Flexible stone: what is it, pros and cons, features for interior design

Photo: 3dwallpapermurals.co.uk

Glass wallpaper

Fiberglass wallpaper has some of the best performance characteristics among all finishing materials. They are made from glass fibers, impregnated with modified starch to give the fabric a stable shape. Wallpaper is environmentally friendly, easy to care for, does not burn, does not accumulate static electricity and does not attract dust. This is a special type of wallpaper that can be painted up to 20 times, changing the interior of the room each time.

Glass wallpaper is loved because it can be used in rooms with high humidity and temperature changes: in the kitchen and bathroom.

Photo: iw.dikidaycare.com

Photo wallpaper

Photo wallpaper is a great helper in creating a super-realistic picture. You can buy a ready-made canvas with a pattern applied, or you can choose the picture you like and make wallpaper to order.

Photo: 3dwallpapermurals.co.uk

What is flexible stone and how is it made?

This is a new finishing material patented in Germany. This is a kind of three-layer cake, it consists of fiberglass, an adhesive mixture and the smallest particles of mountain sedimentary rocks - sandstone or marble chips. It is made using two technologies: manually (note to entrepreneurs) and in production. To make it yourself, you will need:

• The table is large and stable.

• Pallets with sides.
• Thick glass on which the slabs will be formed.
• Rack for drying finished products.
• Well ventilated area.

Marble or sand chips are sifted to remove large particles and, if necessary, painted with a special composition. The base - fiberglass - is placed on a pallet, covered with an adhesive composition and stone-sand chips are poured. Then they press down on top and leave to dry for at least a day. When it dries, all that remains is to shake off the stuck crumbs. This is a good and almost unoccupied niche for small and medium-sized businesses.

As for industrial production, it makes sense to develop it where there are sandstone deposits. A thin layer with a unique pattern is cut, sanded and glued to the base. Dry under pressure and remove from the base. The process turns out to be more expensive and labor-intensive due to the high cost of equipment, but the product is more durable.

Masonry pattern and brick texture on wallpaper

The pattern on the wallpaper can depict large, medium or small bricks of a classic rectangular or almost square shape. It can imitate old or new masonry, which allows you to choose the finishing material in accordance with the style of the interior. So, for example, for an attic, wallpaper with a uniform and smooth imitation of masonry is suitable, and for Provence or country style, bricks of different ages would be the ideal solution.

The higher quality the wallpaper, the closer the texture of the imitation is to the original. Some modern manufacturers of finishing materials add tiny fragments of brick to the canvas. This makes the coating more realistic not only visually, but also to the touch. The relief of brick wallpaper can be improved through correctly placed additional lighting sources.

Properties of flexible stone

So, flexible stone is a new generation finishing material. Its advantages:

• Does not burn, does not allow water to pass through.
• It is environmentally friendly and contains no toxic substances. The decorative layer is of natural origin, and the bonding composition is absolutely harmless.
• Durable, can last for decades. Designers guarantee trouble-free operation for 35 years.

• Easy to install and use, leaving no waste.
• Not subject to temperature changes.
• It is universal - it is used for both interior and exterior decoration.
• It is very flexible, and this is its main advantage. Allows you to cover any surface without any problems.
• And, of course, it is not afraid of microorganisms and high humidity.
• Frost-resistant.
• It is lightweight and does not create a load on any building structures.
• In operation, it can withstand temperatures from -45 to +65 degrees.
• Can be mounted on any surface.
• Lastly, he is simply beautiful. Its unique appearance gives great scope for designers.

You can cut it using a regular construction knife or scissors. Well, are there any disadvantages? So far, only one serious drawback has been identified: the high price.

What details are combined with “natural” wallpaper?

The materials used to create a natural interior are well combined with rounded lines, smooth color transitions and clear accents on individual elements. Tall flowerpots with artificial plants, decorative fountains, plain pillows on sofas and furniture in pure shades are what can advantageously emphasize the imitation of natural materials.

Wallpaper with checkered fabric in the interior of a country house

The above wallpapers also look great in tandem with light stretch ceilings with the effect of a starry or daytime sky. Parquet, laminate, and tiles also harmoniously complement wallpaper with imitation of natural materials.

Some designers advise not to overload the room with one texture, so covering one wall with this type of wallpaper is a fashionable trend in the interior. In this case, the rest of the space is painted with a single color paint to make the overall ambiance of the home look more interesting.

