A Comprehensive Guide to Stone Wall Installation Methods

Introduction

Stone has long been a symbol of luxury and elegance in construction and interior design. This guide explores the main methods of marble wall installation, detailing their processes, advantages, and limitations to help you make an informed decision.

1. Wet Fix Installation

Process Overview

Wet fix installation involves leveling the surface with a plaster layer and using cement mortar or adhesive to fix the marble onto the plaster. This method is commonly used for indoor installations, suitable for walls up to 3.5 meters in height or for lighter, thinner marble tiles.

Installation Steps

1.Preparation
2.Base surface treatment
3.Marble inspection and layout
4.Preparation of adhesive
5.Application of adhesive on the wall
6.Application of adhesive on the back of the marble
7.Marble installation
8.Joint filling
9.Cleaning and maintenance

Key Considerations

Ensure the wall base is properly inspected and treated to meet the required moisture content, flatness, and cleanliness standards.
Proper mixing of adhesive is crucial, and marble tiles should be gently tapped with a rubber mallet and leveled during installation.
Keep the marble back dry and avoid immediate joint filling post-installation.

Advantages

Requires less skilled labor and is relatively simple to perform.
Short construction period and low cost.
Thin finish, saving space with a total thickness of 40mm-50mm.

Disadvantages

Higher risk of stone detachment, cracking, and efflorescence.
More stringent requirements for the base surface.

2. Wet Hanging Installation

Process Overview

Wet hanging involves attaching the marble with metal wires or brackets and then filling the gaps with cement mortar. This method is often seen in textbooks or standards and is typically used for exterior walls, rarely applied indoors.

Installation Steps

1.Preparation
2.Drilling and cutting marble
3.Securing with copper or galvanized wire
4.Tying and fixing the steel mesh
5.Marking and positioning
6.Marble installation
7.Layered grouting
8.Joint filling
9.Cleaning and maintenance

Key Considerations

Slower construction due to multiple grouting layers and longer curing times.
Higher costs due to the use of additional materials and labor.
Risk of voids in grouting and efflorescence.

3. Dry Adhesive Installation

Process Overview

Dry adhesive installation, particularly the non-framework method, involves treating the base surface, drilling holes at the corners of each marble tile, filling them with structural adhesive, and inserting a bolt-steel plate structure into the holes.

Installation Steps

1.Preparation
2.Marking and positioning
3.Drilling and adhesive filling
4.Inserting bolt-steel plate structure
5.Marble slotting and cleaning
6.Application of special adhesive
7.Marble installation
8.Joint filling
9.Cleaning and maintenance

Key Considerations

Thorough cleaning is crucial for quality, as improper cleaning can lead to detachment.
Use special dry adhesive for marble attachment; marble glue is only for temporary fixing.

Advantages

Simplified, noise-free, and dust-free construction.
Wide applicability, especially for special areas.
No welding or fire hazards.

Disadvantages

1.Preparation
2.Marking and positioning
3.Installing embedded plates
4.Installing the light steel frame
5.Fixing hanging brackets
6.Marble slotting and installation
7.Joint filling
8.Cleaning and maintenance

Key Considerations

For large marble panels, ensure adequate hanging points to prevent detachment.
Secure steel frame and hanging brackets with proper fasteners to ensure stability.
Use chemical bolts for wall heights exceeding 6 meters.

Advantages

High safety due to physical rather than chemical attachment.
Good earthquake resistance and no efflorescence.
Durable steel frame structure.

Disadvantages

High cost and labor-intensive.
Requires significant space for the steel frame.
Risk of cracking under vertical force due to hollow structure behind marble.

5. Semi-Hanging Installation

Process Overview

Semi-hanging involves installing horizontal steel beams on the wall base, connecting them with expansion bolts, and fixing the marble with hanging brackets. It can be seen as a simplified dry hanging method with only horizontal support.

Installation Steps

Limited to specific wall types; not suitable for lightweight or framework walls.

6. Point Hanging Installation

Process Overview

Point hanging uses discrete brackets fixed to the wall with expansion bolts, with the marble slotted and attached to these brackets. This method is typically used for lower interior walls.

Installation Steps

1.Preparation
2.Marking and positioning
3.Fixing hanging brackets
4.Marble slotting and installation
5.Joint filling
6.Cleaning and maintenance

Key Considerations

Ensure adequate curing time for adhesives to prevent early failure.
Clean marble surfaces only after adhesive has fully cured.

Advantages

Minimal wall thickness and fewer materials required.
Lower cost compared to full-frame methods.

Disadvantages

Limited to specific wall types; not suitable for lightweight or framework walls.