StonePly Residential makes it easy to use real quarried marble in your bathroom shower.

Natural Granite vs. Cultured Granite
When remodeling your shower, you may be struggling to decide between going with natural granite or using cultured granite because you heard it could save you some money but offer a similar look. This article provides you with information on both types of shower materials, including the benefits of each type as well as how StonePly Residential’s granite shower kits combine the best of both types of materials.

Natural Granite
Natural granite comes from quarries and is made from mica, feldspar, silica and quartz. It is an igneous rock that comes from volcanic material that has cooled, producing a wide selection of colors, patterns, and speckle. No two pieces of granite are alike, which creates a unique look for your bathroom shower. Its beauty is difficult to replicate even with today’s technology.

Being a natural product formed of the earth, granite is strong and highly durable. Granite’s beauty can be expected to last for generations because it stands up to all kinds of elements. This also helps granite add to a home’s equity.

Granite tends to be an expensive material to use because a specific color or pattern may be rare. What makes it costly though is the installation. It is thick and heavy and requires special equipment to cut and shape the pieces to fit your bathroom.

Cultured Granite
As an alternative to natural granite, cultured Granite is a man-made material that combines polyester resin, a catalyst, fillers and pigments. It is mixed up and put in molds that have been coated with clear gel, which gives the cultured granite a tough and durable surface. It can be produced in a wide range of colors.

This man-made material is durable, resisting chips, dents, abrasions, mildew, water and stains under normal use and with proper maintenance. It costs less than quarried granite and offers a seamless look. Cultured granite is fairly easy to clean and maintain.

While cultured granite may achieve a look similar to that of real granite, it doesn’t add to a home’s value like the addition of natural quarried stone.

Granite Shower Kits and Custom Granite Showers
Our shower kits and custom granite showers provide an excellent alternative to cultured granite by making natural granite simpler to work with. The StonePly Residential solution uses a thin sheet of natural granite and applies a lightweight but highly durable and flexible material to this sheet. It looks like natural granite because it is natural granite but since it is not as thick, the StonePly material is easier to cut, shape, handle, transport and install. This gives you natural granite for your shower but at a much lower price.

Other advantages include a seamless look with no grout lines, easy maintenance, and long-lasting beauty. Plus, you can enjoy the same low maintenance as cultured granite without concern that the material will become vulnerable to water.

You can enjoy one of StonePly’s granite shower kits that are great for standard size shower spaces. Or, if you are looking to create a more expansive shower for your master bath and have special measurements, we can create a custom granite shower for you.

Order Your Shower Now!
To get an estimate for your new granite shower you can reach the StonePly Residential team at 903-259-6478 or via email at sales@stoneply.com. You can also opt to fill in our contact form: https://www.stoneply.com/en/contact-us/.

StonePly Residential offers an array of color choices in both granite and marble.

Natural Stone Characteristics: Color
Nature has created some extraordinary materials like natural stone, including granite, limestone, and marble, which can be used in our homes to add beauty and elegance to everything from kitchens and bathrooms to flooring and walls. Because it comes from nature, it has the durability to keep your home looking great for years to come.
One beautiful thing about natural stone is that Mother Nature offers us an array of color choices.

How to Select a Color for Your Natural Stone Materials
When you are trying to decide what color of natural stone will look best for your bathroom, kitchen, floor or other home remodeling project, here are some things to consider:
• For what application will you be using the natural stone? Lighter colors are best for flooring, as they will not show dirt as easily, while dark colored countertops contrast beautifully against lightly painted cabinets.
• How much natural light does the area get? In an area that has a lot of light, you can use a dark color. Without much natural light, the dark color of the natural stone will only make the area darker.
• What is the color scheme of the room? Choose a marble or granite that features colors that work well in your room. Neutral colors are great with most color palettes, while green, gold and blue hues are perfect for use in rooms with these color accents.
• What is your budget? Some colors found in the natural stone are rarer than others, so these will be more expensive. Make sure you have some alternates if the color choice you are thinking of puts you way off course with your budget.

A Wide Array of Color
StonePly Residential offers a wide color palette for you to choose from with something that is sure to match what you are seeking for your shower, countertops, flooring or wall surrounds. For example, we have everything from white and cream to blue, gray, and green to brown and even dramatic black.

