What Is Flexible Stone Veneer? A Plain Guide

Flexible stone veneer is real stone, separated into a layer only 1 to 3 millimetres thick and bonded to a flexible backing. The result is a sheet that looks and feels like stone, but bends, weighs very little and can be cut with simple tools.

This guide explains how it works in plain words, so you can decide whether it suits your wall, furniture or curved surface.

How flexible stone veneer is made

Manufacturers start with a block of natural stone such as slate or quartzite and separate a very thin layer from its face. That layer is bonded to a backing, commonly polyester resin with fibreglass, which holds the stone together and gives the sheet its flexibility.

Because the visible face is the stone itself, each sheet keeps the colour, grain and small irregularities of the parent block. No two sheets are exactly the same.

What a sheet is made of

• Stone face. A thin layer of genuine stone. This is what you see and touch.
• Bonding layer. Holds the stone to the backing.
• Flexible backing. Gives the sheet its bend and strength. Stoneart offers Poly (polyester), translucent and fleece backing; see the backing guide for what each is suited for.

A translucent backing allows light to pass through the stone when it is lit from behind, which is used for glowing feature walls and lit panels.

How thin and how light it is

Industry figures put flexible stone veneer at roughly 1 to 3 mm thick and about 1.5 to 2.5 kg per square metre, far lighter than solid stone slab. Stoneart's Natural Stone veneer is 1.5 to 2 mm thick and comes in two sheet sizes:

• 610 × 1220 mm (2 × 4 ft)
• 1220 × 2440 mm (4 × 8 ft)

Light sheets are easier to carry, transport and fix, and they place little load on a wall or partition.

Which stones are used

Stoneart's Natural Stone range is organised by stone type, so you can compare like with like:

• Slate and quartzite: layered, fine-grained surfaces in greys, blacks, greens and rust tones.
• Sandstone: warm, grainy surfaces from soft yellow to deep red.
• Marble: crystalline stone with veining and a wide range of colours.
• Limestone: smooth, matte surfaces from cream to soft grey.
• Concrete-look: understated, even greys with fine pores.

Our guide to choosing between them shows each type with examples.

Where it is used

Stoneart lists these applications for its Natural Stone veneer:

• Interior walls and feature walls
• Kitchens and bathrooms
• Living spaces and commercial interiors
• Furniture and doors
• Facades, porticos and outdoor walls

Because it bends, veneer can also follow gentle curves, columns and pillars, which solid stone cannot do. For wet areas and outdoor walls, ask your supplier to confirm the right backing, adhesive and finishing for the exact conditions before you specify.

How it is installed, in general terms

In general, sheets are cut to size with a utility knife or saw and bonded to a clean, dry, sound surface with a suitable adhesive. The exact method depends on the product, the surface and the setting, so always follow the supplier's installation guidance.

What to know before you choose

• Colour varies naturally. Stone is never uniform. Look at physical samples before you decide, and plan for some variation between sheets.
• Choose the backing for the job. Polyester, translucent and fleece backings suit different uses.
• Prepare the surface. Veneer is thin, so the wall or board behind it should be clean, dry and flat.

Common questions

Is flexible stone veneer real stone?

Yes. The visible face is a thin layer of natural stone, bonded to a flexible backing. Stoneart's Poly Stone is a separate range of large-format sheets with natural stone textures; see the Poly Stone collection.

Can it be used on curved walls and pillars?

Yes. The flexible backing lets the sheet follow gentle curves and wrap columns. How tight a curve a particular sheet can follow depends on the stone and its thickness, so check with your supplier for the radius you have in mind.

How can I see the colours?

Browse the full range of Natural Stone colours or contact us to request samples.