of timber look floor tiles.
Problems That Come With Using Real Timber
Timber has a beautiful quality in that it is extremely versatile and you can use it as flooring for most parts of the house. Timber is a perfect addition to hallways, living rooms, and bedrooms. You can even also use it outdoors on verandahs and patios. In saying that, when used outdoors, we recommend to shelter timber surfaces as over time, water can have a damaging effect not only on its aesthetic but also its composition. As such, it is best to avoid using timber in areas that are prone to moisture and humidity such as bathrooms, laundries and poolscapes. Also, unlike most tiled surfaces, timber floors stain a lot easier especially if you spill oil or paint on them. In order to protect the timber, we suggest sealing the floors with a special coating that gives it a quality glossy finish.
Apart from maintenance hurdles, the other issue with installing timber is cost. As its a natural product, timber is expensive. Timber is also available in multiple grades and the higher the grade, the better the durability and tone and subsequently, the higher the cost. If you intend to invest in timber, we recommend choosing a higher grade. We should also add that the cost of installing timber flooring can make it a pipe-dream for most people designing their perfect home: so definitely add this to your list of things to think about before setting your heart on timber floors.
The last point to consider is that timber floors require ongoing maintenance to keep them looking pristine. This includes applying waterproof varnishes, regular sealant and proper cleaning. If you lead a busy lifestyle or are building your home on a budget, it’s easy to see how timber floors can easily become an impractical option.
So, what do you do if you love a wooden finish, but you’re working on a budget and designing a home for a busy lifestyle or family (where spillages and mess are a guarantee)?
You’ll be happy to know there is an alternative.
This alternative is called…
‘Timber-look tiles’, so let’s check out the…
Benefits of Timber Look Tiles
Though timber-look tiles might not be the real thing, it takes an incredibly discerning eye to be able to see the difference. As technology improves, the quality and grain of the surface of timber-look tiles looks as close to real timber as possible. Timber-look or porcelain wood-look tiles are now widely available in a range of highly realistic patterns and they look fantastic! Some of them are copied so correctly that they even mimic natural imperfections found in real wood so that when you’re standing on the floors, you wouldn’t realise that you’re standing on porcelain and not timber. Additional contrasts and detailing such as veining, knots and shade make them look even closer to the real thing.
So what are the advantages of timber-look tiles over natural timber flooring?
First of all porcelain faux timber tiles are stronger and scratch resistant. Because of this, you can use them to tile any part of the house whether it is indoors or outdoors. Next, they are much easier to maintain and do not require to be sealed or varnished/polished on a regular basis to protect the floor. As such, basic spills and stains can easily be wiped off without running the risk of doing considerable damage to your precious floor. This also significantly reduces the cost and time required to maintain your floors.
Seraya Timber Tiles
As porcelain faux wood tiles are not prone to decay or rot in the presence of water, they can be used in bathrooms or around pools. Due to their composition, they do not require ongoing maintenance and – unlike timber floors – will also stand the test of time.
Faux wood look porcelain tiles are also never going to change colour or fade with time or exposure to the sun. As such, they are a more versatile option when it comes to blending your indoor and outdoor floor design and aesthetic.
Finally, an advantage that deserves more recognition than it receives is that timber-look tiles are a much more sustainable option for the environment than their timber counterparts. Far less trees are cut and less forests are cleared to produce timber-look or porcelain timber tiles.
As we have outlined, while timber floors are revered, they have a few disadvantages.
On the other hand, timber and porcelain look tiles have many advantages.
As with all purchases, we recommend reviewing your personal situation, including your budget, before making a choice either way.
And in case you need some help with this, please reach out to our tiling experts at Armstone online or at 1300 560 560.
We love all things flooring, tiling and paving and have over 10 years experience helping Sydney homeowners bring their dreams to life.
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