Brick was and still is a very popular building material, particularily for residential fireplaces. Whether it's been a few years, or a few decades, the brick will look pretty much the same, but your tastes might have moved on. Stone Veneer is an excellent choice for refinishing over an existing brick substrate because it most often can be applied directly over the brick, minimizing the prepwork and allowing for a quick and easy transformation of the space. This article covers in detail some of things that you might consider when installing stone veneer over brick.
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In the spirit of Halloween, we made a top 5 list of our favorite entryways that feature our natural stone veneer products. We love all of these projects and hope behind these and all doors you visit this Halloween you find amazing treats and no tricks!
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We're loving seeing photos of our new Planc product come back and this one is no exception. Let's take a quick look around this stunning modern fireplace project that used the ultra luxe Basalt Ebony color on this week's blog.
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Are you looking to knock out a project on your “to do” list before the clock officially starts on summer in a few weeks? A DIY Stone Wall can check that box and impress even the pickiest of critics along the way. Let's take a look at how easy a DIY Stone Wall is to create using Norstone's Rock Panel System.
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An in depth look at different ways to finish the exposed edges of Norstone Rock Panel system. When working on a backsplash, fireplace, feature wall or any other application that does not require corners or terminate into another wall or abutment, you might find yourself with an exposed edge, which begs the question how do you finish an exposed edge? The answer is, it's up to you! This is a place in your project where you can get a bit creative and really give your application a unique touch. Depending on the final look you are trying to accomplish, there are several options we recommend.
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Let's take a look at two of the most common problems people see when using a fireplace clad in stacked stone and what the process looks like to fix these issues.
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We love this fireplace because it just keeps going up and up and up. A big space needs a bold statement, and the white stacked stone rock panels on this fireplace deliver! Let's a have a look around this cool fireplace in this week's project profile!
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This past weekend it officially became Fall, and with the change in seasons one of the things we start to hear more about is cold weather installations of stone veneer. So let's dive into that topic in this week's blog and learn the do's and don't s of installing stone veneer in cold weather.
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Our new PLANC large format tiles are a lot more versatile than you might think. Check out this nifty kitchen backsplash installation that used our Platinum Plancs and turned out great!
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This cabin in the woods of Wisconsin really delivers on the rustic look with some fantastic material selections, including our Ochre Stacked Stone Rock Panel on the backsplash. Let's take a look at this project and how the Ochre product fit right in with the rustic design theme.
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Products like our Basalt Interlocking Tiles come mesh mounted to increase the ease and speed of installation by allowing the individual tile strips to maintain their pattern and spacing. Here's a step by step guide on installing any mesh backed tile product successfully.
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A kitchen without a backsplash is like a car without windshield wipers - it can work some of the time, but when things get wet, watch out! A popular finish in today's kitchen design is the use of mosaic tiles backsplashes, made from a variety of materials including tile, glass, stone, even metal. Come with us and explore the difference between traditional hand laid mosaics and today's pre-mounted systems and see how a mosaic tile backsplash might be a good fit for your next kitchen remodel.
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One of the most important aspects to any stone installation is the corner detail. Don't let this very important aspect of your PLANC™ job get missed. Join us for a detailed discussion on how to finish natural stone PLANC™ corners on your fireplace, feature wall, or facade project.
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If you’ve been in the industry as long as we have at Norstone, then you will have no doubt heard about Efflorescence at least a handful of times over the years. If you’ve ever seen white residue on the face of a stone veneer application, be it 100 years old or brand new, 9 times out of 10 it’s Efflorescence.
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It's been a real pleasure to work with the team up at Crow's Nest Pub & Grill in Plaistow, NH starting late last year on a complete renovation of their fantastic restaurant. Take a look at the before, during and after and see how this building has been beautifully transformed inside and out including an awesome stacked stone wainscoat using our Ochre XL Series Stacked Stone Panels.
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If a flat roof, lots of glass, and some beautiful stone veneer facades are you thing then this is your list. We had a bunch to choose from and think this list is exceptional. Enjoy this week's blog featuring Norstone's Top 5 modern stone veneer residential facades.
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If you're a fan of design themes seamlessly extending from the front yard to the back yard, this week's featured project with a Charcoal XL Stacked Stone Panels on the front entryway then used again on the backyard patio is for you. Take a look and let us know what you think of this beauty!
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In this week's blog we answer the question of how high stone veneer can be installed. As you might have guessed, its not a simple answer and a lot of different things must be considered. Come along with us as we learn what is important when answering the question how high can stone veneer be installed.
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We're really big fans of when clients mix our products with other mediums entirely – wood, tile, metal, etc and it comes out looking amazing. This fireplace with its mixed color barnwood on top and the Platinum Planc Lavastone on the bottom gets an A+ in our book and is the project we're featuring in this week's blog.
