Installation guide

How to install natural stone veneer sheets

How to install natural stone veneer sheets

Installing stone veneer is within everyone's reach. Thin (1 to 2 mm), light and flexible, it cuts with a saw and is bonded with a caulking gun. Follow the steps in order, one action at a time.

What you need

What you need

Materials and products

Step 1

Prepare the sheets

  1. Check the sheets on delivery, before installing them.
  2. Lay them out on the floor and mix them for a harmonious result: as with any natural stone, shades and veins vary from one sheet to another.
  3. Number them on the back: you will then install them in the chosen order, without hesitation.

Step 2

Prepare the wall

Prepare the wall
  1. Check the surface: clean, dry and flat, between 10 and 30 °C.
  2. On existing tiles: clean, degrease and fill recessed grout lines.
  3. Draw a level line at the bottom of the wall: it is your installation reference, as floors and ceilings are rarely straight.
  4. If the whole wall is visible, start from the middle: equal cuts on both sides, with no strip narrower than 10 cm.

Step 3

Cut the sheets

Cut the sheets
  1. Make all cuts before applying adhesive.
  2. Apply masking tape along the cut line, measure twice, mark with a ruler.
  3. Lay the sheet stone side down on the table: the blade enters from the back, with no chipping.
  4. Make a test cut on an offcut, then cut with the right tool (table below).
  5. Sand the edges with 120-grit paper.
  6. Dry-fit the sheets against the wall to check the cuts.
Type of cutToolBlade or disc
StraightCircular saw guided by a rail or straight edgeFine-tooth carbide blade (60 to 72 teeth) or continuous-rim diamond disc
CurveJigsawFine-tooth blade for metal or laminate
Round hole (socket, tap)Drill + hole sawBi-metal or diamond hole saw; the cover plate will hide the edge
Notch, inside cornerMulti-toolCarbide or diamond segment blade
EdgesSanding block120-grit sandpaper
Cut the sheets

Step 4

Apply adhesive to the back of the sheet

Apply adhesive to the back of the sheet
  1. Protect the edges on the stone side with masking tape.
  2. Turn the sheet over, stone side down on the table.
  3. Cut the nozzle for a 5 mm bead.
  4. Run a bead all around, 1 cm from the edge.
  5. Add parallel beads every 2 to 3 cm.

Step 5

Position and press

Position and press
  1. Set the bottom of the sheet on the level line, then fold it against the wall: it can still be adjusted for a few minutes.
  2. Press from the centre outwards, with a roller or cloth, to push out the air.
  3. Check with the level and immediately wipe off any excess adhesive.
  4. Tap the sheet: a hollow sound means there is not enough adhesive.
  5. Place the next sheet edge to edge, pressed against the previous one, and wipe off the adhesive that rises into the joint.
  6. Work row by row, from bottom to top.

Step 6

Finish the corners and edges

Finish the corners and edges
  • Inside corner: fit the 2nd sheet against the 1st, then seal with silicone.
  • Outside corner: let it overhang by 2 to 3 mm, then sand flush after 24 h.
  • Junction with the floor, ceiling or a worktop: Ottoseal S70 silicone between two strips of masking tape, smoothed with a finger dipped in soapy water; remove the tape straight away.

Step 7

Let it dry, then protect

Let it dry, then protect
  1. Let it dry for 24 h; full strength after 48 h.
  2. Test the sealer on an offcut: it may slightly deepen the colour.
  3. Apply Lithofin Fleckstop W with a short-pile roller or a brush, from bottom to top.
  4. Wipe off the excess before it dries to avoid white marks.

All done!

All done!

For everyday care, clear water and a soft cloth are enough (or Lithofin MN Easy Clean).

In a shower or bathroom

Same steps, with 4 extra precautions:

  • Waterproof surface: moisture-resistant board with sealing resin, or descaled existing tiles
  • Adhesive: a continuous bead all around each sheet
  • Silicone at every junction: corners, shower tray, taps
  • Sealer: 2 coats, then 24 h before the first shower

Backlit translucent veneer

Backlit translucent veneer
Backlit translucent veneer

Preparation, cutting and protection: as above. Only the backing changes: the sheet is bonded to 8 mm white diffusing acrylic (Plexiglas), placed in front of a light box.

  1. Bond the sheet to the acrylic: spray neoprene contact adhesive on both surfaces, wait a few seconds, then join them.
  2. Paint the inside of the box white and fix white acrylic spacers (15 × 5 cm) to the back.
  3. Install the LED strips: spacing = box depth × 1.5 (10 cm deep, one strip every 15 cm).
  4. Bond the panel to the spacers with extra-strong clear adhesive.
  5. Run a stone-coloured silicone joint around the edge to block the light.
See our translucent stone veneer ›

Frequently asked questions

Can it be installed over tiles?

Yes, without removing them: clean, degrease and fill any recessed grout lines.

Can it go in a shower?

Yes, on a waterproof surface, with silicone at every junction.

Is it heat-resistant?

Up to about 120 °C, as fireplace cladding, with no contact with flames.

What about curved surfaces?

Yes, the sheet bends down to a radius of about 5 cm.

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