Stone Cladding FAQs

Stone cladding is a decorative wall covering made from individual stone-style pieces that are fixed to a suitable surface to create the look of stacked natural stone. It is used when customers want texture, depth and a natural stone wall finish without building with full-depth stone.

It is also searched for as stone slips, stone veneer, stone wall cladding, stone effect cladding and stone cladding tiles. The important thing to check is the format: our stone cladding is supplied as individual slips, so the finished wall looks more natural than large repeating panels.

Stone slips are individual thin stone-style pieces used to clad feature walls, fireplaces, chimney breasts, pillars, garden walls and exterior areas. In practical terms, stone slips and stone cladding usually describe the same finish: a slimmer stone-facing product fixed to a wall with suitable adhesive.

The benefit of stone slips is flexibility. Because the pieces are installed individually, the installer can mix sizes, colours and shapes to create a more random stacked stone layout. This helps the finished wall avoid the repeated grid lines sometimes seen on large stone cladding panels.

Yes. Our stone cladding is pre-cast using moulds taken from real stone. The pieces are hand cast, hand finished, stained and sealed so they have realistic texture and colour variation.

Pre-cast stone slips give customers a more manageable alternative to full-depth stone. They are easier to handle, easier to install and more practical for many feature walls, fireplaces and selected exterior projects, while still creating the depth and character people expect from stone wall cladding.

Our stone slips are made using a cement-based cast mix with pumice, dyes and sealer. The aim is to create a hard-wearing stone-effect product with texture, colour movement and enough variation to look natural once installed.

Because the pieces are hand finished, customers should expect natural-looking variation rather than identical repeated shapes. That variation is a strength of the product and is one reason stone cladding works well for fireplaces, feature walls, exterior cladding and garden walls.

Stone cladding, stone slips and stone veneer are often used to describe the same kind of product: a thinner stone-style facing material fixed to a wall. The difference is usually the format, thickness, weight and whether it is supplied as individual pieces or large panels.

Our stone cladding is supplied as individual pre-cast stone slips, not mesh sheets or repeating boards. That gives the installer more control over the finished pattern and makes it easier to create a random natural stone effect.

Stone slip sizes vary by product and by individual piece because the finish is designed to look random and natural. A stone cladding wall normally uses a mix of smaller, medium and larger pieces so the layout does not look too uniform.

For the most accurate product information, open the individual product pages from the stone cladding collection. Each product page can show images, sample options, box options, corner packs and current pricing.

Thickness varies between individual pieces and product styles. Stone slips are much thinner than full-depth stone, which helps make them easier to fit on suitable walls and more practical for decorative cladding projects.

Always allow for the total build-up of the project, including the stone slip thickness, adhesive, pointing where used and any edge details. This is especially important around fireplaces, socket plates, door returns, skirting, exterior reveals and corners.

Yes. The realistic finish comes from moulds taken from real stone, individual shape variation, textured faces, hand finishing and colour movement across the pieces. Once installed in a random pattern, stone cladding creates depth and shadow in a way that flat printed tiles cannot.

Lighting can change how stone slips look, so samples are strongly recommended. View samples in the actual room or outside area where they will be fitted, and compare them against flooring, paint, fireplaces, worktops, garden materials and lighting.

No. Our stone cladding is supplied as individual stone slips rather than fixed panels. This means there are no obvious panel joins and no repeated sheet pattern across the wall.

Individual pieces take a little more care to install, but the result is usually more natural. The installer can blend sizes and colours across the wall, use smaller pieces to close gaps and avoid obvious repeated shapes.

The number of pieces in a box can vary because stone slips come in mixed sizes. The better figure to use for ordering is coverage, not piece count. This FAQ has been set for the planned product update of approximately 0.8m2 coverage per full box.

Measure your wall in square metres, divide by 0.8 and then add wastage. For the easiest route, use the stone cladding calculator before ordering from the stone cladding collection.

Yes. Interior stone cladding works well on living room feature walls, fireplaces, chimney breasts, media walls, stair walls, kitchens, bathrooms, bedrooms, offices and commercial interiors.

It is ideal when a room needs texture and depth rather than a flat painted wall. For internal projects, check the wall is stable, clean and able to hold the weight of the stone slips, adhesive and pointing products.

Yes. Stone cladding can be used externally when installed onto a suitable prepared surface with the correct adhesive, fixing method and protection from water tracking behind the pieces. Customers use it for exterior walls, garden walls, porches, outbuildings, house returns and outdoor feature areas.

