Rules for decorating a balcony with a stone with your own hands and how to choose a material
Among the existing options for finishing the balcony, stone (artificial or natural) stands out for its original texture. This decorative material is suitable both for the entire surface of the walls and for individual rooms. The growing popularity of stone is due to the fact that such a finish provides a cozy atmosphere. In addition, the decorative material tolerates mechanical stress well and is not afraid of moisture.
Description and characteristics of the material
For the decoration of the balcony, artificial stone is mainly used. This material is made by mixing:
- sand;
- cement;
- plasticizers;
- fillers;
- reinforcing elements.
Artificial stone is comparable in strength and durability to natural stone. However, the former, due to its lower weight, is easier to stack.
Some artificial stone manufacturers add additional components to the initial mix that increase moisture resistance and change the texture and color of the material.
This allows you to choose a finish that exactly matches the chosen balcony design.
Varieties of decorative stone
According to the initial components, this decorative material is divided into the following types:
- untreated natural stone;
- rubble;
- masonry;
- stone panels;
- limestone or sandy and others.
The choice between these materials is mainly due to the size of the budget and personal preferences. The characteristics of the stones above are similar.
raw natural stone
The most expensive, but at the same time durable option, used for interior decoration of an apartment. It is recommended to use natural stone in cases where major repairs are carried out on the balcony. It should also be borne in mind that this material significantly increases the load on the bearing walls. Therefore, natural stone should be used for finishing small areas.
Marble
The most expensive and durable option for finishing a balcony. Marble is distinguished by its attractive appearance and high weight. This material is difficult to work with (specialized equipment will be required for trimming).
Granite
Granite is used to decorate rooms in a classic style. This material, due to its glossy surface, visually expands the space on the balcony in sunny weather.
Quartz
Quartz (or rhinestones) for interior decoration is produced in the form of pressed plates, differing in polished luster and various colors.This material can withstand increased loads, but it does not tolerate mechanical stress (in comparison with other types of natural stone).
Butovy
Artificial rubble stone outwardly resembles large pebbles or boulders. This material is characterized by irregular edges and different shapes.
Masonry
Externally, this type of finish resembles a brick, which is distinguished by the presence of specially made chips, irregularities and other defects.
Sandstone panels
Stone panels (industrial marble, ceramic granite) are characterized by a variety of shapes and colors. This finish is suitable for decorating walls and floors.
"Bricks" of limestone or sand
This option is suitable for creating uneven walls. Such "bricks" are distinguished by an elongated, slightly flattened shape and slightly protrude above the treated surface.
Chipped
The cut stone is similar in appearance to the previous decorative finish. The main difference is that the first is produced in the form of "bricks" with more pronounced chips and uneven edges.
Soft
This option is sandstone, which is applied in a thin layer on a fiberglass backing. This material can be bent by hand. In this case, the integrity of the finish is not violated.
Designate
Due to the fact that various additives and forms of reflux are used for the manufacture of decorative coatings, there are many varieties of this material.
Designers can combine features from each of the above finishes.
Characteristics and comparative analysis of popular materials
The basis of the decorative coating is made of the same components. The differences in characteristics between the materials are due to the additives that the manufacturers add to the original mixture.
Stoneware
Porcelain stoneware consists of:
- feldspar;
- minerals;
- coloring pigments;
- clay.
During the manufacturing process, the mixture from which the porcelain stoneware is made is aged in a press. Thanks to this, the material acquires increased strength. Porcelain stoneware is produced in the form of tiles with a flat surface.
Acrylic
Acrylic is characterized by the following characteristics:
- does not fade in the sun;
- does not deform;
- moisture resistant;
- lightweight.
Acrylic stone is easy to install. This material is available in different colors.
Quartz
Artificial quartz is outwardly indistinguishable from the real one. The only difference between the materials is that the former has a shorter lifespan. The characteristics of artificial and natural quartz are the same.
Stone effect plaster tiles
Plaster tiles imitating natural stone are characterized by low weight. This type of finish does not tolerate mechanical stress and increased stress. In addition, gypsum is capable of accumulating water, and therefore it is recommended to mount such material on a glazed balcony.
Advantages and disadvantages of using artificial stone
Artificial stone, as a finishing material, has the following advantages:
- attractive appearance;
- a wide variety of textures and colors;
- increased strength compared to other finishing materials;
- ease of installation;
- lightweight;
- increased fire resistance;
- resistance to corrosion and moisture;
- respect the environment.
Artificial stone provides additional thermal insulation of the walls, which is especially important when arranging a balcony or loggia. The main disadvantage of this finish is that the material is relatively expensive.
How to choose a seat?
The choice of a place on a loggia or balcony for decorative coating depends on personal preferences. It is important to consider that artificial stone weighs more than other common materials.
Therefore, if this coating is mounted on the exterior walls of the balcony, you need to purchase a light (especially plaster) finish.
The stages of interior decoration
Decorative stone is laid in three stages. First you need to prepare the surface on which the coating will be attached. After that, you can proceed to the installation of finishing material.
Coaching
At the preparatory stage, it is necessary to level the wall. Due to the fact that decorative stone weighs more than other finishing materials, it is recommended to apply plaster to the mesh. In addition, beacons should be fixed on the wall, along which the stone will be transported in the future.
If the surface is heavily tamped (the gap exceeds 5 centimeters), it is recommended to use green plasterboards for leveling (moisture resistant). And in cases where the balcony has wooden walls, the latter are pre-finished with cement-bonded chipboard. In this case, the stone is fixed by means of specialized adhesives. After leveling, the surface is primed with a suitable mixture.
How to do it yourself correctly
Balcony cladding is made in two ways: with jointing or without seams. The first option is recommended for beginner finishers.
With join
This option is reminiscent of laying tiles in a bathroom. To create joints between the stones, spacers (crosses) are exposed. The gap between the tiles should be 0.5-1 centimeters. But if desired, the seams can be reinforced.
Seamless way
This method is suitable for experienced finishers. According to this method, the tiles are fitted to each other as tightly as possible so that there are no gaps at the joints. If the glue comes out after pressing, the excess must be removed immediately.
Styling
The general order of installation is as follows:
- Artificial stone is laid out on the floor in the form of a pattern, which will be transferred to the wall.
- The profiles are attached to the wall, along which the laying is carried out.
- Construction glue is prepared according to the instructions.
- Using a comb, the glue is applied first to the wall, and then to the facing material.
- Each tile fragment is pressed against the prepared surface with little effort.
The first row of tiles is laid at a small distance from the floor. For this, a bar is mounted from below. The tiles are cut in the floor area.
Completion
After laying, the tiles should be left for 12-48 hours for the adhesive to solidify completely. If the method with assembly was used, then at the end of the specified period, you need to wipe the seams using the appropriate composition and a construction syringe.
The material should be applied immediately, avoiding gaps. The grout dries in 24 hours.
Examples of design solutions
There are many options for wall cladding with decorative stone. This finish can be combined with wallpaper, wood, plastic and other materials. Decorative stone is often used to emphasize a separate part of the balcony (corners, door, etc.).