StonePly offers a variety of finishing texture options:

• Polished: A smooth, reflective finish.
• Honed: A smooth, non-reflective finish.
• Flamed: A rough thermal finish created by exposing the stone face to a high temperature flame then quickly cooling the stone in water.
• Sandblasted: A rough finish created by blasting the face of the stone with sand.
• Acid Washed: A rough finish created by applying an acid bath to the stone face.
• Waterjet: A rough finish created by shooting water jets across the face of the stone.

Jerusalem Beige Limestone 

Atlantis Resort, Paradise Island, Bahamas 

To learn more about StonePly texture options, call 903-454-4630, email info@StonePly.com or visit the website at www.StonePly.com
About StonePly
StonePly is the leading stone on aluminum honeycomb panel manufacturer. To meet its commitment to provide “any stone form anywhere in the world” StonePly maintains a global network of procurement in Europe, South America, Asia, Africa and the stone quarrying centers of the world. Offices, manufacturing and warehousing facilities are in Greenville, TX. Family owned and operated for over 25 years, StonePly is the oldest stone on aluminum honeycomb panel manufacturer and supplier under the same ownership. Clients and commissions include NASA, The US Nuclear Regulatory Agency, US National Park Service, Rolex, Hyatt, Disney, Atlantis Resort, Four Seasons and others.

The post StonePly Stone Cladding Textures and Finishes appeared first on Stone Panel Information.

THE STONE SELECTION

“Designers have a mental image of the stone look they want, but actually describing it is another story. And sometimes they won’t know it until they see it. A good stone façade provider is going to listen, interpret what you’re asking for and provide samples and suggestions. We help with finding the best stone, finish, attachment and detailing that works with the actual building you are designing.

StonePly offers the world’s largest selection of natural stone on honeycomb backing, and that makes the process of finding “the perfect stone” easier. We have stone from quarries all over the world, including some stones that are exclusive only to StonePly. Our goal is to help you find the ideal balance of a stone that is flattering to your particular design, durable and cost effective. If you have a particular stone in mind, we can start the process there. Providing a picture of a stone you like is a huge help too.”

White Carrara

Impala Black

Indiana Limestone

Perlato Svevo

THE ATTACHMENT

“StonePly makes stone panel attachment easier, stronger and safer. With the StonePly system, there are options in stone panel attachment and we like to show designers those choices and help them select the one that is best for the façade of their particular project. Do they need insulation behind the stone panels? Do they want a hurricane resistant stone cladding? Will it be an open joint rain screen cladding or a sealed joint system? Or does your project have a really unusual condition that needs a custom attachment method? We help you work through all that.”

Z-clip installation for StonePly panels

The concealed screw attachment method for StonePly panels

THE SURFACE FINISH

“The surface finish of the stone can make a huge difference in the appearance of the stone. Your options for stone surface finishes used to be limited to just polished or honed. Now there is sandblasted, flamed, waterjet and a host of other stone finishes available. You want a supplier who can offer you all of those finish options and who will work with you to find the best finish for your stone panel project. StonePly can do that and we are here to help.”

Polished Granite

Sandblasted Granite

Shop StonePly selection of stone panels here.

View Stone Façade specifications here.

Need assistance with your particular project or have a question? We are here to help. You can fill out our contact form or call one of our very informative specialists at 903-454-4630.

The post HOW TO: GET A GREAT LOOKING STONE FAÇADE FOR YOUR PROJECT appeared first on Stone Panel Information.

When designing a retail store, office building, or other commercial buildings the main key is to draw the eye to the building. By adding text or carving you can do just that!

StonePly offers many different options for eye pleasing additions to any building, as well as help you define your design.

Select from carving, sandblasting, etching, lettering or leafing.

Also available with custom inlays of bronze, metal or stone.

Carving Styles Include:

• V-Carved / V-cut
• Laser Etched
• Polished and Sandblasted (Polished and Halftone)
• Polished Raised
• Sandblasted Engraved Shadow
• Shape Carved

Want to make your sign stand out? Why not add a sandblasted gold color infilled sign to the exterior.

Baltic Brown Granite panel with sandblast cut letters and gold color filled

Adding carved detailing to the exterior of the building is also a great way to get people to notice your building. StonePly offers both 3D Carved designs and Carved Letters that is sure to add appeal to the building.

Shape Carved (Full 3D carved designs)

V Carved Letters

StonePly is also able to do other patterns and letters. Just let us know your idea and we will make it come to life!

Inscribed Pattern

If you want something a little different, StonePly can also manufacture your panels with raised lettering or designs.

