It's not just people who wish to be Fashionably Slim. Its no longer the prerogative of Twiggy to be Slim, but now Norstone has got into the act with it's expansion of the Norstone Slimline (SL) Range.

Coming to a catwalk near you, is the launch of the White Slim Rock Panel™.

With all the characteristics of the Norstone® precision machine cut panels, the new White Slimline (SL), allows the tiler to achieve the perfect wall of stone cladding at a lower price point. The vertical and horizontal lines are virtually seamless for a complete natural stone surface finish.

The all new White Quartzite Slimline panel has the same dimensions of 610mm in length, 152mm in height and up to 30mm thick. The inherent benefit of the slimline range allows all projects to spec the Norstone Rock Panel™, even for the most restrictive budgets.

The slimline range (SL) is now the new word for bold and beauty in interior design. Make that boring wall come to life with the Norstone Slim Range, the new white finish is also complimented by our existing shades, Ochre Blend and Charcoal - you can even mix and match styles depending on the unique style you are seeking.

Norstone's Slim (SL) range of Rock Panel™ Stone Cladding will allow you to achieve beautiful and long-lasting natural stone walls at an affordable price; all backed by our industry leading warranties.

Partner with Norstone on your project to maximise the quality and desirability of your interior design vision.

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Norstone Slim Range, The Fashionable Choice...

We're always on the lookout for great projects that use Norstone's high quality cladding in real-world projects. In this blog, we are focusing on Parr Construction, based in Stockport, who have recently completed the High Lane project, above.

An ultra modern property with an imposing scale, the High Lane house is a very attractive design with a well chosen palette of materials and finishes. Our fantastic slimline charcoal Rock Panel™ cladding is complimented with quality stone cills, contrasting with  crisp white K-Rend. The sophisticated façades on the property are further enhanced by seamless Cedral cladding and a luxurious cantilevered lead roof (have a look at the project photo gallery below to get the full effect).

The final result is stunning - we're sure you'll agree.

The Parr Construction team have expertly installed the rock panel cladding with brilliant detail and attention, making sure it is an integral part of the overall project, as well as giving the property a standout wow factor upon arrival.

You can find out more about Parr Construction's services and latest projects over on their Facebook page and also on their website, http://www.builderinstockport.co.uk/

Our incoming MAXI Rock Panel™ stone cladding is the ultimate in rugged, textured stone cladding tiles, with a large, even layout for a very easy to assemble finish. Shown above in sumptuous charcoal, this cladding is for the bold who favour a strong expression of style, who dare to ask for more.

A chunky look, combined with chunky textures give this cladding a stand out effect that is bound to wow all-comers. As with all of our industry leading Rock Panel™ cladding systems, you benefit from Norstone's renowned style, high quality natural stone and craftsmanship - combined with long life warranty when installed in conjunction with Norstone and partners. 

You can order now; for expression of interest, please contact us for more details.

This is a Project yet to be completed however the use of Ochre XLV, Softens and compliments a high end build.
Here in these pictures is a perfect example that demonstrates how Norstone Cladding can transform common features normally considered eyesores, such as garaging, into a focal point of an architecturally inspired home.
The gallery here shows how the cladding Rock Panels™ not only incorporate the garage into the design, but rather it becomes part of the overall gorgeous design of this new build. This is done solely through the use of Norstone Ochre XLV stone cladding.

These three pictures have been taken at exactly the same time and yet, you can see how the different light changes the look of the Ochre XLV stone cladding. With the direct sunlight, the Ochre XLV has a soft Cotswold Sandstone effect, while in areas of no sunlight, the Ochre XLV embodies the more rustic hues, mixed with soft burnt orange, with a light contemporary grey. It is truly a masterpiece waiting for its new home owners to also enjoy and no doubt, enjoy bragging rights.
 
We at Norstone truly take pride in our Guaranteed and Warrantied installations, bring new joy but more importantly, new design concepts into the ever increasing usage of stone cladding for premium modern external design.

Have you ever looked at a textured stone wall and wondered if it’s actually made of stone? The answer is probably modern stone cladding. Stone cladding is a refined or thin layer of natural/artificial stone, which is applied to an interior (or exterior) wall, to give the effect that it is made entirely of stone. Natural stone is preferred for a more authentic, rustic and durable finish.