External stone cladding needs more care than an internal decorative wall because it is exposed to rain, frost and temperature changes. Use the stone cladding installation guide and check the surface before ordering full project quantities.

Yes. Our stone slips are A1 fire rated and suitable for many fireplace, chimney breast and log burner surround projects when installed with appropriate materials and in line with appliance guidance.

Always check the full installation system, not just the cladding. Adhesive, primer, board, clearances and the appliance manufacturer guidance all matter. If visible returns are present around a fireplace opening, check whether you need matching corner packs from the product page.

Stone cladding can be used around many open fire areas because the slips are A1 fire rated. However, open fires create soot, ash and heat staining, so the finish should be treated in the same practical way as real textured stone.

A suitable sealer can help aftercare, but no textured surface is completely immune to soot. Choose adhesive and backing materials carefully, follow fire guidance and expect some natural weathering if the cladding is exposed to smoke.

Yes. Stone cladding can be used in kitchens as a feature wall, cooker surround, breakfast-bar face or splashback-style area. It gives kitchens a warmer, more architectural finish than a flat painted wall.

Because stone cladding is textured, it is not as wipe-clean as a smooth tile. In splash-prone or cooking areas, sealing after installation is recommended so the surface is easier to maintain.

Yes, stone cladding can be used in bathrooms when the wall base is suitable and the installation is protected from moisture. It works best on feature walls, vanity areas and decorative sections where texture is wanted.

For wet rooms, showers or direct water exposure, the wall build-up must be waterproofed correctly before the stone slips are installed. A suitable sealer should also be considered after installation, especially in humid rooms.

Stone slips can technically be installed on floors if the base is strong, stable and suitable, but they are heavily textured and may not be comfortable or practical underfoot. For most homes, stone cladding is better suited to walls, fireplaces and vertical surfaces.

If you are considering a floor, speak to a competent installer first. Floors need stronger preparation, full adhesive coverage, careful sealing and a realistic expectation of wear and cleaning.

Yes. Our stone cladding is frost resistant when correctly installed, making it suitable for selected exterior projects. Correct installation is still essential, especially outdoors.

Water should not be allowed to sit behind the slips, joints should be finished properly, and the background should be stable. Exterior projects should not be rushed during frost, heavy rain or extreme heat.

Many standard exterior stone cladding projects do not need planning permission, but there are exceptions. Listed buildings, conservation areas, flats, leasehold properties and homes with local restrictions may need approval before the external appearance is changed.

If you are unsure, speak to your local planning office before ordering. Internal feature walls normally do not need planning permission, but external cladding responsibility sits with the property owner.

Stone cladding should not be fixed to weak, damp, flexible, dusty or unstable surfaces. Avoid loose paint, wallpaper, untreated flexible boards, PVC, metal, friable plaster and backgrounds that cannot safely hold the combined weight of the stone slips, adhesive and pointing products.

If the background moves, the cladding can crack or detach. If adhesive bonds to dust or loose paint instead of the wall, the installation may fail. Preparation is one of the most important parts of a long-lasting stone cladding project.

Choose the colour in the space where it will be installed. Cotswold, buff, cream, sandstone and weathered tones create a warmer country-style finish. Grey, light grey, midnight and charcoal tones can feel more modern and architectural.

Images are useful for narrowing the range, but samples are the best way to decide. Browse the stone cladding collection, order the closest samples, then compare them in daylight and evening light before ordering boxes.

Warmer natural tones usually work best for a country-style finish. Cotswold-style stone slips, buff stone cladding, cream tones, sandstone colours and weathered blends can make a room feel softer and more traditional.

These colours are often chosen for fireplaces, chimney breasts, cottage-style kitchens, garden rooms, exterior walls and renovation projects where the aim is a natural aged stone look.

For a more modern look, customers often choose lighter grey, darker grey or charcoal-toned stone slips. These finishes work well with simple furniture, clean lines, black metal details, contemporary fireplaces and more minimal interiors.

The installation still needs to look random and natural, even in a modern setting. Mix sizes carefully and avoid obvious repeated shapes so the wall feels designed rather than tiled.

Yes. Samples are strongly recommended because stone cladding is textured and colour can change under different lighting. A sample lets you compare tone, texture, shadow and finish against your flooring, paint, hearth, worktop, garden materials or exterior wall.

Order samples from the individual product pages in the stone cladding range. Once you have chosen the best finish, use the stone cladding calculator to work out boxes, corner packs and accessories.