Raised Letter Carved

Raised Element Carving (2D)

Product and service highlights

If you have digital art, we can use it.

If not, send us your ideas, sketches and concepts and we will create the artwork.

Feel free to contact us at 903-454-4630 if you have any questions

The post Carved Graphical Elements in StonePly appeared first on Stone Panel Information.

1. THE COLOR

Stones run the gamut from light to dark and all colors in between. Keep in mind that dark stones can get very hot to the touch in full sun. In areas where people can touch the stone, a black or dark brown stone may not be a good choice.

White Carrara

Impala Black

2. SURFACE FINISH

How a stone appears depends upon color, pattern and reflectivity. Color is made up of reflected light and the texture of the stone’s surface affects that. Polished stones tend to be darker, while sandblasted or flamed stones appear lighter. A black granite may appear deep black when polished, light gray when honed and an even paler shade of gray when flamed. When selecting cladding stones, make sure you see both the stone and the finish before you decide.

Polished Granite

3. PATTERN

Some stone a homogeneous in pattern. Others have a strong pattern or veining. When installed, the pattern should all run the same direction. Make sure to get this one right, or you could wind up with a hodgepodge of a pattern.

4. DON’T CRACK UP

When designing a façade, keep in mind that ordinary slabs can shatter and fall in a high wind, seismic or hail condition. StonePly features an aluminum honeycomb backing that is bonded to every square inch of the stone. It’s hurricane proof, large missile impact resistant and earthquake resistant.

Even in hurricanes, even in earthquakes.

5. HAVE A STRONG ATTACHMENT

The cladding panel should be permanently bonded to an aluminum honeycomb and fastened to the structure. Unlike ordinary slab connections that are only at the edges, StonePly connections are fast, super secure and engineered to last.

Aluminum Honeycomb Backing

Now that you know what to look for and design for in stone cladding project, here are a few projects to look at.

Attachment details can be found at Details

Specifications are available at Specs

For assistance with a particular design or attachment question, we are here and eager to help.

The post How to: FIND THE PERFECT STONE FOR YOUR CLADDING PROJECT appeared first on Stone Panel Information.

StonePly Sight and Urinal Screens are made from natural stone bonded to an aluminum honeycomb core. Designers can select from thousands of natural stone types. Finished edges can also be added to the urinal screens for an appealing look.

Typical Finished Edge Detail

Benefits and Advantages

• High Strength: Up to 80 times the impact strength of slab stone
• Waterproof
• Lightweight for less load on walls and faster and easier installation.
• StonePly ® is available in thousands of varieties of natural stone
• Custom made to your requirements

 Sight Screens and modesty screens

Typical sight screens are 48″ to 55″ high and either wall mounted, wall and floor mounted or wall, floor and ceiling braced.

Typical layout of StonePly stone urinal screens

Typical side view of StonePly urinal screens

Urinal Screens

Wall-Hung Urinal Screens are typically 42″ or 48″ high.

Urinal Screen Wall Mounting Elevation

Screen panels are attached to the wall with stainless steel, plated brass or aluminum brackets.

Urinal Screen Mounting Detail

They may be wall mounted, wall and floor mounted or wall, floor and ceiling braced.

Hardware

StonePly urinal screens and sight screens work with a variety of commercial hardware. For most applications, a good quality stainless steel or aluminum hardware is recommended. You may order the hardware and urinal screens as a complete package, or order just the urinal screen panels from StonePly and use with your own hardware.

Note to installer: Consult local and national codes and ADA requirements. Conformity and compliance to codes is the responsibility of the installer.

Field verify all dimensions.

Since StonePly partitions weigh only 5 lbs. per square foot, they are easily mounted to walls with standard partition hardware. 

Sample layout of urinal screens

Contact Us!

For more information on how StonePly can help you create beautiful and long lasting Urinal Screens please contact us at 903-454-4630 or fill out our contact form.

The post StonePly Natural Stone Urinal Screens appeared first on Stone Panel Information.

Travertines are one of the more popular stones for cladding applications. The pitted and layered appearance has been attractive to designers and architects since ancient times. Travertines have a stratified appearance as they are formed by the overlapping of horizontal stone layers. The stone has a number of small holes more or less parallel to the direction of the bedding layers. Travertine is prized as a wall cladding for its undulating layered pattern of bedding and its natural voids. The layered appearance is accentuated by the pitting which varies in size and frequency. Italy is source for the best known varieties of travertine, but travertines are also quarried in Mexico, Turkey and elsewhere around the world.