Stone cladding itself is said to date back to the late 19th century – historically stone veneer panels were even used in Rome alongside the outside structure of the coliseum. Over the years, cladding has come a long way from this, and is constantly improving.
 
Traditional Cladding
Stone is just one of the many materials used for cladding, but you may be wondering what cladding actually is and what’s its purpose.

The definition of cladding, is that the material is designed to be used as an almost ‘second skin’ to a wall, for decorative reasons.

The decorative element speaks for itself as it’s very pleasing on the eye. It gives an element of class to any room and is different to your standard wallpaper or panelling.

When it comes to choosing cladding, there are many types of materials available, such as:

• Natural Stone
• Artificial Stone
• Vinyl
• Wood
• Fibre cement
• External foam
• Weatherboard
• Ceramic
• Concrete
• Metal
• Brick

Depending on the type of cladding you go for, stone or not, it should always be done by a professional. The process can be complicated, but in the hands of a trained expert (depending on what type of stone tile, a tiler or stonemason may be required), no stone cladding job is too big, literally.

How much does stone cladding cost?
The cost of stone cladding will be determined according to numerous factors; from how much you need, the material you’re using and the labour time it will take to fit. Although stone sits at the higher end of price in comparison to the other materials, it goes with the saying “you get what you’re paying for”. Natural stone costs between £49-100/m2.

The best way to calculate your costs is to take measurements of the are you wish to clad, then find your desired stone cladding panel system. By working out the size of the cladding fitting onto your surface area, you can achieve a rough estimate. You can also send these measurements across to Norstone for a quote if needed, just to get a more realistic answer.

Even though natural stone cladding may come out slightly higher in price, the benefits certainly outweigh the cost.

The benefits of Stone Cladding

Its appearance
Stone cladding will dramatically change the look and feel of any wall, pillar, column or surface it is applied to. Its elegance speaks for itself when you see the stunning appearance it portrays. Because natural stone is so unique it can either go down the road of no two colours are the same to being a complete block colour. Because stone gives off such an exceptional look, you can have the option of so many colours and textures that it will completely transform the space you’re using it for.

It's durable
This is a no brainer here, as we all know how tough natural stone is as a material for reference, Norstone cladding is crafted from Quartzite, Marble, Basalt, Lavastone and similar which are inherently durable). This is particularly important if you are using it on a well-used area, such as a fireplace. If you are constantly kneeling or arranging tools around this, you are less likely to cause any damage to stone cladding.

In addition to this is, if you decide to use it on an exterior wall, stone cladding is robust and can withstand the effects from all forms of nature. Come rain or wind, your stone cladding is there to stay. It’s even fire resistant, which is a great added benefit.

It's versatile
Because of its robust nature, you can literally use stone cladding anywhere. Whether this if for a fireplace, outside exterior or even a bathroom, stone cladding has got you covered. If you’ve got a vivid imagination, you can have your stone designed to fit any area in and out of your home. It can be made to fit around your needs, with a spectacular finishing effect. Commercial real estate and architects have been using the stone cladding solution for a few decades now and now it has become a rapidly growing popular choice for homeowners too.

It’ll increase the value of your property
As previously stated, natural stone isn’t the cheapest of cladding, but it's an investment that could pay off further down the line. By choosing natural stone, it may assist you in realising your resale expectations of your property if you decide to sell. Because of its environmental factors and durability, it’s a benefit for potential buyers to invest in.

If you’re using in on your exterior walls, it may enhance your property and add ‘kerb appeal’.

It’s easy to maintain
Norstone will generally recommend that the cladding be treated with a easy to apply water based sealant, both internally and externally as this will keep the cladding in pristine conditions and greatly reduce the need to clean and maintain the surfaces.

It’s unique
Natural stone is quarried not made, so no two pieces are exactly the same - this unique beauty will give you a finish that no one else has. Because stone comes in all shapes, sizes, hues and tints you can expect a lovely variation across a surface, although you may prefer to opt for a honed stone cladding finish (this process smooths all the cladding panels and will greatly unify the colours if you prefer a highly uniform finish). Regardless of your choice of natural stone material, a clad expanse will really make your walls stand out, no matter what room you use it in.
 
Related questions

How thick is stone cladding?
This can be down to what material of stone you wish to use and what manufacturers advise for the area you’re using it on. For exterior and interior walls, natural stone cladding may be up to 35mm thickness.
 