StonePly Residential versus Natural Stone Slabs
Remember that StonePly Residential offers a fabricated stone panel system that has been made by laminating a natural stone layer to a high strength backing by using aviation epoxies.

The result is thin, light, strong and easy to install natural granite or marble. Your contractor can easily install StonePly Residential panels in limited time while still providing you with the luxury, quality, and timeless beauty of natural slab stone. You will still have the same color and pattern choices while enjoying a project that offers less maintenance and is more durable when exposed to water and changing temperatures. Even better is that you know you will be working with an environmentally-friendly product for your home.

Estimates and Samples Available!
If you are still not sure if a color of natural stone suits your project, we do offer samples that you can use on-site to get a better idea about your color selection. You can contact us at 903-259-6478 or via email at sales@stoneply.com. To get more information or an estimate, we also have a contact form: https://www.stoneply.com/en/contact-us/.

StonePly Residential offers an array of different stone patterns.

Patterns in Granite and Marble

Not only is natural stone beautiful, durable, and unique, it is also versatile. Various natural stones are exposed to different temperatures and pressures within the earth, creating an array of patterns. What this means for you is that, when designing a bathroom, kitchen, or laundry room for your home, with StonePly Residential you have a wide range of patterns to choose from.

How to Select Natural Stone for a Project

When you are selecting a particular natural stone pattern for a project, there are a few things to consider besides which color and pattern you prefer. Think about:

• How will it flow with your decor? Do you want a countertop that has a simple pattern or something more complex? How will the natural veining or markings look with your existing design scheme?
• What is your budget? Some natural stone patterns are rarer than others, which contributes to a large range in cost.
• Do you prefer the look of granite or marble? Most granites feature a condensed pattern of colors with a speckled design, while marble is characteristically smoother with swirling veining throughout. The choice is left to your personal preference.

Available Natural Stone Patterns

A pattern is formed in natural marble that often is described as waves or veins. This pattern is then enhanced by a wide range of colors. The result is that some natural marble patterns have very little veining while others are covered in this effect. This veining in marble makes it great for use as fireplace surrounds, shower walls, or countertops, adding a contrasting, elegant look wherever it is applied.

Still other stones, such as granite, have patterns that appear as flecks or speckles of varying color. These flecks of color are made up of different mineral deposits in the stone. These minerals have been compressed together over millions of years and form the circles of various colors, including shimmering quartz and mica, that make up the pattern in natural granite.

On our website, you can see many of these natural stone patterns, offering a choice for every type of residential project. The best part of having so many natural stone designs in our catalogue is that you can discover the infinite possibilities for your residential construction or remodeling project. With multiple choices, you may choose to use two or more different stones for a versatile, dramatic look.

Free Estimates and Samples are Available!

It helps to work with a sample to make sure the pattern of natural stone that you have selected really does work with the other interior design elements, so we are happy to provide you with a sample as well as a free estimate for your residential natural stone project. You can contact us at 903-259-6478 or via email at sales@stoneply.com.  We also have a contact form: https://www.stoneply.com/en/contact-us/.

Warning: To avoid personal injury, product damage or possibly even death, carefully read and understand the instructions in this installation guide. Proper use of tools and products is your responsibility. It’s the responsibility of the person who installs this product to understand and follow the installation instructions and maintenance procedures. Installer should be a competent individual who’s aware of the inherent dangers in using power tools. Please read and understand all cautions, warnings, and notices.

Use proper tools: Always use the proper tools that are in good working condition during the installation of the products.

Inspect before cutting: If installation requires cutting into your wall, make sure that no plumbing or electrical wiring is present in the wall before you cut.

Wall Conditions

If you are installing these panels on existing shower bath application, inspect the walls before beginning the installation. Never install panels over walls that have existing mold or are damp.

Lifting Hazard

While StonePly panels are much lighter than solid slab stone, they can still be heavy. Keep in mind the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health recommends maximum safe-lifting weight of 51 pounds when all lifting conditions are perfect. In order to avoid injuring yourself, always use proper lifting techniques and use two people to move cartons and panels that weigh more than 51 pounds. Always carry panels on edge.