Types of flexible stone

• Stone wallpaper. Just like regular wallpaper, it is produced in rolls, just like regular wallpaper, it is used mainly for interior wall decoration. And they glue them in exactly the same way, with the only difference being that the sheets must be glued closely, avoiding overlaps. Layer thickness is 1-1.5 millimeters.

• Stone tiles. It is thicker than wallpaper - about 2-5 millimeters. Used to cover floors and house facades. The size of the tile and its color leave room for the imagination of customers and designers.

• Sheet flexible stone - has the same thickness as tiles, but is produced in plates. The dimensions of the sheets vary widely, but the maximum size is 250 centimeters.

• They are based on polystyrene foam. If you cover the facade with thermal panels, the energy efficiency of the house will increase.

Well, now let's see where and how this amazing material is used.

Properties and characteristics

Flexible stone wallpaper is the thinnest sections of compressed stone granules (crumbs), fixed on a dense base, pre-impregnated with an elasticizing composition.

They are produced in the form of tiles, the thickness of which does not exceed 1.5 cm. The main materials for production are gypsum, sandstone or cement-gypsum mixture.

Most often, in the production of stone wallpaper, it is the gypsum base that is used - a natural material formed from sedimentary rocks.

Gypsum mixed with water is an excellent base for the manufacture of slabs of a wide variety of configurations, from standard rectangular ones to unusual elongated formats.

Casting of elements with the required configuration and geometric dimensions is carried out in polyurethane molds. Coloring agents are usually added directly to the base mass, after which it is thoroughly mixed to ensure deep coloring of the tiles.

It is worth noting that in order to give the products a more saturated color, they can be re-painted after the casting process is completed. The resulting stone wallpaper is somewhat reminiscent of ceramic tile products. The main difference is the texture of the stone.

Specifications

• thickness – 1-3 mm;
• the weight of the canvas with a thickness of 2 mm is 1.3-2.5 kg/m2;
• dimensions – 950x550 mm, 550x315 mm, 315x275, 315x138;
• temperature range of use – from +650 to -30°С;
• service life – 30 years.

Scope of application of flexible stone

Flexible stone is used for:

• Cladding of facades, ground floors.
• Wall decoration in offices and residential premises.
• Decoration of the fireplace area.
• Finishing the work area in the kitchen (kitchen apron).
• Wall decoration in swimming pools, bathrooms, toilets.
• Decoration of stairs and fences in gardens.
• For small decor (lampshades for lamps, for example).

As you can see, the scope of application of this material is very wide, and its demand is also high.

Photo examples in real apartments

Below are a few successful examples of corridor renovations by ordinary people who chose this finish for themselves.

Features of using flexible stone

Let's talk about the application features using the example of stone wallpaper. As already mentioned, they can be used for interior wall decoration, and it will be a very beautiful and durable coating. However, to really make you happy for a long time, strictly follow the instructions.

1. Before finishing the walls, you need to prepare them - treat them with antifungal impregnation.
2. The glue must be selected in accordance with the polymer that was used to create the wallpaper.
3. The glue is applied only to the wall, the back side of the wallpaper remains dry, and it is better to wipe it with a dry cloth before installation.
4. Stone wallpaper is heated with a hair dryer so that it adheres better to the surface.

1. They must be glued “at the joint”; when pasted “overlapping”, thick wallpaper will immediately reveal errors in the finishing. However, in this case, the seams can be softened by heating them with a hairdryer and then rolling them with a roller.
2. Press the wallpaper against the wall with a roller so that it sticks better.
3. Remove the protective film from the material with which it is sold. Yes, this needs to be done after installation is complete.

The joints between the wallpaper, if they are noticeable, can be covered with paint to match, or rubbed with wallpaper scraps. You will be able to see what you have achieved only upon completion.

Unusual types of wallpaper with imitation textures

Wallpaper with natural imitation appeared on the market quite a long time ago. The first options for such materials were wallpaper with a brick pattern. They were used to decorate hallways, verandas and utility rooms. Then this type of finishing underwent quite significant changes, and today we can choose wallpaper that imitates anything, since there are a huge number of options and colors.