What is stone veneer?
It is often used in conjunction with stone cladding. This type of stone is used as the same purpose as cladding, but usually for cosmetic repair areas. It often differs to stone cladding as it is made to be more lightweight and easier to handle. It is commonly made to be easier to cut and to fit certain areas.

Do you want to see how to prepare and install Norstone’s incredible natural stone cladding in real-life projects?

Our American division has partnered with popular Youtuber HandyDadTV to create a video that showcases the amazing Planc™ Platinum Lava Stone cladding system. In this video, created in conjunction with Norstone USA, HandyDad looks at various ranges of Norstone stone cladding and explains why he choose a modern tiled cladding effect over a more traditional stacked stone style.

In this clear and instructive video, he guides the viewer through the process of installing Planc™ Platinum  stone cladding tiles onto a fireplace surround with a range of top DIY tips and guidance for best tools and gear to get the job done! Whilst the video is created with a US audience in mind, the technique and process is exactly the same for installing Norstone over here in the UK too. If you choose Norstone cladding, we would recommend suitable mounting materials and adhesive/sealants options that you can source within the UK which match up to those shown in the video.

For more guidance and any questions on the installation, please contact us; we'd be happy to help!

More awesome HandyDadTV videos: https://www.youtube.com/user/smalltal...
HandyDadTV website: https://handydad.tv/
Follow HandyDad on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter: @HandyDadTV

Architects and interior designers specify Norstone because of the range of quality natural stone cladding products such as the Classic Rock Panel Range, consisting of large formats, with standard and the new Slim line Range. This particular range caters for all project budgets and now allows the Norstone Range to be an affordable option for the smallest or largest installs. 
 
With the new Basalt stone cladding range which can be supplied in Planc™, Aksent™ and Lynia™ formats, it allows for the contemporary smooth finish to impress your friends or customers with an elegant finish that will be the envy of all.

The Planc™ range now comes in Basalt, Silver Grey, Graphite, and Platinum lavastone. The colour ranges from Dark Ebony to the natural soft colours of Platinum, which is a very light grey. These colours are neutral and allows home owners plus Architects to install stone cladding which will be sympathetic to a host of other materials and soft furnishings.
 
Norstone also provides Warranties on the affixing of its stone cladding through its partners Laticrete, James Hardie and Knauf for complete peace of mind. These warranties/Guarantees provide the level of comfort for all installers of Norstone's stone cladding products.
 
Norstone provides a comprehensive stone cladding sample request service, which will deliver any sample request within the UK, next day service, as long as the request is received before 12 noon. For Architects and interior designers, this is a free service, while private individuals there is a small charge, which is wholly refundable when a purchase is made.
 
With the help of beautiful natural stone, we to can help turn your project into something wonderful and marvellous. Norstone have been leading the way in beautiful natural stone panel systems since 2003 - we're proud of our heritage and we continue to develop and extend our offerings regularly - so watch this space!

We’ve selected some of all time favourite projects that were made possible thanks to the amazing versatility of Norstone’s stone cladding systems.

From fireplace surrounds, to unique water features, these projects and installations really highlight the power and beauty of stone veneer and also the highly professional end results achieved in particular with our patented fingerlocking corner system.

These showstoppers feature all of our current stone cladding ranges, from the hand-crafted, artisan style of Rustik™ to the ultra sleek, smooth and polished finish of Lynia™ tiles. We also feature the perennial classic Rock Panel systems, the newly expanded Aksent™ range and the highly versatile Planc™ system of natural stone panels.

So we will count down our 13 favourite stone cladding showstoppers..

As you have seen, Norstone are the market leaders of stone cladding in the UK for good reason! Not only do we offer a wide and diverse palette of colours and finishes, from glacier marble to ebony basalt, our intelligent interlocking panel systems are easy and rapid to install, and our modular cladding systems provide complete freedom of expression to design a framework that is as unique as your vision.

Coupled with our unique, market-leading 25 year warranty guarantee you can rest assured that a Norstone stone cladding installation will look amazing, last longer than comparable systems and you can call on our expertise over the last 15 years to make sure your project goes as smoothly as possible. To discuss a specific stone cladding project, you can call our dedicated, knowledgable team on 0203 178 2801 or browse our gallery of natural stone cladding projects on our website.

Do you have a favourite? Let us know in the comments section below.