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Every few weeks we're deep diving into a chapter in the Dimension Stone Design Manual. The DSDM is published by the Natural Stone Institute and is the go to for technical information about using all types of stone in construction. This week we're getting acquainted with Chapter 4 dealing with all things testing when it comes to natural stone.
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We love the vertical metal insert on this fireplace that one of our great clients just completed. Let's take a quick look around this fireplace in this week's project profile and see what makes this corner fireplace special.
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Early last year we had the opportunity to work with Chris Heider of Handy Dad TV, and got this great installation video of him installing our Platinum Planc Large Format Tile on his fireplace. If you've never seen it, or want to understand more about installing our stone veneer products give it a watch!
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This project is only half way done, but we're absolutely loving the light and bright color pallete of our Ivory XL Rock Panels on this Coastal Modern styled home in Southwest Florida. Check out some more of this job in this week's featured project profile.
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It hurts our heart to see our products installed wrong and then an installation fail. Spot Bonding makes for a quick installation, but as we see in this week's blog can really jeopardize an installation where failure can mean property damage and much more. Learn more about why spot bonding is a bad practice in this week's blog.
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Before and after photos are our favorite! They really show how a room can be transformed with our product. In this week's blog we're looking at an update on a pretty typical fireplace that gets a makeover with our Aztec XL Series Rock Panel. Enjoy!
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If you are an architecture or design firm with associates in need of continuing educations credits Norstone has a solution for an live online class with a Health, Safety & Wellness credit. Check out this week's blog post for more details!
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It's not a bunch of square footage, but the homeowners of this cool backsplash project in Spokane, WA couldn't have picked a better product than our Lynia Interlocking Natural Stone tile in Ebony. Check out why we think this project is awesome in this week's Norstone project profile.
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With the shut down of in person dining at many restaurants stemming from the need to “social distance” as part of the strategy to contain the COVID-19 pandemic we thought it would be good to give you a top 5 list of our favorite stone veneer installations in restaurants in this week's blog. While you might not be able to visit these anytime soon, enjoy these beautiful spaces and we all look forward to dining out again in public soon!
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An interior courtyard, surrounded on all sides by neighboring houses doesn't have to be all drab. This courtyard in San Francisco has the right idea with a beautiful stone tile veneer wall and some nice greenery which create a beautiful, usable, space. Let's have a quick look around this tiny but mighty stone tile courtyard.
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Every couple weeks we are going to highlight a chapter in the Dimension Stone Design Manual. The DSDM is published by the Natural Stone Institute and is the go to for technical information about using all types of stone in construction. This week we're deep diving into chapter 3 which covers different things to consider when selecting dimensional stone.
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Stacked stone is a fantastic choice for a pool water feature project. In this week's blog we're featuring a multi level raised beam project clad in Norstone Ochre XL Series Rock Panels with three separate water falls. Let's take a week in this week's project profile about what makes the stacked stone look so classic and appealing for pool water features.
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Believe it or not, Norstone Rock Panels started out as a landscaping product almost 20 years ago. With Spring right around the corner and our focus starting to shift outside let's take a look at what makes stacked stone panels and natural stone veneer products a great fit for landscaping projects.
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Our Ivory Stacked Stone Rock Panels are a great finish for the fireplace in this Denver area Coffee Shop to help keep the space light and bright. We're going to have a look at this space in this week's project profile blog and see how they did a few interesting things, like metal stripping along the sides of the stone, to simplify the installation and make the end result look great!
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We recently created a Pattern Guide for our Planc Large Format Tile Series. Planc is such a versatile product in terms of pattern, this really only scrapes the surface of what's possible. Take a look and be inspired for your next project!
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A few years back our Ebony Basalt Lynia tiles were selected as part of a large monument sign at the entrance to a college in Florida. I drove by this sign a couple weeks ago and it looks as good today as it did when it was installed many years ago. I dug up some photos we had of the original installation and we'll cover why natural stone is a great choice fo monument signs in this week's blog
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We're focused specifically on installations this week that start the natural stone veneer on the outside and then bring it inside as an interior finish. Let's take a look today at a couple projects that do a great job bringing the outside in with their natural stone veneer installations.
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If you love natural stone, but prefer a more modern smooth aesthetic for the veneer selection, this week's project is right in your wheelhouse. Let's have a quick look around this amazing Basalt Grey Aksent 3D fireplace project done a couple years ago in Tampa, FL.
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Using stone in a bathroom is a great way to take a bathroom project to the next level. There are lots of different applications and places to use stone in a relatively small space. Let's take a look at 5 of our our favorite stone bathrooms to inspire your next stone bathroom project.