Italian White Travertine or Travertine Bianco is the primary white travertine quarried in Italy. Due to the small number of quarrying areas and their limited production, the availability of white travertine varieties for exterior or interior cladding projects can be fairly limited. Thanks to the efficiency of the StonePly process, more cladding can be produced with less stone and that helps ensure an adequate supply of travertine for any sized project. Other travertines include Silver, Walnut, Golden and Roman.

Travertino Romano Travertine (Beige Travertine)

Quarry blocks from the travertine quarries are generally medium-sized. From these blocks StonePly panels are produced as 4′ by 8′ panels or in sizes custom produced for your application. The travertine face of the StonePly panels is typically 1/4″ thick with a backing of either 1/2″ or 3/4″ aluminum honeycomb. The panel weight is around 3.4 lbs per sq ft. For some special applications a fiberglass backing or an aluminum composite backing can be used. The StonePly travertine on aluminum honeycomb cladding panels offer 60 times the impact strength of ordinary travertine, are able to resist hurricane force winds, large missile impact testing and seismic racking.

Applications

Travertine StonePly panels are suitable for cladding and wall panels for both interiors and exteriors. Despite the pitting, travertine is surprisingly resistant to freeze thaw and StonePly’s travertine cladding panels are suitable for use in freezing weather and appropriate for all climates. Ordinary travertine panels are porous to water and, when used as a cladding, they can leak rain into the wall cavity. StonePly travertine panels have a solid sheet of aluminum behind them that makes them impervious to the passage of moisture.

The surface of travertine wall panels and cladding is generally either polished or honed. When used as a flooring, travertine should be filled to avoid dirt collecting in the voids. This can be done at the factory and involves filling the voids with a resin and stone powder or a cementitious stone filler.

Testing and Standards for Travertine Panels

StonePly travertine panels are tested to various standards including UL, ASTM standards and ICC/IRC or IBC (International Building Code) standards. Testing has also been done to confirm compliance with the International Residential Code and International Fire Code standards.

StonePly also offers extensive testing data to Canadian standards. For our European clients, StonePly offers testing to UK (BS), Italian, European Standards and other testing standards. Engineering is available for the panels and their attachments for cladding, curtain wall or other applications.

Some of the ASTM standards and specifications that apply to travertine cladding include:

ASTM 330-02 Standard Test Method for Structural Performance of Curtain Walls

ASTM E1996-05B Specifications for Performance of Impact Protective Systems Impacted by Windborne Debris in Hurricanes

ASTM C1527 / C1527M-11Standard Specification for Travertine Dimension Stone

ASTM C97/C97M Test Methods for Absorption and Bulk Specific Gravity of Dimension Stone

ASTM C99/C99M Test Method for Modulus of Rupture of Dimension Stone
ASTM C119 Terminology Relating to Dimension Stone
ASTM C170/C170M Test Method for Compressive Strength of Dimension Stone
ASTM C241/C241M Test Method for Abrasion Resistance of Stone Subjected to Foot Traffic
ASTM C1528 Guide for Selection of Dimension Stone

Large Missile Impact Testing:  Large missile impact tests involve firing a weighted 2 X 4 at the stone cladding panel. The test simulates the impact of large windborne debris, such as wood framing, tree limbs, posts and other large objects. The test involves impact followed by severe pressure cycling. The StonePly panel passed, while the ordinary stone slab control was broken and failed.

Small Missile Impact Testing: The small missile impact test simulates smaller wind-borne debris, such as hail or roof gravel. The cladding panel must resist windborne debris followed by severe pressure cycling.

Testing information is available here.

In architectural specifications, StonePly Travertine Cladding may be specified under:

SECTION 07420 NATURAL STONE REINFORCED PANELS (EXTERIOR)

SECTION 09452 NATURAL STONE REINFORCED PANELS (INTERIOR)

These specifications are available here.

If your project involves travertine cladding, wall panels, travertine elevator panels or other applications where a super strong, lightweight and easy to install travertine panel would be appropriate, contact us. Our specialists are available to help you with details, pricing, specifications or other questions you may have.

The post Guide to StonePly Lightweight Travertine Panels for Stone Cladding and Wall Panels appeared first on Stone Panel Information.

About Stone Ply for Airplane Interiors

At first glance, stone on an airplane sounds like an extravagant idea. But consider this; StonePly weighs about the same as plywood, it’s non-combustible and beautiful. So thanks to the strength and lightweight properties of StonePly, airplane designers are able to use the exquisite beauty and quality of natural stone on private and corporate jets.

