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Installation

How to install ultra-thin stone panels.

An industry-standard guide for designers and installers working with HDS thin stone panels. Every project is different — consult the specific adhesive and sealer manufacturer instructions and reach out to our team if you have questions.

  1. Prepare the Substrate

    The surface must be clean, dry, structurally sound, and free of dust, oil, or loose material. For interior walls, drywall or cementboard is ideal. For exterior applications, cementboard or a primed masonry substrate is required. Test flatness — any deviation larger than 1/8" over 8' should be corrected before proceeding.

  2. Dry-Fit the Layout

    Lay out the panels on a flat surface and arrange them to balance color and veining across the final installation. Thin stone is a natural material — slight variation between panels is expected and should be composed, not hidden.

  3. Apply Adhesive

    Use a polymer-modified thinset or construction adhesive rated for your substrate and use case. Apply with a notched trowel (typically 1/4" × 1/4") in even strokes. Follow the adhesive manufacturer's open-time guidance — ultra-thin panels can lose grip if the thinset skins over.

  4. Set the Panels

    Press each panel firmly into the adhesive with a clean foam float or a rubber-backed roller. Work from the center outward to avoid trapping air. Maintain consistent joint widths if joints are specified; many flexible-sheet installations are butt-jointed for a seamless appearance.

  5. Cut and Trim

    Cut with a wet saw using a continuous-rim diamond blade for clean edges, or score and snap for straight cuts on thinner flexible sheets. Always cut face-up unless the manufacturer specifies otherwise. Dust masks and eye protection are mandatory.

  6. Grout or Fill

    If joints are specified, apply a non-sanded or lightly sanded grout compatible with natural stone. Remove excess grout promptly with a damp sponge. Many feature-wall installations skip grout entirely for a continuous stone face.

  7. Seal the Surface

    Apply a penetrating stone sealer appropriate for your finish (matte, satin, or enhancer). Exterior installations require a weather-rated sealer with UV inhibitors. Re-seal on the manufacturer's recommended schedule — typically every 2–5 years.

  8. Protect and Inspect

    Protect the finished surface from adjacent trades until the project is complete. Inspect joints, edges, and corners under project lighting and touch up any visible seams with manufacturer-approved color-matched filler.

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