Slipping Hazard

Do not attempt to install this product if the floor or the surfaces are wet. You should dry all surfaces prior to installation.

Personal Protection

Be sure to use all appropriate personal protective equipment such as work boots, preferably steel-toed boots, gloves, and a hard hat, if necessary. Always wear eye protection when using power tools.

Sharp Edge Hazard

After cutting the edge of StonePly panels, they can be sharp. You should wear protective gloves to prevent injury, and any rough exposed edges should be lightly sanded to round them.

Acclimatizing the Panels

When you receive the panels, they should be allowed to adjust to the room temperature for at least six hours before installation. Panels should not be installed when room temperatures are below 60 degrees Fahrenheit and should not be installed in areas where the temperature may get down to freezing or below within the next few hours.

Grab Bars

Grab bars are recommended, and when installed, they should comply with ANSI-A117.1 requirements. Grab bars must be anchored to the wall structure behind the panels. Never attach grab bars to the panels themselves or rely on the panels for support of the grab bars.

Fire and Solvent Hazard

If you’re using cleaners and solvents, be aware that they can pose a potential fire hazard. They can also give off vapors that could be harmful to your health. Work in a clean, well-ventilated area.

Dust Hazard

When cutting or drilling the StonePly panels, use a dust collection method which will prevent dust from going into the air. Always work at a well-ventilated area. It’s best to take the panels outside for cutting, drilling or sanding. Some stones, especially granites, contain silica. During cutting or grinding operations, silica can become respirable silica dust which, if inhaled, can lead to a condition known as silicosis.

When Cutting

1. Take panels outdoors if possible or, if you must cut indoors only cut in a well-ventilated area.
2. Position cutting location so that wind will blow dust away from user and others in working area.
3. Use a wet blade stone saw or use a dust reducing circular saw equipped with a diamond blade and HEPA vacuum extraction.

NIOSH- approved respirators can be used in conjunction with above cutting practices to further reduce dust exposures. If concern still exists about exposure levels or you do not comply with the above practices, you should always consult a qualified industrial hygienist.

Shock Hazard

Contact with electrical wires from power tools can cause injury or death. Be sure to turn off the power at the electrical breakers before working on existing bathrooms. Never use electric power tools in damp or wet conditions and keep away from liquids. They could cause shorts in electrical cords in power tools.

General Information

Required Tools for Installation

Tools required for installation include, a wet saw with a diamond blade, grinder with a diamond cutting blade, a drill with three-eighth-inch drill bit, a hole saw in the size needed for your faucet, bathtub spout or your shower head, a tape measure, masking tape – the 2-inch-wide blue masking tape seems to work best – a level, medium grit and fine grit sandpaper, a caulking gun, clean shop towels or paper towels. Lumber is required for bracing, and denatured alcohol for cleaning.

Bathtub Wall Kit Contents

Depending on which wall kit you order or bathtub kit you order, one or more panels may be included. Check to see that the panels you have are sufficient for the job at hand.

Unpacking the Cartons

Before we ship the product to you, they were carefully inspected and everything was found to be in perfect order. Carefully unpack and inspect the product. If anything is damaged, something happened in transit. If damage is found, report it immediately to the shipping company. Use care when opening the cartons so that you do not damage the StonePly panels. The panels should be stored in a flat area to avoid warpage until they’re installed. Do not store the panels outside in their original packaging. Cardboard can stain if it’s wet.

Helpful Hints

There are many ways that these panels can be installed, and some of the ways may not be shown or described in this guide.

Ensure your construction is the right size, straight and square. Allow enough time for the parts in the kit to adjust to room temperature. Always carry the panels vertically or up on edge. Be careful when you lay the panels flat to prevent flexing. This is especially true if you’ve cut into the panels.

Preparing to Install Your Shower Surround

Measure the width of the back wall with the green board installed. Measurement of this wall cannot exceed the width of the StonePly panels. Measure the height of the wall. If this measurement is less than the height of the panels, then the panels must be cut to fit. Turn off your hot and cold water supply. Remove faucet handles, filler spouts or anything mounted to the wall such as towel bars or soap dishes. Measure the location of the plumbing cutouts. Make a cardboard template to fit the plumbing cutouts and test fit the cardboard template prior to cutting your StonePly panels.

