Who wouldn’t want beautiful natural stone in and around their home? Elegant, and highly practical, it is a popular material for use in construction and design for good reason. Have you considered, stone wall cladding? Cladding offers many of the same and added benefits of full-scale construction. This extremely and ever increasingly popular installation option might just be perfect for your application as well. Before you make any decision or commitment, make sure to familiarise yourself with the pros and cons of veneer stone cladding. What is stone cladding? Stone cladding refers to the application of a thin veneer on a wall or surface. Designed to offer the decorative nature and aesthetics of a natural stone wall, cladding is not designed however to be load bearing. Stone Cladding: The Pros Beauty Natural stone has been widely used in construction for thousands of years and not just because it’s hardy and durable. Its unique aesthetic can be achieved just as effectively with cladding. With a thin veneer of this gorgeous material, it’s all beauty without any beastly cost. Durability Natural slabs of stone are a very hardy and durable material, which is why it’s often used in construction. Veneer cladding allows you to add a strong outer layer on top of your wall or surface to ensure long term resistance to general wear and tear. Style Versatility Natural stone comes in a wide range of types—from limestone to granite—and the full spectrum of colours, shades, patterns, and formats. When you opt for stone cladding you get to choose the perfect aesthetic to suit your style preference and interior/exterior design aesthetic. Complementary If your home uses a variety of materials, such as concrete and timber, cladding can be used to effectively complement the rest of the space. Due to the fact that only a thin veneer of rock is applied, you don’t have to worry about large scale construction projects that will cost an arm and a leg. Cost Effective On that note, stone cladding, while more of an initial investment than other cheaper materials, offers a more cost-effective solution compared to full stone walling. Enjoy all the aesthetic benefits without the hit to the back pocket. Resistant to Abrasion Stone cladding for walls in particular is very practical as they offer strong resistance to abrasions and scratches. Even when used on the exterior of a building, its resistance to fire and the elements of the weather makes it perfectly practical in every way. Easy Maintenance Natural stone cladding doesn’t require an overwhelming amount of tender love and care to keep it beautiful and strong. With easy, affordable, and minimal maintenance your walls can be kept as stunning as the day it was installed for a long time into the future. Adds Value Adding stone cladding in Perth can add financial value to your home. In addition to providing visual, practical and design benefits to your home, it can also add substantially to your house’s resale value. Great for Wet Areas Veneer cladding can be used in a wide variety of settings in your home, including wet areas. If you’re giving your pool area a transformation or breathing new life into a water feature, stone cladding offers durability even in the face of exposure to moisture and water. Long Lifespan Thanks to the durability and high quality of this naturally occurring material, your cladding will last for many, many years to come. If you’re looking for a strong return on your investment, few options can stack up to natural stone cladding. Stone Cladding: The Cons Labour and Time Intensive Applying natural stone cladding can be both labour and time intensive to install. While this will probably not mean much extra effort for you, it can increase the cost of installation and increase the time you need to wait to enjoy the finished stunning veneer. Requires Structural Substrate Putting a stone veneer over an existing surface requires a structural substrate. This added requirement can add an extra cost to the overall project but, in all honesty, for the structural strength and visual beauty the extra cost is well worth it. The Expense of Stone While not particular to cladding as all uses of natural stone will be affected by the cost of this material compared to other substances, be prepared to invest a little more for stone cladding. Of course, because it’s just a veneer it will still be significantly more cost effective than a full wall. Sealing All natural stone products require sealing which does add a bit of an ongoing maintenance expense. However, it’s important to realise that you get what you pay for, and these minimal maintenance requirements are well worth it. Needs Specific Cleaning Materials When you go to wipe your natural stone cladding, avoid harsh chemicals that can damage the veneers. While this con might require a bit of an adjustment to begin with, once you’re familiar with what works it really isn’t much hassle. Requires Professional Installation If you’re a particularly experienced and knowledgeable DIY expert, you might be able to install stone cladding yourself. However, poorly installed cladding can allow moisture to be trapped behind and cause damage to the stone. That’s why we recommend calling in the professionals. Yes, you will have to pay for the labour but it’s more than worth it for a job that will last and look wonderful for many years in the future. Whether you want to discuss the various pros and cons of cladding, or you’re already sold and ready to get it in your home, Remastone is the one number you need to know. Contact us for an obligation free chat today.