Natural stone cladding
Natural stone cladding is the use of a thin layer of stone as a cladding for the outside of a structure. It is also sometimes used on internal surfaces. When applied properly, the thin layers achieve a textured and three-dimensional appearance, giving the impression that the structure is constructed entirely of natural stone.
Typically, stone cladding is used:
- To give a stone finish to an existing structure.
- To create a stone finish at lower weight, and so with reduced structural support requirements.
- To allow faster and lower cost installation.
- To allow modern the use of modern construction techniques and high-performance detailing, but with a traditional appearance.
- To allow off-site manufacturing, with reduced on-site construction.
- To reduce waste.
Stone cladding is manufactured by quarrying natural stone and milling it into thin pieces. A range of different sizes, thicknesses, shapes and patterns can be created according to the specification of the design. Cladding can be supplied either as single stone pieces, or as large, bespoke panels prefabricated form a number of pieces, such as storey-height panels or shaped parts such as reveals and lintels.
To accommodate the weight of natural stone, the cladding system should be fixed mechanically to structural substrate layers. This can be done using shelf angles or specially-made stone clips.
Alternatively, cladding panels can be made by laminating thin pieces of stone onto a carrier panel made from lightweight concrete. Because the two materials have similar physical characteristics, they work well together as a composite and provide good weather protection.
Where very thin stone pieces are used (around one inch thick), providing a final finish to a substrate such as blockwork, this may be described as a 'stone veneer'.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
- Ashlar.
- Brick.
- Brick veneer.
- Building fabric.
- Building with structural stone.
- Choosing stone.
- Cladding.
- Defects in stonework.
- Inspecting stone sample panels.
- Limestone for building.
- Masonry.
- Natural stone.
- Natural stone tiles.
- Patio stone.
- Pebbledash.
- Rustication.
- Stone dressing.
- Sustainable stone.
- Tufa and tuff
- Types of stone.
- Wall types.
Featured articles and news
Boiler Upgrade Scheme and certifications consultation
Summary of government consultation which closes 11 June 2025.
Deputy editor of AT, Tim Fraser, discusses the newly formed society with its current chair, Chris Halligan MCIAT.
Barratt Lo-E passivhaus standard homes planned enmasse
With an initial 728 Lo-E homes across two sites and many more planned for the future.
Government urged to uphold Warm Homes commitment
ECA and industry bodies write to Government concerning its 13.2 billion Warm Homes manifesto commitment.
Places of Worship in Britain and Ireland, 1929-1990. Book review.
The emancipation of women in art.
CIOB Construction Manager of the Year 2025
Just one of the winners at the CIOB Awards 2025.
Call for independent National Grenfell oversight mechanism
MHCLG share findings of Building Safety Inquiry in letter to Secretary of State and Minister for Building Safety.
The Architectural Technology Awards
AT Awards now open for this the sixth decade of CIAT.
50th Golden anniversary ECA Edmundson awards
Deadline for submissions Friday 30 May 2025.
The benefits of precast, off-site foundation systems
Top ten benefits of this notable innovation.
Encouraging individuals to take action saving water at home, work, and in their communities.
Takes a community to support mental health and wellbeing
The why of becoming a Mental Health Instructor explained.
Mental health awareness week 13-18 May
The theme is communities, they can provide a sense of belonging, safety, support in hard times, and a sense purpose.
Mental health support on the rise but workers still struggling
CIOB Understanding Mental Health in the Built Environment 2025 shows.
Design and construction material libraries
Material, sample, product or detail libraries a key component of any architectural design practice.
Construction Products Reform Green Paper and Consultation
Still time to respond as consultation closes on 21 May 2025.
Resilient façade systems for smog reduction in Shanghai
A technical approach using computer simulation and analysis of solar radiation, wind patterns, and ventilation.
Comments
A must read book for any civil engineer
STONE CLADDING ENGINEERING
https://www.springer.com/us/book/9789400768475