Yes. Pointing colour and joint finish can change the final wall dramatically. A lighter mortar can make each stone slip stand out, while a darker mortar can make the wall look more blended and heavier.

Because stone cladding is normally installed as a random stacked finish, the pointing should support the stone rather than dominate it. Test the finish in a small area or on spare pieces before completing a whole wall.

Each stone cladding product page is designed to show the product images, current price, sample option, full box option, corner pack option and calculator. That means customers can move from inspiration to quantity planning without leaving the product.

If you are comparing stone slips, open several product pages from the stone cladding collection and compare product images, sample availability, box coverage, corner details and delivery information before checkout.

Stone cladding can be installed by a capable DIY customer or tradesperson, but it takes patience and careful preparation. The pieces are installed from the bottom upwards and mixed in size and colour to create a natural stacked stone pattern.

The most common mistakes are poor wall preparation, weak adhesive coverage, obvious repeated shapes, rushing the corners and not planning cuts. If the project is large, exterior or around heat, using an experienced installer is sensible.

The basic process is to prepare the wall so it is clean, dry, strong and free from loose material, prime where required, mix a suitable powder-based adhesive, start at the bottom, fit corner pieces first where needed, then build the flat wall in a random pattern.

Smaller stone slips are used to fill gaps between larger pieces, and the installer should step back regularly to check the pattern. Read the full stone cladding installation guide before starting so adhesive, primer, cutting tools and accessories are ready.

No, not normally. Our stone cladding is designed to be stacked randomly, so spacers are not usually used in the same way as regular tile-style wall products. The aim is a natural stone finish with different sizes, shapes and tones interlocked together.

If your installer wants a specific visible joint or mortar finish, they may use their own setting-out method. For most customers, the natural random layout is the correct route.

Stone cladding can be fitted to many stable surfaces, including plaster, plasterboard, brick, block, cement board, concrete, render and suitable tile backgrounds. The surface must be strong enough, clean, dry and properly prepared.

Do not fit stone slips onto weak, dusty, damp or flexible backgrounds. If the wall is porous or high suction, primer may be needed. If the wall is uneven, repair it before installation rather than trying to hide the problem with adhesive.

Use a suitable powder-based flexible adhesive for stone cladding and the surface you are fixing to. For convenience, customers can browse stone cladding accessories, including adhesive options suitable for stone slips.

Follow the adhesive manufacturer's instructions for mixing, open time, bed thickness and curing. Do not point, clean heavily or seal the wall until the adhesive has cured enough for the project conditions.

Primer is recommended on dusty, porous or high-suction surfaces because it helps the adhesive bond properly. The correct primer depends on the background and the adhesive being used.

Allow primer to dry before fitting stone cladding. Do not use primer as a shortcut for a weak surface; loose material, damp, wallpaper and failing paint should be removed before work begins.

Stone slips can be cut with a wet tile saw or an angle grinder using a suitable diamond blade. A wet saw helps keep cuts cleaner and can reduce dust, while an angle grinder can help with awkward detail cuts.

Always wear eye protection, ear protection and a suitable dust mask. Mark cuts carefully, cut outside where possible and dry-lay the area before applying adhesive so the fitting stage stays controlled.

A good tiler, bricklayer, builder or experienced installer should be able to fit stone slips. Choose someone who is comfortable with textured wall cladding, cutting around sockets, creating a random pattern and fitting corner pieces neatly.

Before hiring, ask whether they have fitted stone cladding before, what adhesive they plan to use, how they will prepare the wall and whether pointing or sealing is included.

Our stone slips are sealed during production, but an additional suitable sealer after installation is recommended for kitchens, bathrooms, exterior areas, fireplaces and busy spaces. Sealer can help protect the textured face and make cleaning easier.

Always test sealer on a spare slip or hidden area first because some sealers can slightly change the colour or sheen. Let adhesive and pointing products cure properly before sealing.

The wall should be clean, dry, strong and free from dust, grease, wallpaper, loose paint and weak material. Preparation matters because the adhesive needs to bond to a reliable surface, not to dust or failing paint.

Repair uneven areas, remove loose material and prime where required. If the wall is damp or unstable, solve that problem first. A good stone cladding finish starts before the first piece is fixed.

Yes, if your project has visible external corners, corner pieces should normally be fitted first. This makes the corner look like full-depth stone and gives the installer a clean edge to work back from.

After the corners are set, flat stone slips can be blended into the wall. This helps avoid awkward cut lines on the most visible edge of the project.

