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Decorative flexible stone: characteristics and installation features

Decorative flexible stone provides a unique means of giving an interior space an effortless, sophisticated look. It has the appearance of real natural stone but with none of its disadvantages, as it is extremely lightweight and may be cut, shaped, and applied in incredibly specific ways. In addition, its surface is very easy to clean and resistant to stains and abrasions. Installation is simple and does not require any special skills or tools. This versatile material is ideal for both home and business renovations and is available in many different colors and styles.

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New materials created thanks to modern technologies successfully compete with traditional materials for interior decoration. These include a decorative flexible stone – a cut of sandstone, fixed on a textile base with a polymer. Let’s see more information about this material..

Decorative flexible stone. Features and installation features

Flexible stone is confidently conquering the market of materials for finishing works, because its advantages include not only a number of positive performance characteristics, but also high aesthetics, coupled with great possibilities of decorative finishing.

Types of flexible stone

A flexible stone is produced in the form:

  • slabs 2.5 mm thick with dimensions 50×600, 200×300, 300×600, 400×800, 120×260 mm on a textile basis;
  • plates with a thickness of 6 mm with dimensions of 1000×2500 mm on an MDF substrate;
  • wallpaper with a thickness of 1 mm, which is a canvas with dimensions of 1200×610 and 2600×1200 mm with a dusting of grains of sandstone.

Decorative flexible stone. Features and installation features

The color of the decorative flexible stone can be anything: it depends on the dye used. But the natural-colored material is also unique: a sandstone cut with a thickness of only 2.4 mm reflects the color spectrum of a particular field.

Table. Comparative characteristics of flexible stone

Name of material, production Water vapor permeability, mg / (m h Pa) Weight, kg / m2 Sheet thickness, mm Flammability (group) form of issue / dimensions, mm Color, texture Description of material * Price, rub / m2
Flexible stone Flexstone Premium, Germany 0.0048 2.5-3.5 1-3 Group G1 according to GOST 30244-94
Group B1 according to GOST 30244-96
Rolls /

2700×1200

Has a natural color and texture of light sandstone stone. The surface can be frescoed. 7,500
Flexible stone Delap (Delap), Hungary 0.0057 2.5-3.5 1-4 Group G1 according to GOST 30244-94
Group B1 according to GOST 30244-96
Sheets /

500×500

Rough surface treated with a water-repellent compound. Color light brown. Facade flexible stone used for external work. Contains 95% natural marble chips, 5% elastic acrylic. The form is produced “wild stone”, “torn stone”, “brick” 1 170
Flexible stone “Brick”, Russia (Kazan), “Decamir” 0.0052 3.5-4 4 Group G1 according to GOST 30244-94
Group B1 according to GOST 30244-96
Sheets /

500×500

Light brown and dark brown material, rough. Facade material, in stamps “brick”. 1530
Flexible stone Delap, Russia, Kemerovo 0.0048 3.5-4.5 3-4 Group G1 according to GOST 30244-94
Group B1 according to GOST 30244-96
Sheets /

500×500

Gray, brown, ocher brown. The surface is imitated with dark gray jointing. the basis is marble chips, moisture resistant, frost resistant, ultraviolet resistant and elastic. Carved on stamps in the shape of “stone-savage”, “torn stone”, “brick”. 1010
Marble wallpaper, Russia, Voronezh 0.0067 1.5-2.0 1 Group G1 according to GOST 30244-94
Group B1 according to GOST 30244-96
Rolls /

1200×610

Light gray and brown with light veins For interior work 2,500
Natural flexible stone, Belarus 0.0069 2.0-2.5 1 Group G1 according to GOST 30244-94
Group B1 according to GOST 30244-96
Tile sizes:
100×300
300×600
450×600
450×900
Sheet dimensions:
950×2700
Light brown and light gray with off-white veins. For interior and exterior use 2,500

* Flexible stone for interior work after special processing can be used for facing facades. Just like any material for outdoor use, it can be used to decorate interior elements (kitchen aprons, fireplaces, etc.).

Material characteristics

Flexible stone has a high degree of elasticity and flexibility, which makes it possible to veneer complex curved surfaces. It is a lightweight material weighing no more than 4 kg per square meter. The surface lined with it does not lose its appearance in a wide temperature range (-45 … + 650 ° С). It is environmentally friendly, does not emit harmful chemical compounds and does not burn.

Flexible stone is easy to process: it can be cut with any sharp tool and parts of complex configuration can be produced.

Advantages of flexible stone:

  1. After treating the lined surface with acrylic and silicone primer, the flexible stone acquires water-repellent properties. Its surface does not get dirty.
  2. The porosity of the material allows it to easily pass steam, due to which the walls of the building “breathe”.
  3. Flexible stone does not accumulate static electricity, which makes it easier to maintain the surface.
  4. Long service life and relatively low cost makes it an attractive material for finishing works.
  5. Light transmission allows the use of flexible stone in interiors with original lighting design.

Decorative flexible stone. Features and installation features

Applications for flexible stone

Most often, decorative flexible stone is used to decorate interior walls in interiors that are in harmony with natural materials. The scope of application is not limited to the characteristics of the premises: flexible stone is used in an environment with high temperature and humidity. It is convenient for them to revet curvilinear structures: arches, columns, fireplaces, stair steps, bar counters and so on. Subject to special processing, flexible stone can be used for architectural decoration of facades.

