We have a client currently undertaking a new build project which features some wonderful use of the stand out beauty of Norstone Rustik™ stone cladding in Ochre Blend finish. Have a look at the work in progress snaps so far, we cannot wait to see the finished project as it really looks like the property is shapping up to be a showstopper!

Norstone have been a leading manufacturer and retailer of quality natural stone veneer cladding systems since 2003. Our market-leading panels, along with finger jointed corner systems have proven to be an incredibly popular choice for both homeowners, architects and civil / commercial projects alike.

As the years have passed, so has our range evolved. From our original, classic Rock Panels™, to our super sleek, honed Aksent™ panels, we have innovated within the stone cladding marketplace time and time again. Recently, across our major retail markets (Australia, USA, UK) we have introduced with great reception new materials and finishes, of which the beautiful natural Lava Stone has proven to be a show-stopping, conversation starter whenever it has been used.

So, what else could we develop to fulfil our client’s requirements and exceed expectations? Well, we answered the call of more creative freedom with the introduction of PLANC™, our loose stone plank system. Available in highly desirable shades of monochrome from silver quartz to deepest black ebony basalt, PLANC™ is also a perfect canvas for our hugely popular Lava Stone finishes, available in Platinum and Graphite colourways. Lava stone, which is formed from molten lava that cools slowly, has a truly unique surface texture with interesting bubbling,  pitting and colour textures.

The true beauty for those seeking a unique, signature look is the complete flexibility the PLANC™ system provides; you can easily pick and choose individual plank strips and combine them as needed. The large format PLANC™ stone rows are all uniformly sized (with two narrow and one wide strip per set: 60mm/80mm/140mm x 800mm long), allowing designers to mix and match the colours and finishes and create coherent, stylish patterns should they wish to. We have seen graduated strips, vertical bands, symmetrical, asymmetrical or staggered patterns from creative designers & architects

We have seen some stunning installations of PLANC™, from modernist villas and smart LA residences, to commercial feature walls, fireplace surrounds or even kitchen backsplashes.

Norstone PLANC™ large format stone cladding strips are made from 100% natural stone, meticulously sourced from hand-picked quarries and fabricated at our factory in Vietnam to the highest standards for the most demanding markets around the globe. PLANC™ cladding can be used on both internal and external projects, making it suitable for wet areas and also freeze/thaw applications.

We have designed and manufactured PLANC™ to be a highly calibrated system, best set in a dry fit marble style installation without grout joints over flat vertical surfaces. It can also be laid in vertical arrangements, and is also suitable for a more standard, grout joint look where desired. PLANC™ is also designed to allow for easy corner installations, for more information please read about PLANC™ corners.

With lava stone finishes in particular, it is advisable to consider pre-sealing PLANC™ stone strips prior to installation as this will greatly reduce the amount of maintenance and care of the stone cladding over its lifetime – additionally it makes cleaning  off installation mess such as excess adhesive a much more straightforward process. We recommend that PLANC™ cladding strips should be sealed with a penetrating water-based sealer, we have a choice of 3 sealants….Rapid Drying Stone Impregnator, Lavaseal and Norseal H20 for our Norstone Range. We will advise which one to use upon ordering. Please remember, that small application tests should be conducted before application, to determine its suitability.

Norstone PLANC™ stone veneer loose strip system is ideal for:

• Interior or Exterior projects looking to achieve a large format look with a long linear pattern.
• Residential Applications, including entryways, exteriors, fireplaces, kitchen and bath backsplashes, pools and waterfalls.
• Commercial Applications, including hospitality, medical, and commercial office build outs, retrofits, and signage.
  

The long linear format of Norstone’s PLANC™ system allows the designer to apply texture, pattern and colours to walls in ways only dreamt of before. PLANC™ is not restricted by the ubiquitous brick bond pattern used for fixing stacked stone panels, instead allowing the designer and contractor to collaborate on layouts that will be unique and stunning in appearance – we can’t wait to see what you will do with PLANC™ on your project.

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 Off White Slim Rock Panel™.

With all the characteristics of the Norstone® precision machine cut panels, the new Off 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 Off 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 off-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.

Request a Sample Today >>

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.

One of our clients recently contacted us with the following lovely feedback and also gave us a very helpful guide to how they installed Norstone Rustik™ Stone Cladding to an expansive garden wall at their property:

"I apologise I have not got in touch with you sooner, I have some time off at the moment to catch up and send you our photos and brief blog of our finished Rustik™ Stone Cladded wall. We have had such great feedback from everyone that has seen the wall and my wife has had a local magazine wanting to come over in the New Year to do a piece on our property where we will be recommending the stone from Norstone."