Measure the height and width of each wall in metres, multiply height by width to get square metres, then add all wall areas together. This section is set for the planned product update of approximately 0.8m2 coverage per full box, so divide the total wall area by 0.8 and round up to full boxes.

For example, a 3m wide by 2m high wall is 6m2. At 0.8m2 per box, that wall needs 8 boxes before wastage. Use the stone cladding calculator to calculate boxes, corner packs and accessories more safely.

A 2m x 2m wall is 4m2. With the updated 0.8m2 box coverage, divide 4 by 0.8, which gives 5 full boxes before adding wastage.

If the wall has corners, sockets, cuts or awkward edges, add a sensible allowance. For most stone cladding projects, 10% to 15% wastage is recommended so the installer can cut, blend colours and avoid running short.

Yes. Ordering a little extra is sensible because stone cladding needs cuts, colour blending and pattern sorting. Extra pieces also help with future repairs if a wall is damaged later.

We normally recommend 10% to 15% extra depending on the project. Large flat walls with few cuts may need less, while fireplaces, returns, exterior corners, sockets and awkward shapes may need more.

Adhesive quantity depends on wall area, background texture, trowel size, installer method and how much adhesive is needed to create a strong bed. As a simple planning guide, use the product page calculator and accessory recommendations before checkout.

Do not order adhesive purely by guesswork on larger projects. Running out mid-installation is frustrating and can cause delays, especially if the wall is exterior or booked with an installer.

Stone cladding is normally installed as a stacked random finish, so it is not usually set out with regular tile-style spacing. Some projects still use pointing or mortar depending on the desired finish, exterior requirements and installer preference.

If you want visible joints, talk to your installer before ordering. Mortar colour, joint depth and finish can change how the stone looks once complete.

Yes. The stone cladding calculator is the easiest way to estimate full boxes, corner packs, wastage and recommended accessories from your measurements.

Enter each wall size, add any external corner length, choose the unit and allow for wastage where needed. Then order from the same stone cladding product page so box coverage, corner coverage and accessories match the project.

Measure the total height of every visible external corner in metres and add those measurements together. Corner packs cover approximately 1 metre in height, so the total corner length is rounded up into full corner packs.

For example, a chimney breast with two external corners at 2.4m high has 4.8m of total corner length, so it would need around 5 corner packs. Internal corners do not normally need corner pieces.

Corner stone slips are L-shaped pieces used on external corners such as fireplace openings, chimney breasts, pillars, house corners, porch returns, garden walls and feature wall edges. They wrap the finish around the corner so the project looks like full-depth stone.

Without corner pieces, two cut flat pieces can meet on the edge and make the wall look less natural. Corner packs are one of the most useful upgrades for visible returns.

You need corner stone slips when the project has visible external corners. If your stone cladding is being fitted to a flat wall with no outside returns, standard flat stone slips are usually enough.

Common places that need corners include fireplace fronts, chimney breasts, porch returns, pillars, exterior house corners, window reveals and garden wall ends. Measure these separately from the wall area.

Open the product you want from the stone cladding collection and choose the corner pack variant if it is available. Corner packs should be ordered in the same colour and style as the flat stone slips.

Use the product page calculator to estimate corner packs from your total external corner length. If you are unsure, measure every outside return and keep the measurements ready before contacting us.

Yes. Stone cladding samples are available from individual product pages. Samples help you compare colour, surface texture, weathering and finish before ordering full boxes.

Samples are especially useful for stone cladding because one photograph cannot show every colour tone in a naturally varied product. View samples in the real installation space before ordering the full project.

Samples are taken from the same stone slip styles, but stone cladding is naturally varied. A sample shows the colour direction and texture, while a full order will contain a wider mix of sizes, tones and weathering.

Use samples to narrow the choice, then expect the full wall to look richer and more varied once multiple boxes are blended across the installation.

You can compare samples from different stone cladding products, but customers should not order multiple sample packs of the exact same product. One sample pack of each product type is enough to check colour and texture.

For example, you can order a Cotswold sample and a buff sample, but you should not order several identical Cotswold sample packs. Once you have chosen the finish, order full boxes and corner packs from that product page.

Samples are usually sent as smaller parcel deliveries rather than pallets, so they are normally faster than full box orders. Delivery times can still vary by courier workload and location.

If you are planning a project, order samples early and wait until the full order has arrived before booking an installer. That gives you time to check colour, quantity, corners and accessories.

Most projects need stone cladding, corner packs where required, suitable adhesive, primer where required, cutting tools, a mixing bucket, a level, protective equipment and possibly pointing mortar or sealer depending on the project.