Wallpaper with soft velvet upholstery in home decor

On sale there are wallpapers that look like the skins of wild animals, depicting suede coverings that imitate precious stones and reeds. Manufacturers apply real stones, marble chips or sawdust to some fabric bases to give these options greater realism. There are wallpapers with imitation reptile skin, wallpapers in the form of old newspapers and original variations on the theme of “peeling walls”.

Wallpaper imitating a knitted structure

Wallpaper with a pattern of stone, plaster, brick or wood is an excellent replacement for natural materials. Their presence in the interior adds zest to the overall appearance of the room, and the design of the walls itself makes it stylish and non-trivial. If you decide to use such an imitation at home, you will not go wrong. And your design will arouse genuine interest and admiration among guests and loved ones. Because such wallpapers can be anything, but they will never be ordinary.

Flexible stone for flooring

Stone tiles are an excellent material for flooring. Its advantage is that it is not necessary to pre-level the surface. Lay it down starting from the far corner. After laying the tiles, you need to remove the remaining adhesive and be sure to rub the seams using a special compound and a regular brush. Don't forget to also remove the protective film from the product. “Stone” floors look great in “palace”, art deco and classic styles. Flexible stone can withstand heavy physical load, so it is used where increased strength is required - in the bathroom, in the kitchen.

How to choose wallpaper with brickwork

The most optimal type of wallpaper with brickwork is vinyl. They are durable, resistant to moisture, easy to clean, resistant to cleaning, and do not attract dust. The main feature of brick-look vinyl wallpaper is the presence of a relief, which allows the coating to be as close to the real thing as possible. Non-woven wallpaper with brick has the same texture and care is similar to vinyl.

However, non-woven fabric is cheaper and easier to apply. When choosing brick-like paper wallpaper, give preference to samples with a washable outer surface. The realistic image of brick on such wallpaper is inferior to vinyl or non-woven wallpaper, but the cost of the coating is more affordable.

Paintable brick wallpaper is on sale. When choosing this option, remember that it is advisable to paint it with a light color for the first time, and then change it to a darker one.

Flexible stone in the kitchen

There are other uses for this material in the kitchen. What do we expect from a kitchen apron?

• Strength.
• Moisture resistance.
• Insusceptibility to temperature changes.
• So that it does not absorb dirt and odors.
• To be easy to clean.
• To look presentable.

Flexible stone has all these qualities. In addition, it is easy to install and does not deform. A stone apron and stone countertop will give your kitchen an aristocratic look.

Ceiling decoration with flexible stone

We laid the tiles on the floor, but they can be laid on the ceiling in the same way. This is a truly flexible material, so you can make a ceiling of any configuration. A variety of colors gives room to the imagination and allows you to choose the right tone for any interior style.

"Brick" wallpaper in the interior of an office or store

Nowadays, designers increasingly prefer to decorate offices, bars, restaurants, beauty salons and shops in loft, minimalist or urban style. Brick wallpaper will be an excellent solution for decorating these rooms. They will help make your office or cafe bright and memorable, which will have a positive impact on the image of the establishment.

Flexible stone in damp areas

The material is not afraid of high humidity, so it is actively used in rooms where this very humidity is in excess: in bathrooms, bathhouses, saunas, swimming pools. The flexibility of the material allows you to paste it over even plumbing fixtures. The color palette does not limit the choice of style.

Color spectrum

White

A universal color that many designers love. It goes well with other shades, will help to visually expand the space (note to owners of small apartments) and will be an excellent backdrop for contrasting decorative items and furniture.

Photo: 3dwallpapermurals.co.uk

Brown

Warm natural color will help in creating Scandi, eco, and country styles. To create a more picturesque interior, add fluffy textiles, live plants and unusual decorative items. Use in combination with pastel colors (beige, white, sand).

Photo: 3dwallpapermurals.co.uk

Grey

A strict and cold color, as if created for such styles as loft, minimalism, hi-tech. It can be combined with both cold shades (an excellent option for well-lit rooms) and warm shades (for rooms with poor natural light).

Photo: 3dwallpapermurals.co.uk

Red

For lovers of something sharper and brighter, such wallpaper will be a lifesaver. We are not forcing you to buy canvases with red stones, but we suggest you take a look at a more original and colorful option: stones framed with flowers. For such wallpaper, choose neutral furniture, such as a sand sofa.

