How is Sandstone Cladding Done Step-by-Step for Interior and Exterior Walls

Sandstone wall cladding is an elegant way to introduce nature-inspired textures and colors into your architectural and interior design projects. Whether you are beautifying the façade of a luxury villa, designing the interiors of a premium hotel, or upgrading your home's living room feature wall, sandstone offers a timeless and earthy appeal that few materials can match. With its rich texture, diverse color palette, and weather resistance, sandstone has become a top choice for both interior and exterior wall cladding in 2025.

In this comprehensive guide, we take you through the step-by-step process of installing sandstone cladding. From the tools you’ll need to common mistakes to avoid, this article is crafted to help homeowners, architects, interior designers, and contractors achieve stunning results. Earthstona, one of India’s leading manufacturers and global suppliers of premium sandstone cladding, brings you this detailed resource to ensure that your project is executed to perfection.

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Tools & Materials Required

Before you begin, gather the following tools and materials:

• Sandstone Panels or Tiles: Choose from styles like banana leaf, chinnar, palm, or minimal grooved.

• Adhesive/Tile Mortar: A flexible RDP-based tile adhesive suitable for natural stones.

• Trowel & Notched Trowel: For spreading adhesive.

• Spirit Level or Laser Level: Ensures straight and level tile placement.

• Grouting Tools: Rubber float and sponge.

• Sealant: Breathable stone sealant for finishing.

• Cutting Tools: Angle grinder with diamond blade.

• Protective Gear: Safety goggles, gloves, face mask.

Preparing the Wall Surface

1. Cleaning the Surface: Begin by removing any dust, oil, or flaking paint from the wall.

2. Leveling: Use a straight edge to check for surface evenness. Uneven walls need plastering using a cement-sand mix.

3. Curing: Allow the wall surface to cure for at least 24–48 hours before starting installation.

4. Waterproofing: For exterior walls, apply a waterproofing membrane or coating to prevent moisture absorption.

5. Marking Guidelines: Use a chalk line or laser to mark vertical and horizontal guides for perfect alignment.

Planning the Layout (Mockup)

A mock-up helps in visualizing the final result and ensures minimal wastage.

1. Dry Laying: Lay the sandstone panels on the ground to assess the pattern.

2. Choose a Pattern: Decide whether you want a brick bond, vertical alignment, random joint, or leaf-patterned layout.

3. Alignment: Ensure natural grains align correctly, especially for natural finishes.

4. Expansion Joints: Leave small joints for expansion, especially for exterior cladding.

5. Wall Marking: Transfer the mockup layout to the wall using chalk or pencil.

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Applying Adhesive

1. Adhesive Selection: Use polymer-modified, flexible adhesive suitable for natural stone.

2. Mixing: Prepare the adhesive paste as per the manufacturer’s guidelines.

3. Application on Wall: Using a notched trowel, spread adhesive on the wall evenly.

4. Back-Buttering: Apply a thin adhesive layer on the back of the tile for better grip.

5. Small Sections: Work in small 2x2 ft. sections to avoid drying out of adhesive.

Fixing Sandstone Panels

1. Start from the Bottom: Begin laying from the bottom row and move upward.

2. Positioning: Place each tile/panel against the adhesive-coated wall and press firmly.

3. Tapping: Lightly tap using a rubber mallet for better adhesion.

4. Check Level: After every row, verify alignment using a spirit level.

5. Joint Spacers: Use spacers to ensure uniform joint gaps.

6. Corners: Use L-shaped pre-cut pieces or cut tiles at 45° angles for corners.

7. Cleaning: Immediately clean any adhesive spilling onto the stone’s surface.

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Grouting the Joints

1. Dry Time: Wait at least 24 hours for the adhesive to cure.

2. Grout Type: Use a cement-based, water-resistant grout matching the tile tone.

3. Application: Use a rubber float to press grout into joints.

4. Wiping: Wipe excess grout using a damp sponge before it hardens.

5. Drying: Allow joints to cure for 24 hours.

Finishing and Sealing

1. Sealant Type: Use a breathable, stain-resistant sealant designed for sandstone.

2. Application: Apply with a brush or spray after complete drying.

3. Finish Options: Choose matte for a rustic look or glossy for a rich appearance.

4. Enhancing Grain: Sealants can also enhance natural colors and grains of the stone.

Maintenance Tips

• Regular Dusting: Use a soft brush or vacuum cleaner.

• Mild Cleaning: For stains, use pH-neutral cleaners.

• Avoid Harsh Chemicals: Do not use acid-based cleaners.

• Re-Sealing: Every 2–3 years, apply a new coat of sealant.

• Inspect Joints: Check for loose panels or cracks periodically.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Skipping Waterproofing: Especially critical for outdoor applications.

2. Inadequate Surface Prep: Leads to tile popping and poor bonding.

3. Improper Adhesive: Regular cement mortar may not bond well with stone.

4. No Expansion Gap: Can lead to cracks in changing weather.

5. Messy Grouting: Allowing grout to dry on stone surface can stain permanently.

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Why Choose Earthstona for Sandstone Cladding

• Trusted Indian Manufacturer: Earthstona is known for its quality and reliability.

• Wide Variety: Choose from classic, carved, leaf-inspired, or minimal modern sandstone panels.

• Customization: Made-to-order panels with global shipping.

• Support: Technical guidance and professional export packaging.

• Competitive Pricing: Starting at just Rs. 85 per sq. ft. in India.

Conclusion

Sandstone cladding offers a harmonious blend of durability and visual appeal, making it an ideal choice for enhancing the character of both interiors and exteriors. Following the proper steps ensures a lasting, professional-quality installation. Whether you're building a hotel, a resort, or a private residence, Earthstona delivers top-tier sandstone cladding solutions tailored for your design needs.

Ready to transform your space? Reach out to Earthstona today for samples, catalogs, and expert support.