Browse stone cladding accessories before checkout, or use the product page calculator to see recommended quantities based on your measurements.

Stone cladding does not normally need spacers because it is installed in a random stacked pattern rather than a regular grid layout. Spacers are more commonly used for tile-style layouts with fixed joint widths.

If your installer is creating a specific joint width, they may use their own spacing method. For the standard natural stone look, focus on mixing pieces and keeping the wall visually balanced.

A suitable powder-based flexible adhesive should be used for stone slips. The right adhesive depends on the wall surface, interior or exterior use, heat exposure and installer preference.

For convenience, use the accessories collection and product page calculator, then confirm suitability with your installer before fitting.

Primer is recommended on dusty, porous and high-suction backgrounds. It helps control the surface and supports a better adhesive bond, but it must be used correctly and allowed to dry.

Primer is not a fix for a weak or damp wall. Remove loose material, deal with damp and repair the surface first, then prime if the surface and adhesive system require it.

Sealer is recommended for kitchens, bathrooms, exterior areas, fireplaces and high-traffic spaces. A suitable sealer can help protect the textured surface from staining and make cleaning easier.

Test first on a spare slip because sealers can slightly alter the colour or sheen. Wait until adhesive and pointing materials have cured before applying a final sealer.

Fireplace projects may need suitable adhesive, suitable backing boards, primer, cutting tools, fire-rated installation materials and a sealer depending on the appliance and location.

The stone slips are A1 fire rated, but the whole installation system must be suitable. Always follow appliance guidance and keep required clearances before fitting stone cladding around heat.

Choose your preferred style from the stone cladding collection, open the product page, select sample, full box or corner pack, choose the quantity required and checkout online.

For larger projects, use the product page calculator first. It helps calculate boxes, corner packs, wastage and accessories so the order is more complete before it reaches checkout.

Orders should be placed online through the website. This keeps the payment secure and ensures the correct stone cladding product, format, quantity and delivery details are attached to the order.

If you need help before ordering, contact us with your measurements, product choice and whether the project has external corners. We can point you to the right product page, calculator and delivery information.

Delivery times can vary by order type, quantity and courier capacity. Samples are usually sent separately as parcels, while full stone cladding box orders are normally delivered by pallet to protect the products during transport.

Always read the latest delivery information before booking an installer. Do not schedule fitting until the goods have arrived and been checked.

Full stone cladding orders are usually sent by pallet because the boxes are heavy and need secure transport. Pallet deliveries are normally kerbside, so plan where the order will be placed when it arrives.

Make sure access is suitable for a pallet delivery vehicle and that someone can check the order. The driver usually cannot carry boxes into the property.

Check the order as soon as possible. If anything looks damaged or missing, note it with the delivery driver where possible and contact us quickly with photos and order details.

Do not start installation until the order has been checked. Reporting damage quickly gives the team the best chance to resolve the issue before work begins.

Returns depend on the order condition, packaging and delivery method. Stone cladding is heavy and often delivered by pallet, so returns must be arranged carefully and kept in suitable packaging.

Because returns can be expensive, ordering samples first is the safest way to choose the right product. Read the latest delivery and returns information before placing a large order.

For general cleaning, use a soft brush, vacuum brush attachment, cloth or gentle cleaning product suitable for the finish. Avoid harsh acids or aggressive chemicals unless they have been confirmed suitable.

For kitchens, bathrooms, fireplaces and exterior stone cladding areas, a suitable sealer can make aftercare easier. Clean gently and test any new cleaner on a small hidden area first.

When installed correctly on a suitable surface with the right adhesive and aftercare, stone cladding is a long-lasting wall finish. The main factors are wall preparation, adhesive choice, coverage, water protection and sensible cleaning.

Exterior projects, fireplaces and wet areas need more careful installation and aftercare than a simple internal feature wall. Preparation and product choice matter more than rushing the finish.

It is better to wait until the full order has arrived and been checked before booking a fixed installation date. Stone cladding is heavy, courier timings can vary and the goods should be inspected before work begins.

Order samples first, choose the product, use the calculator, place the full order, check boxes and corner packs on arrival, then confirm the fitting date. That sequence avoids avoidable delays.

Use the contact options below or visit the contact page. For measuring help, include the wall height, width, total external corner length, the product you like and whether the project is internal, external or near heat.

You can also start by browsing the stone cladding collection, opening a product page and using the calculator to work out boxes, corner packs and accessories.