Photo: 3dwallpapermurals.co.uk

Decorating arches and columns with flexible stone

It is good to use flexible stone to decorate interior arches. It is beautiful and durable, does not weigh down the interior. In this case, the arch can be of any shape - straight, semicircular, figured - the material, as already mentioned, is very plastic. If you have an arch with columns, then cover them with flexible stone as well.

Terms of use

Wallpaper with stones has a number of features that must be taken into account in order to create a stylish and unusual interior:

• When choosing wallpaper, pay attention to the size of the room. If the room is small, large stones will look awkward here, creating the feeling of a cave. Moreover, such a pattern will visually reduce the space;
• The degree of illumination of the room is also important. For rooms where the sun hardly shines, it is better to choose stones of warm colors (brown, sand, beige), and where there is too much sun - cold stones (gray, white);
• do not mix several types of designs within the same room, especially small and large stones. It's better to stick to one option;
• since the wallpaper has a bright pattern with a clearly defined texture, the rest of the interior should be kept in neutral colors so as not to overload the composition;
• we advise decorating only one wall with wallpaper, creating accents, especially for small rooms;
• pay special attention to lighting fixtures that will highlight the beautiful texture of the wallpaper. Wall lamps or floor lamps are suitable for this.

Photo: 3dwallpapermurals.co.uk

External cladding with flexible stone

Everything that has been said above concerns the interior decoration of the room. Now let's see how it can be used outside. Let's start with the stairs. The material is often used to decorate stairs and railings. Most often it is a flexible stone made from marble chips. The staircase looks very rich, the steps are resistant to abrasion.

Finally, the time has come to talk about cladding the facade of the house with flexible stone. There are some nuances here.

1. Before starting work, the surface must be carefully prepared: cleaned of dirt, leveled, sanded, and primed if necessary.
2. Prepare the adhesive composition according to the instructions.
3. Apply a thin layer of it to the surface of the house.
4. Press the sheet or tile against the wall and smooth it out well.
5. Dry with a hair dryer.
6. Apply a topcoat to protect against adverse weather and mechanical damage.

Your home will look very stylish. Want to add even more originality to your look? Combine it with other materials, such as wood.

This material is also used in landscape design - in the decoration of flower beds and gazebo fountains. They can be used to lay out paths in the garden.

Advantages and disadvantages

Flexible stone wallpaper for interior decoration is universal, temperature-resistant, suitable for decorating any interior items and premises, from living rooms to kitchens, balconies and terraces.

They are also used for facade work, for finishing gazebos and verandas. Stone wallpaper in the interior looks great thanks to the variety of textures and colors. Imitation of the most unusual reliefs, differences and original smoothed and sharp corners significantly expand the possibilities of application.

They are uniquely flexible, as a result of which elements can be easily mounted on complex foundations with various unevenness or differences.

Along with resistance to temperature effects due to the non-flammability of gypsum, stone tiles are 100% waterproof and do not absorb moisture or steam, thereby eliminating the possibility of increasing humidity in the room due to the formation of dampness.

Also, the excellent moisture resistance of the material indicates its practicality. Caring for decorative coating is simple and comes down to periodic wet cleaning with a damp cloth or sponge.

To achieve the best effect, it is allowed to use non-aggressive detergents. Aggressive compounds can seriously damage the surface, discoloring it.

Since gypsum, when heated, does not emit any harmful or toxic substances, flexible stone wallpaper is rightfully recognized as environmentally friendly.

Another feature of gypsum stone wallpaper is its thermal conductivity of 0.1 W, which, of course, does not classify it as an excellent thermal insulator, however, even this value is enough to save precious heat in the room.

It is impossible not to note the phenomenal density and strength of the wallpaper. This indicates not only excellent resistance to mechanical stress, but also the resistance of the tiles to abrasion, which determines their durability.

The service life of the highest quality non-woven fabrics does not exceed 20 years, but here the manufacturers guarantee 30 years.

Impeccable external characteristics are the next advantage. A variety of shades, textures and reliefs allow you to choose a laconic option for any stylistic direction of the room and add originality and nobility to the interior. The possibility of combination with other decors allows you to emphasize the individuality of the finish.

Installing stone wallpaper is a completely feasible task for doing it yourself. Most of all, the installation process is similar to finishing with ceramic tiles, but in a much simplified manner.

