One of the most frequent questions we receive at Petra is: "Can you really install natural stone in a single day?" The answer is yes, and in this article we show you exactly how the StoneFlex installation process works, step by step.
What is StoneFlex and why is it different?
StoneFlex is authentic natural stone—not an imitation, not a printed vinyl, not ceramic with a stone look. These are ultra-thin sheets (1-3 mm) cut directly from natural stone blocks using a patented process that preserves the original texture, color, and veining of the mineral.
What makes StoneFlex revolutionary is that it retains all the beauty of natural stone while eliminating its traditional limitations: excessive weight, complex installation, and prohibitive costs.
Materials needed
Before starting, make sure you have:
- StoneFlex sheets (calculate the area + 10% extra for cuts and adjustments)
- Flexible natural stone adhesive (we recommend the official StoneFlex adhesive)
- 3 mm notched trowel
- Rubber roller for uniform pressure
- Utility knife or precision cutter
- Laser or bubble level
- Painter's tape
- Clear sealant (for final finish)
- Damp cloth for cleaning during installation
Step 1: Surface preparation
Preparation is the most important step. A well-prepared surface ensures perfect, lasting adhesion.
Compatible surfaces: concrete, drywall, plywood, fiber cement, metal, and painted surfaces in good condition.
Surface requirements:
- Must be clean, dry, and free of dust, grease, or residue.
- Must be flat. Irregularities greater than 3 mm should be leveled beforehand with leveling compound.
- New concrete surfaces must have at least 28 days of curing.
- Painted surfaces should be lightly sanded to improve adhesion.
Professional tip: run your hand over the surface. If you feel dust or residue on your fingers, it needs additional cleaning. Adhesion depends directly on the quality of this preparation.
Step 2: Design planning
Before applying adhesive, dry-lay the StoneFlex sheets over the area to define the layout. This allows you to:
- Visualize the final result before committing.
- Optimize cuts to minimize waste.
- Decide on vein orientation for a more natural result.
- Identify pieces for visible areas vs. those that will be cut for edges.
Mark the main guide lines with painter's tape. Use the laser level to ensure the first row is perfectly horizontal; all others will align from this one.
Step 3: Adhesive application
Apply adhesive with the notched trowel on both the wall surface and the back of the StoneFlex sheet (double-gluing method). This ensures 100% coverage and prevents air pockets.
Key points:
- Work in sections of no more than 1 m² at a time to prevent the adhesive from drying before placing the stone.
- Adhesive thickness should be uniform: approximately 2-3 mm.
- For exteriors, use exterior-rated adhesive that resists moisture and temperature cycles.
Step 4: Sheet placement
Start from the bottom left corner and work upward and to the right:
- Place the StoneFlex sheet on the adhesive, aligning it with the guide marks.
- Press firmly from the center outward to eliminate air bubbles.
- Roll the rubber roller in all directions with uniform pressure.
- Immediately clean any excess adhesive with the damp cloth.
- The joint between sheets can be minimal (1-2 mm) or butt-jointed, depending on aesthetic preference.
For cuts: StoneFlex can be cut with a standard utility knife. Mark the cut line on the back face, make several passes with the knife, and snap cleanly. For curved cuts, use a jigsaw with a fine-tooth blade.
Step 5: Sealing and finishing
Once all sheets are placed and the adhesive has begun to set (wait at least 2 hours), apply the clear sealant:
- The sealant protects the stone against stains and moisture, and facilitates future cleaning.
- Apply with a sponge roller in thin, uniform layers.
- For exteriors, we recommend two coats of sealant with complete drying between each.
- The sealant doesn't alter the stone's color or texture; it's completely transparent.
Step 6: Curing and initial care
After installation:
- Wait 24 hours before exposing the surface to direct water.
- Avoid strong impacts during the first 48 hours while the adhesive reaches maximum strength.
- Regular cleaning requires simply a damp cloth and neutral soap.
- Do not use acidic or abrasive cleaners that could damage the natural stone.
Real installation times
For a concrete reference based on our experience:
- Feature wall (5-8 m²): 3-4 hours including preparation.
- Complete bathroom (12-15 m²): 5-6 hours.
- Residential facade (20-30 m²): 1 full day.
- Fireplace: 2-3 hours.
These times are with an experienced installer. If it's your first installation, add 30-40% more time.
Need professional help?
Although StoneFlex is designed to be installed more easily than traditional stone, we recommend working with a certified installer for large-scale projects or complex surfaces. At Petra, we have a network of trained installers throughout Honduras and El Salvador who can guarantee impeccable results.
Contact us for a quote that includes material and installation, or if you prefer to DIY, our technical team can provide guidance throughout the entire process.