Designers, manufacturers and outfitters of custom airplane interiors for private and corporate jets have found StonePly to be a useful way to introduce the high end appeal of stone to their projects. StonePly offers a lightweight, strong and attractive real stone finish for airplane galleys, lavatories, flooring and tables. And in addition to the beauty and uniqueness of natural stone panels for aircraft interiors, StonePly also offers custom marble and granite insets, medallions and logos for use on airplane floors, tables and partitions.

Testing StonePly for Aircraft Interiors

The U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) requires certain materials be fire tested. This following is a brief summary of Stone Ply’s test results and flame resistance abilities.  For additional information on testing of aircraft materials, refer to the “Aircraft Materials Fire Test Handbook” for a description of all FAA-required fire test methods for aircraft materials.

Fire Resistance of StonePly Lightweight Stone Panel for Aircraft Interiors

StonePly offers designers of aircraft interiors a non flammable panel made up of a thin stone face bonded to a non flammable aluminum back panel with an aluminum honeycomb core. The materials are bonded together with a thin layer of high strength epoxy.

Airplane Interior Test: Vertical Bunsen Burner Test for Cabin and Cargo Compartment Materials

Result: Passed

StonePly meets or exceeds the requirements of the test. The tested StonePly aluminum honeycomb backed stone panels:

• Did not ignite
• Did not flame
• Did not drip
• Did not spread flame

Scope: This is a test for airplane interior finishes. This FAA test method is intended for use in determining the resistance of materials to flame when tested according to the 60-second and 12-second Vertical Bunsen Burner Tests specified in Federal Aviation Regulation (FAR) 25.853 and FAR 25.855.

Samples were 3/4″ StonePly (1/4″ stone face and 1/2″ aluminum honeycomb), 2″ by 12″ samples. Both marble on aluminum honeycomb panels and granite on aluminum honeycomb panels were tested. The StonePly stone panels were exposed to the flame from a 3/8-inch Bunsen burner with a 1550°F minimum flame temperature for 60 seconds.

Result: No ignition, flaming, dripping or spread of flame. 

StonePly Aluminum Honeycomb Stone Panel Testing: Vertical Bunsen Burner Test for Cabin and Cargo Compartment Materials

In the above test, the StonePly stone/aluminum honeycomb panel did not ignite, flame, drip or spread flame.

Airplane Interior Test: 45-Degree Bunsen Burner Test for Cargo Compartment Liners and Waste Stowage Compartment Materials

Result: Passed

This is a test for airplane interior finish materials used in cargo compartments. It is a similar test to the vertical test listed above, except for the angle of the panel. StonePly panels meet or exceeds the requirements of the 45- Degree Bunsen Burner Test. Both granite on aluminum honeycomb and marble on aluminum honeycomb panels were tested. When tested, StonePly:

• Did not burn
• Flame did not penetrate any of the specimens
• Glow time of less than 1.5 seconds was less than the 10 second standard to pass

Airplane Interior Test: Horizontal Bunsen Burner Test for Cabin, Cargo Compartment, and Miscellaneous Materials

This test method is intended for use in determining the resistance of materials to flame when tested according to the 15-second horizontal Bunsen burner tests specified in FAR 25.853. In this test, materials for airplane interiors are subjected to the flame of a Bunsen burner. StonePly granite on aluminum honeycomb and marble on aluminum honeycomb panels were tested.

Result: Passed.

Burn Rate – 0

• Did not ignite
• Did not flame
• Did not drip
• Did not spread flame

Conclusion

StonePly is safe for use in aircraft interiors.

If you have questions about attachments details or stone varieties available, contact StonePly.

The post StonePly Stone Panels: Testing for Aircraft Interiors appeared first on Stone Panel Information.

The Historic Preservation Alliance of Arkansas recently honored Entergy for its preservation of the Arkansas Power and Light building in Little Rock. This “International Style” office building was built some 52 years ago using marble slab cladding. When it was built the building was heralded for its sleek lines and modern appearance.

Entergy Building

The Challenge

Over time, the solid marble cladding from the 50’s had begun to deteriorate and bow. What the original architect had not considered was tendency of slab marble to bowing. The problem with the 1 ½” thick solid marble cladding slabs is the calcite that they are made of. When the marble warms in the sun, the calcite crystals expand and contract at different rates along different internal axis. Over time, the combination of bowing and weathering weakened the marble cladding panels.

Stone Panel Bowing

The Solution

With the panels posing a real hazard, Entergy contacted Cromwell Architects and Engineers. Because of the weight of thick stone slabs there was concern with how the older building could support them. Then they found StonePly. The StonePly panels gave Entergy the ability to keep the original stone finish and style, while simplifying replacement and reducing the weight on the historic structure. With StonePly the rigid aluminum honeycomb composite keeps the stone panels straight and stable.