The need for careful adjustment of elements is eliminated; it is enough to maintain the correct horizontal and vertical lines. They are easy to process. They can be sawed, adjusted, trimmed and sanded, and their low thickness makes the task even easier.

Flaws

The price for stone wallpaper is an order of magnitude higher than the cost of the most expensive fiberglass or non-woven fabrics today. The high cost is precisely the first disadvantage.

The second is the fragility of the tiles. The material tolerates transportation especially poorly, so craftsmen advise purchasing 15% more than the calculated quantity.

Flexible stone decor

Flexible stone is widely used as decoration. This material is translucent, so it is especially good as lampshades or shades for lamps.

The result is very soft diffused light. The absolute non-flammability of the material makes it possible to decorate a fireplace with it. If you place a painting or figurine in a niche covered with stone wallpaper, they will sparkle with completely different colors. Cover the windowsill with flexible stone and your green plants will simply bloom against this background.

The material is used as the basis for a design applied using ultraviolet printing.

Apply it to a wall covered with stone wallpaper and get an image that will not fade for many years. It does not matter where it is located - in the living room or in the bathroom.

Appearance

Thanks to existing technologies, tiles are produced that imitate:

• topaz;
• brick;
• sandstone;
• granite;
• slate;
• basalt;
• quartz;
• marble, etc.

The simplicity of the production process allows you to make stone wallpaper with your own hands, significantly saving money.

Features of using flexible stone

It remains to focus your attention on a few more important points.

1. Don’t get too carried away with it: don’t decorate the walls, ceiling, and floor with flexible stone, it will look too intrusive.
2. In small rooms, use it carefully, otherwise you can overload the interior.
3. The shade of the flexible stone should be in harmony with the color of the furniture in the interior.
4. If you lack experience, entrust the interior design to a professional, otherwise the result may disappoint you.
5. Do not use flexible stone of the same color. A harmonious interior is achieved if different shades of this material are used.
6. If you coat the flexible stone with varnish, its service life will increase.

Of course, the option of finishing with flexible stone cannot be called budget. This position compensates for the long service life. Decorate your interior this way, and you will forget about repairs for decades. We hope that the article has given a comprehensive description of this amazing material.

Natural interior: subtleties of implementation

Home design in a natural style is a good way to achieve comfort and tranquility in your own home. But few people think that imitation timber, brick or fabric may also be appropriate in a workroom. Decorating a spa salon with wallpaper with imitation plaster means giving it a luxurious and expensive look. Many types of imitation wallpaper are used in lobbies, hotels, sports centers, travel agencies and beauty salons.

Leopard wallpaper in the bedroom

Mosaic wallpaper

Finishing options with natural elements are made in soothing colors. At the same time, they are not at all boring, look presentable, and open up space for design maneuver. Some types of wallpaper with imitation brick can also be found in bright interior variations.

Wallpaper for tiles in oriental style

Wallpaper with glitter in the bedroom interior

When embodying what styles do designers most often use imitation wallpaper? Imitation is used in the following cases:

Loft

A style that has become the hallmark of a modern interior. It necessarily has a brick finish, smooth color transitions and a minimum number of large parts. Wallpaper with an imitation brick pattern is best suited for finishing in this style.

Animal skin wallpaper for living room decor

Classic

It is difficult to imagine a classic interior without traditional wood panels. Imitation of timber and other wood is what helps create classics in an authentic form.

Modern

This style, like its bohemian variants, is perfectly complemented by leather wallpaper and fabric variations imitating leopard or tiger skin. With the help of such techniques, the special chic of a room in the Art Nouveau style is achieved.

Wallpaper imitating an aged wall, in Art Nouveau style

Country

This design option is rarely seen in modern apartments, but country houses are often decorated this way.

Provence

A sophisticated and uncomplicated design option in the style of the French suburbs is perfectly achieved using imitation plaster, stone and wooden blocks.

Russian style

Here, imitation of timber and logs are the main interior techniques that can convey the whole atmosphere of the Russian village.

Ethno

This style is as difficult to create without imitation, as it is modern without glass parts; Wallpaper that imitates stone will come in handy here.

Wallpaper imitating brickwork in the bedroom interior

The use of this type of wallpaper is not limited to the above examples. The area of ​​their application can be any direction in interior design.

Wallpaper imitating old brick in the kitchen