The client's real-world installation guide:
Firstly I fitted a capping on top of the block retaining wall with a 100mm overhang, approximately. This was so I could allow a Led strip to be fitted underneath without being seen.

I then tanked the retaining block wall with a tanking slurry to damp proof, giving the wall two coats and left to dry completely over a 2 week period, I used KA tanking slurry.

I then mixed adhesive with latex additive to make a durable adhesive. I then serrated the wall using a 10mm notched trowel. I buttered the back of the rustic stone panel with a thin layer of my adhesive and applied to the wall using pressure.

I was coming off of a level floor so I used 4mm spacers to put the first line of panels on so they wouldn’t sit on water. I just worked my way up the wall, applying the key stones as I went.

Some of the panels were slightly sizey so I had to adjust using an angle grinder. Once the job was complete, we allowed 24 hours to set.

We applied 2 coats of natural stone sealer on the stone to hopefully prevent any future greening, so far so good. It made the stone look slightly darker, which we liked and brought out all the stones natural veins also, which I think gave it more character.

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.

A wonderful modern private home, built with a perfectly restrained palette of darks, greys and charcoal. Norstone XLS Rock Panel cladding features extensively, inside and out. The photo gallery demonstrates the harmonious combinations of charcoal cladding, metal panel cladding and more streamlined tiled cladding. Combined together they build a strong look of contrasting textures, all united by the monochromatic colour scheme.

Applied to the outer walls, in particular around the main entrance, the highly practical cladding panels and corner units allowed the architects to achieve statuesque column styling with ease. Internally, the XLS charcoal makes a stunning statement when combined with the ultra modern floating glass staircase - it is also used in the swimming pool area, casting intriguing reflections on the water surface and grounding the space well.

Designed by Helyer Davies Architects, this stunning contemporary build is well worth exploring:

https://hdarchitects.co.uk/projects/harbour-house-chichester-harbour/

Norstone, the real home of all-natural Stone Cladding, recently introduced the new product range called Planc™, firstly in the USA some 9 months ago and more recently, just being launched here in UK.
 
The Planc™ cladding tile range consists of 5 striking colour and stone types, namely, Ebony and Grey Basalt, Silver Grey Quartz, and stunning Platinum and Graphite Lavastone. All Planc™ stone tiles are smooth and consistent in depth, creating a very consistent and tidy stone cladding wall surface.
 
The Planc™ stone cladding range comes in sets of 3 differing sizes, all 800mm in length, all 20mm thick, but in 3 heights, consisting of 140mm/ 80mm/ 60mm.
 
There is no strict pattern required for installation, they can be staggered, uniform, or even spaced to allow for grouting (internal installs only). Even vertical installation is possible for a very different look and feel. The length of the Planc™ provides elegance to any Interior Designer’s / Architect’s designs.
 
Having very recently released it in the UK, we have on more than a few locations, received orders from builders who have seen it being installed nearby, and their clients have enquired as to who is producing this beautiful Planc™ Range.
 
It’s undoubtedly eye-catching and offers something very different to the commonly used rock panels – the sleek, clean lines are for those looking for an elegant and refined finish.
 
You may ask is it hard to install correctly when they are varying different size panels? Norstone has taken this into account when packaging the Planc™ Range. We produce the Planc™ panels in sets of 3, which takes out all the confusion of selecting appropriate panels when installing. The sleek lines, butt jointed to each other and all panels are machine cut to create a look that makes the Planc™ tiles stand out from the rest of stone cladding products available in the UK.
 
Special new features include pre-assembled Corner sections in all the range, while the Platinum Lavastone Planc™ does not require honed corners at all because the ends are the same colour as the facing - this affords the buyer extra cost savings as an added bonus.
 
Lavastone Planc™ in Platinum and Graphite also have uniquely pitted and textured surfaces (looks a bit like moon rock!) while the Basalt Planc™ Range, has a very silky smooth and elegant finish which is soft and inviting to the touch.
 
We also recommend a skilled professional tiler installs your Planc™ cladding project to make sure you achieve the best possible result and look – we have a lot of documentation and guidelines available on pour website and we can also put you in touch with tried and tested installers if you want to get your stone cladding looking perfect.
 
So, would you consider having a Planc™ clad wall or fireplace? As you can see from the photos above, it is a stunning effect and stands apart from traditional, rough-hewn stone cladding that is typically supplied in the UK – if you want to be different and stand out from the crowd, maybe the Norstone Planc™ cladding system is for you.