Flexible Stone Veneer for Architects: What to Specify

Specifying flexible stone veneer is close to specifying any other adhered thin cladding, with a few extra points on backing, sealing and large-format sheets. This guide gives architects, interior designers and specifiers a clear checklist of what to put in drawings, schedules and tender documents.

Nothing here replaces coordination with the chosen supplier. The intent is to help you ask the right questions and specify unambiguously.

What to specify

1. Product

• Supplier. Full company name and address. For Stoneart: Panelart Decor Pvt Ltd, Kolkata.
• Product line. Natural Stone or Poly Stone.
• Specific product. Exact code and name, for example "NS-044 Agra Red" or "PS-001 White Vein Travertine".
• Collection. Slate and Quartzite, Sandstone, Marble, Limestone, Concrete or (for Poly Stone) the full range.
• Sheet size. 610 × 1220 mm, 1220 × 2440 mm, or Poly Stone's 1220 × 2440 mm customizable.
• Thickness. 1.5 to 2 mm for Natural Stone; 3 to 4 mm for Poly Stone.
• Backing. Polyester (standard), translucent (for backlit panels) or fleece.
• Finish. As per the product data.

2. Substrate

The wall behind the veneer is as important as the veneer itself. Specify:

• Substrate material and condition (plaster, cement render, cement board, drywall, existing tile, MDF for furniture).
• Flatness tolerance (typically 3 mm under a 2 m straight edge).
• Moisture content, especially for new cement render and plaster.
• Preparation needed (filling, sanding, priming).
• Waterproofing requirements for bathrooms, showers and exterior walls (as a separate layer behind the veneer).

3. Adhesive

• Type. As recommended by the stone veneer supplier for the specific location (interior dry, interior wet, exterior).
• Coverage. Trowel notch size, typically 6 to 10 mm, and expected coverage per square metre.
• Compatibility. Confirm the adhesive is compatible with both the backing and the substrate.
• Cure time. Hours before the wall can be used; days before full strength.

4. Installation

• Layout. A drawing showing sheet placement, joint lines and any pattern-matching requirements.
• Joints. Butt joints with no grout (standard), or specify a different detail if used.
• Edges and corners. Trim details, overlaps, mitres or exposed cut edges.
• Openings. Treatment at light switches, sockets, drains and other openings.
• Mock-up. Require a sample panel on site before full installation if the project is large.

5. Finishing

• Sealer. Type (penetrating stone sealer), brand or specification, number of coats.
• First seal. Timing after installation.
• Resealing. Schedule for maintenance.

6. Documentation and submittals

Request from the supplier:

• Technical data sheet for the specific product.
• Installation guide.
• Care and maintenance guide.
• Sample sheets for client approval.
• Delivery schedule and lead time.

What to put in your drawings

• Elevation drawings showing each sheet position and joint lines.
• Section details at the top, bottom, corners and openings.
• Trim details at edges where the veneer meets another material.
• Lighting details if the installation is backlit, with the LED position, the diffuser and the gap behind the stone.
• Specification note referencing the supplier's installation and care instructions.

Technical performance

Independent testing of flexible stone veneer is less standardised than for conventional stone slab. Where fire, slip, abrasion or acoustic performance matter, ask the supplier for the test data they have, and factor what is missing into your design decisions.

For Stoneart products specifically, see the Technical Data page and the per-product specification on each product page.

Delivery, storage and handling on site

• Pack size. Confirm pack sizes and total shipment weight for site planning.
• Storage. Store sheets flat, in a dry area, out of direct sun, on their original pallets or support.
• Handling. Lift sheets by the sides, do not drag; use two people for the larger sheet sizes.
• Protection. Keep protective film in place until just before installation.

Common specification questions

Can veneer be used as a floor finish?

Flexible veneer is a wall and surface material. For floors, specify a floor-rated stone or tile.

What is the fire rating?

Fire performance depends on the specific product and backing. Request the supplier's test data for the specific product before specifying for a project with fire-rated walls.

What are typical lead times for larger orders?

Lead times depend on stock, finish and shipping. Confirm with Stoneart at the quote stage for the specific product.

Next steps

Browse the Natural Stone range and Poly Stone range, read the Technical Data and Backing pages, or contact Stoneart for technical data sheets and specifier samples.