Extensively tested and proven

To ensure that there would be no problems with the new cladding, the StonePly panels were rigorously tested by WJE (Wiss, Janney, Elstner Associates) of Chicago. The panels were subjected to testing for freeze thaw resistance, acid rain, bond strength, flexural and other properties. The StonePly panels performed extremely well. In a review of the testing results, Michael Stenstrom of SSI stated “SSI is very comfortable with stating that these panels exceed any building code requirements for bond strength, tensile strength, flexural strength, or horizontal shear strength”.

Restoring the original appearance

To keep the original marble appearance, StonePly obtained the marble from the same quarry the original marble slabs had come from. StonePly then cut the blocks into slabs. Aluminum honeycomb was bonded to each slab. The slabs were then sliced and polished to produce thin ¼” thick sheets of the marble permanently bonded to the super strong aluminum honeycomb backing. This allowed the new cladding to be installed quickly, minimized the load on the structure and created a panel that was 90 times stronger in impact resistance than the original stone slabs. The office remained open and in operation while the re cladding took place.

The Award Winning Results

The new panels were light enough to minimize the load on the historic structure and, thanks to the aluminum honeycomb backing, were easily and quickly installed. The office now stands restored to its former glory and stronger than it was before. Thanks to StonePly, the building kept its material integrity, is no longer in danger and maintains a National Historic Register Listing.

For more information on how StonePly can help you re-clad your historical building, contact us at 903-454-4630 or fill our our contact form.

The post Re Cladding a National Historic Register property with StonePly appeared first on Stone Panel Information.

StonePly is the leading producer of stone elevator panels. StonePly has developed lightweight, real stone elevator panels that are stronger, higher quality, easier to install and economical.

Padre Hotel

StonePly elevator cladding panels offer several advantages and benefits:

• Beautiful and stylish natural stone surfaces
• Meets flame spread and smoke density requirements
• Code compliant
• Strong and durable
• For new elevator cabs or retrofits of existing elevators
• Lightweight real stone panels
• Simple installation
• High Quality
• Affordable
• Select from granites, marbles, limestone, onyx and travertine
• Concealed ventilation can be incorporated into design
• Custom Made to Your Exact Dimensions

Selection of Stone Panels for Elevators

What stones are available? Almost any stone from anywhere in the world. We offer the world largest selection of custom sized lightweight stone panels for elevator interiors. So if you are looking for stone for your elevator interior, contact us here or give one us a call at 903-454-4630. We are here to help.

The post StonePly Stone Elevator Cab Panels appeared first on Stone Panel Information.

“The project went well, install was easy and it looks good. I wish all jobs went this easy and fast” -Don W.

Rolex’s Largest Retail Store in North America Opens in Vancouver

Rolex is a luxury brand with a long rich history of style, quality and engineering. And for their new store they selected StonePly, a stone panel system with style, quality and engineering. The store is the largest Rolex store in North America.

For the Rolex boutique, StonePly provided the stone panels and cladding in a honed Crema Marfil marble. The store draws inspiration from the sea and water, in the spirit of the Rolex Oyster. Invented in 1926 by Rolex, the Oyster was the world’s first waterproof watch. The store is located in the Shangri La Hotel on Alberni Street. In addition to the StonePly marble panels, the store features cream colored leather sofas, bronze detailing and laser etched glass.

The StonePly was installed by Great White Cladding of Saanichton, BC. Great White has installed various StonePly projects throughout British Columbia, both on the mainland and Vancouver Island.  

Benefits to Retailers and Retail Designers

StonePly offers designers of retail shops the high end, quality look and feel of fine stone, with the speed, ease and simplicity of a lightweight aluminum panel. It’s a great way to use natural stone efficiently, quickly and safely. It’s also comforting that StonePly is a product with a proven track record of successful projects with luxury brands.

Retail store designers need to balance beauty, durability and functionality. StonePly can be an ideal solution for storefronts, facades, wall cladding, signage, fixtures and displays.

·       The storefront and store finishes reflect the brand and StonePly natural stone provides the look and feel of quality, beauty, reliability and permanence.

·       StonePly speeds construction, installing up to 10X faster than dimensional stone.

·       StonePly allows designers to use stone freed from the constraints of weight.

·       Up to 60X the impact strength of dimensional stone for outstanding durability.

·       Simple attachment and easy to work with.

·       StonePly offers a proven track record in luxury fashion, automotive, jewelry, financial services, resort and hospitality environments.

The post Rolex Store features StonePly Surfaces appeared first on Stone Panel Information.