StonePly panels can be installed over a variety of substrates. You can install it over sheet rock, cement board or green board or wood, plaster, concrete, old tile, wallpaper or Masonite panels. When installing over a sheet rock green board or cement board, the surface must be dry, free from dust, smooth and clean from soap scum or other contaminants. To ensure proper adhesion of the panels, the surface should be sealed with water or oil-based primer sealer. Allow the primer sealer to completely dry before installing.

Plaster

On plaster surfaces, prep depends on the condition of the existing plaster wall surface. If the wall is irregular, additional silicone may be needed to ensure contact between the plaster substrate and StonePly panel.

Textured plaster finishes should be sanded smooth. The wall surface should be cleaned with a damp cloth to remove soap scum, dust, or other contaminants. Before installation, the wall surface must be dry and smooth. To ensure proper adhesion, the wall surface should be sealed with a primer sealer. The primer sealer should be allowed to completely dry before installation proceeds.

Cement

When installing StonePly over concrete or cement walls, additional silicone may be required to ensure contact between the substrate and the back of the StonePly panel. To ensure proper adhesion, the complete area should be sealed with two coats of primer sealer.

Tile

When installing over old tile, much depends on the condition of the existing wall surface. As long as the tiles are solidly adhered, they may not need to be removed. Do not install over plastic tiles. Plastic tiles must be removed. When installing over ceramic tiles, remove or reattach any tiles that are loose. Any tile accessory such as soap dishes, etc., should be removed from the walls. Surface should be dry, smooth and free from dust or contaminants.

Wallpaper

When installing over wallpaper, all wallpaper needs to be removed from the area being covered by the StonePly panels. Once the wallpaper is removed, clean the wall surface to remove any dust, soap scum or contaminants. The entire wall surface should be sealed with two coats of quality primer sealer.

Masonite

When installing over Masonite, clean the wall surface to remove dust, soap scum or any other contaminants. Allow the wall surface to dry. The wall can then be primed with quality primer sealer before installation proceeds.

Filler

If your existing wall covering is shorter than the height that you want your new StonePly panels to be, it will become necessary to install a filler board at that height. The filler board is equal to the thickness of the existing wall covering, which is typically tile. For example, if your StonePly panels extend up 6 feet but you only have 5 feet of tile, then above the 5 feet of tile, you will need to install a piece of filler material, typically a quarter-inch Masonite, so that your substrate is smooth all the way to the top of the area to be installed.

Installation in New Construction

1. Measure and cut out openings for the faucets, bathtub spout and/or showerhead. This is done by creating a paper template of the existing locations of the spouts and shower heads. The cardboard template can then be used to transfer the measurements and information to the StonePly panels. Take into consideration the coefficient of thermal expansion and allow a minimum 1/4″ silicone sealant joint between panels.
2. Cut the panels with the diamond blade saw (see cutting instructions above). Test fit the cut panels.
3. Clean the back of the panel to remove dust and residue. This can be done with a dry cloth or by the use of denatured alcohol. Be sure not to use any oily cleaners such as mineral spirits. These leave behind an oil film that will prevent proper adhesion.
4. Apply silicone to the back of the panel in 1″ diameter dots every 8 to 10 inches. Be sure to follow the silicone manufacturer’s instructions and installation precautions.
5. Press the panel into place and press firmly to the wall. Be sure to keep the top edge of the panel aligned when you’re installing adjacent panels. Use even pressure from top to bottom and side to side to ensure a solid wall contact.
6. Brace the panel as necessary until the silicone sets (typically 24 hours).
7. Apply silicone to the joints. Follow manufacturer’s instructions.
8. Seal stone with a quality sealer. Follow manufacturer’s instructions.
9. Install plumbing fixtures, knobs, spouts and shower heads.

• StonePly Residential features large-format stone panels in natural marble, granite or limestone.
• The panels glue up over an existing surface which makes them ideal for remodeling.
• StonePly Residential has few grout joints to clean, which minimizes the possibility of mold or mildew.
• Panels can be easily trimmed to fit any shower application.
• StonePly panels have much higher impact resistance than the thicker, heavier stone slabs.
• StonePly panels are easily installed by one or two people and typically weigh one-eighth the amount of slab stones.