The Entergy Building in Arkansas was reclad with beautiful, thin marble panels from StonePly.

How to Select Thin Stone Panels

Whether you are replacing existing stone panels that are deteriorating or you are looking for a unique look for your structure without added weight, a good solution is to use thin stone panels that are now available as a cost-effective, durable, and easy-to-install architectural solution.  However, there are some factors to think about when selecting thin stone panels for your project.

Defining Thin Stone Panels

Thin stone panels combine natural stone, including granite, marble, travertine, onyx, sandstone, slate and limestone, with the strength of a backing material that reinforces the panels without adding weight.  This unique combination delivers a thin panel that can be used in a wide array of applications, such as floors, retail store fronts, elevator cladding and floors, curtain walls, and waterfalls and fountains. The thin stone panels can be used on both interior and exterior applications.

Selecting Thin Stone Panels

When selecting thin stone panels for your project, here are some factors to think about to ensure you have made the right choice:

• What is the application? Certain types of stone, such as limestone, do not work well outdoors while others, such as granite, can handle the elements better.  Specific types of stone also are more effective on the side of a building rather than an elevator floor. If your project involves replacement of existing stone, your choice may be limited to matching the original stone whereas a new build project has many more options.
• What is the look and design you are trying to create with the panels? Think about your aesthetics and what colors, grains, and textures would match the overall desired visual effect.
• What is your budget? Price is always a factor when selecting a stone type as exotic stones are always going to be more expensive than domestic stone.

Case Study: Entergy Building Lightens its Load

To illustrate the importance of selecting the right type of stone panel, consider the case study of Entergy Building in Little Rock, Arkansas. The original building had been constructed over 50 years ago and had been a model of modern architectural style. However, over time, the solid, thick marble cladding on the sides of the building has begun to bow and deteriorate due to heating from the sun and weathering of the panels.

Intent on maintaining the architectural beauty of the building, Entergy contacted Cromwell Architects and Engineers who then turned to StonePly for help. They needed assistance in deciding what type of stone panel could provide the look of the marble and be consistent with the building’s overall look while reducing the building load.

StonePly assisted by providing customized thin stone panels that matched their specifications.  In fact, StonePly used marble from the same quarry where the original marble slabs had come from and bonded its aluminum honeycomb backing to create lightweight panels that were consistent with the building’s original appearance. The result was a lighter load and panels with 90 times the impact resistance of the original stone slabs.

Using StonePly’s Thin Stone Panels for Your Next Project

StonePly has helped clients all over the world to update their buildings, solve architectural issues, and create modern structures. To discover how StonePly can help you, call us at 903.454.4630 or complete our contact form.

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Beautiful elevator cab wall cladding by StonePly.

Thin Stone Veneer Panels

Stone veneer panels are a popular solution for many applications. Unlike solid stone panels, these innovative panels are a cost-effective and flexible solution. From a diverse array of finishes and design choices to durability and energy efficiency, many architects and building restoration companies are realizing the significant benefits of StonePly Panels.

Defining StonePly Panels

StonePly is made from real stone that has been bonded to aluminum honeycomb panels or aluminum composite material panels.  Using this combination of materials, StonePly panels can be used in a variety of ways, including flooring, custom walls, waterfalls and fountains, retail storefronts, elevator floors and cladding, curtain walls and stone partitions.

Finishes and Design Choices for Stone Veneer Panels

Adding to its flexibility, these thin stone veneer panels come in a wide range of design choices that include:

• Granite
• Travertine
• Limestone
• Onyx
• Slate
• Sandstone
• Marble
• Alabaster

StonePly also offers custom, honed, or polished finishes. The stone panels can be further customized with logos, signs, and emblems that are etched onto the panels.

Benefits of StonePly Stone Panels

StonePly thin stone veneer panels have a wide range of benefits to consider:

• Design, fabrication, and installation speed: Solid stone cladding has many more variables involved in the design process, often slowing the design and engineering progression. In contrast, StonePly stone panels are prefabricated and arrive at the construction site ready for installation. Because the panels are thin and lightweight, they can also be installed more quickly than slab panels.
• Certified quality and durability: The stone used in StonePly panels comes from certified quarries. StonePly undertakes a thorough inspection process to ensure the highest quality possible. This quality can be seen in impact strength that is 60 times greater than solid stone panels and impact strength that means it can resist wind speeds of over 300 mph.
• Year-round installation: Because StonePly panels do not require mortar or epoxy for outdoor applications and are installed with z clips or screws, they can be installed year round. Even winter weather or wet days do not stop the stone panels from being installed.
• Functionality:  StonePly stone panels provide a thin cross-section that maximizes the interior floor space and offers more room for insulation.
• Low Maintenance: StonePly is highly durable and resistant to aluminum corrosion. Additionally, it only has to be re-caulked every 15-20 years. Since moisture penetration and stone efflorescence are eliminated, maintenance is even lower.
• Environmentally Friendly: In many ways, these thin stone veneer panels are environmentally friendly, helping to reduce  environmental impact and providing high energy efficiency through a radiant barrier and room for greater insulation materials. Eliminating moisture penetration also reduces the risk of mold growth while also providing better indoor air quality. Even the stone panels themselves meet many of the criteria used for LEED Standards because they are recyclable, reduce transportation during shipping and increase building insulation.
• Safety and Security:  The thin stone veneer panels can be used in earthquake prone areas. They have been tested for vibration, sheer, and racking. StonePly panels are also made from noncombustible materials and have been given a Class A flame spread certification.
• Severe Weather Protection: StonePly panels have passed tests that exposed the panels to Category 5 hurricane force wind speeds. The panels also passed tests that gauge their durability during other high wind conditions.

Your Thin Stone Veneer Panel Partner

When you are looking for a seasoned partner to provide you with thin stone veneer panels for your next construction project, think StonePly and contact us by phone at 903.454.4630 or fill out our contact form.

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