Decorative flexible stone. Features and installation features

Installation technology for decorative flexible stone

To work, you need the following:

  • notched trowel;
  • rubber roller;
  • construction hair dryer;
  • specialized glue.

Before cladding, it is necessary to check the quality of the surface of the walls: they must be absolutely flat, while the plaster must not crumble. Oil stains or traces of paint are not allowed. Untreated walls are covered with a leveling compound, sanded and treated with a deep penetration primer.

The glue mixture is applied to a dry wall and spread evenly with a notched trowel (tooth height 2 mm). It is more convenient to apply the glue to a large area with a wide, even spatula, after which you need to thin it out with a notched trowel. This will improve the adhesion of the adhesive mixture to the flexible stone base..

Colorless and moisture resistant “Thermo-ecocontact” or S5 composition is used as glue. These are ready-to-use adhesives (packs of 5 and 16 kg), the consumption of which is about 0.5 kg per 1 m2.

A tile or wallpaper made of flexible stone is applied to the wall end to end or overlapped. They are pressed with a rubber roller, expelling air bubbles. There is no need to rush: the glue starts to set after 40 minutes.

Decorative flexible stone. Features and installation features

An overlapping installation creates a seamless surface. The technology involves gluing tiles (wallpaper) with a slight overlap. Excess material is cut off with a sharp knife, so that the edges fit perfectly together. Another method requires the use of joint moldings.

The seamless method is more effective from an aesthetic point of view – it allows you to create monolithic surfaces. When facing curved surfaces and adjusting the edges of adjacent tiles, use a building hair dryer: a heated flexible stone becomes more plastic.

The installation of a flexible stone should be started from the upper corner: it is better to cut the tiles in a less noticeable place. Random cracks can be masked with acrylic primer. After it penetrates deeply, the place of damage is rubbed with a flexible stone. Finally, the surface is primed with the composition VM 20 or IP 170. The package contains 2.5 or 10 liters. The product is applied with a bristle brush, with light movements. Consumption is about 0.25 l / m2.

Table. Flexible stone finishing costs

Material Consumption rate Price
Flexible stone 1m2 1200 rub / m2
Primer VM 20 (IP 170) 0.25 l / m2 2–2.5 cu e. / l
S5 glue or “Thermo-ecocontact” 0.5 kg / m2 4.5–5.5 usd e. / l

The use of decorative flexible stone in the interior

The flexible stone is in perfect harmony with the surfaces of related natural materials. It is used for wall decoration in large halls, for facing columns..

Decorative flexible stone. Features and installation features

Decorative painting on wild stone – an original solution.

Decorative flexible stone. Features and installation features

Flexible stone cladding of artificial structures imitating natural mountainous terrain creates an atmosphere of complete presence.

Decorative flexible stone. Features and installation features

Flexible stone finishing of facades is a good solution for country cottages.

Decorative flexible stone. Features and installation features

The interior or facade of a building decorated with flexible stone has high aesthetics and excellent decorative properties. Natural material creates a cozy, comfortable atmosphere.

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Comments: 4
  1. Rowan

    What are some key characteristics of decorative flexible stone and what are the important factors to consider when installing it?

    Reply
    1. Nolan Bailey

      Some key characteristics of decorative flexible stone include its lightweight and flexible nature, which allows for easy installation on curved surfaces. It is also highly durable and weather-resistant, making it suitable for both indoor and outdoor applications.

      When installing decorative flexible stone, it is important to consider several factors. Firstly, proper surface preparation is crucial to ensure a stable and long-lasting installation. It is important to clean and level the substrate, ensuring it is free from debris and any protrusions.

      Secondly, adhesive selection is essential to ensure a strong bond between the flexible stone and the substrate. It is important to choose an adhesive that is specifically designed for flexible stone and the type of surface it will be installed on.

      Thirdly, proper installation techniques should be followed to achieve the desired aesthetic appeal. This may include using spacers or aligning patterns meticulously for a seamless finish.

      Lastly, regular maintenance and protection should be carried out to preserve the longevity and appearance of decorative flexible stone. This may include periodic cleaning using mild detergents and protecting it from extreme weather conditions. By considering these factors, one can achieve a successful and visually appealing installation of decorative flexible stone.

      Reply
    2. Julian Wilson

      Some key characteristics of decorative flexible stone include its lightweight and thin design, which makes it easy to handle and install. It is also highly flexible, allowing it to be bent and molded to fit various contours and shapes. In terms of appearance, it closely resembles natural stone, adding elegance and authenticity to any space. When installing decorative flexible stone, there are important factors to consider. Firstly, surface preparation is crucial, as the substrate needs to be clean, smooth, and free of any contaminants. Secondly, proper adhesive selection is important to ensure a secure and long-lasting installation. Additionally, considering the weather conditions, such as temperature and humidity, during installation is vital to achieve optimal bond and adhesion. Overall, paying attention to these factors will guarantee a successful and aesthetically pleasing installation of decorative flexible stone.

      Reply
  2. Sophia Griffin

    What are the main characteristics of decorative flexible stone and how is it installed? I would like to know more about the benefits and drawbacks of using this material for decoration purposes.

    Reply
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