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In this week's blog we're featuring an older project where the basement was converted into one of the most amazing wine cellars using our Ochre Stacked Stone Rock Panels throughout the space. Let's pop a cork and immerse ourselves in the beauty of this installation.
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Rust, or oxidation on a stacked stone veneer installation can be unavoidable, but generally speaking can be cleaned up in a few simple steps. In today's blog we look at some easy steps you can take to remove rust or oxidation from stacked stone
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This fireplace was just redone using our Charcoal Stacked Stone Rock Panels just in time for ski season. Let's take a look at the stone and amazing woodwork that make this a small, but really amazing project!
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Norstone Planc Large Format Tile product comes in either a saw cut or polished finish, dependent on the color and stone selected. Ever wonder what that finish actually means? We're gonna learn all about these finish options and more in this week's blog!
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It might be getting a little chilly in many parts of the country, but this recently completed outdoor kitchen featuring our Aztec stacked stone rock panels has got us yearning for some nice weather and a patio heater to enjoy some crisp winter evenings outside.
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Outside corners are an important part of many applications and knowing how to handle these outside corners is important for any wall veneer product. Today, let's learn about the different ways outside corners can be handled for our Planc Large Format Tile product.
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Our Grey Lynia are used throughout this amazing spa inspired master bathroom and shower in Miami. Let's have a quick look at this cool project, especially the shower with 8 heads, in this week's project profile!
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We've had the privilege of seeing our stone veneer products on some amazing commercial projects over the years. Here's a count down of our top 5 commercial stone veneer projects.
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This gorgeous modern styled home used our Ebony Planc large format wall tiles in a dimensionalized format. Even though it's still under construction, these photos were too nice not to share. Enjoy this quick look around a stunning home in the Hamptons.
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We get asked a lot what the difference is between our Standard Series and XL Series Rock Panel. There's more to it than the XL just being bigger, so we decided to write the definitive guide to what makes these two products different.
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A recent renovation at a prestigious country club in Wisconsin included our Ochre colored Rock Panels in a few different locations throughout the building. Let's go on a quick tour of this great looking spot before the weather gets too cold to swing the sticks this Fall!
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Stacked Stone Panels with their natural stone pedigree and ease of installation are a perfect choice for an exterior stone veneer project, not to mention the projects look amazing. In this week's blog we'll talk about why stacked stone panels should be on your next exterior stone veneer project.
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An amazing tile showroom that sells our products in South Florida installed our White Marble Aksent 3D panels in their showroom and we think you'll agree it looks a-m-a-z-i-n-g! Let's take a quick look around this wall and what makes this product so special.
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Even though this residential Graphite Planc Large Format Tile project is still under construction, these photos of the job were too good to keep to ourselves. If you wanted to know how Planc looks in a modern styled home exterior – this one is for you!
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Whether your order of Norstone natural stone panels will the first time you receive a freight delivery from an LTL carrier, or you've got lots of deliveries under your belt, these are some great tips on receiving deliveries of natural stone panels and other LTL freight.
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This new restaurant was looking for something that fit the modern vibe of their design scheme and after another wall covering option fell through found our Platinum Planc Large Format Tile and the results speak for themselves. Let's take a quick look around the space and see how it turned out!
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With the summer starting to wind down and our collective focus shifting from outdoors to indoors, we wanted to run down a top 5 list of residential stacked stone backyard projects to remind us of all the great times we've had outside the past couple months. Enjoy!
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Based in Florida, the team at Norstone will either be preparing for or recovering from the impacts of Hurricane Dorian when you read this. We wish our good luck and safety to our friends out and speaking of the coast, were inspired to profile this coastal home in Australia that used our Ivory Rock Panels as part of an extensive outdoor sea wall and pool area many years ago. Enjoy!
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What size notched trowel to use when installing stone veneer panels is important detail for a successful installation. Trowels come not only in different sizes, but different shapes too. Learn everything you ever wanted to know about notched trowels in this week's blog!
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While always a popular color, the summer of 2019 has seen an explosion in sales of our White Stacked Stone Rock Panels. Let's take a look at one project a customer of ours recently completed and see what makes this product so special.
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If you've ever wondered if you're using enough thinset in your mortar bed when installing stacked stone panels the answer might be no. Let's learn more about what the proper thinset coverage is in this week's blog.
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Our Slimline Rock Panel Stone Veneer Panels turn this rather ordinary project into the envy of the neighborhood. Let's take a look at this nearly three story installation and how amazing this project turned out using our Slimline Stone Veneer Panels.
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Natural End Panels are a great accessory for many stone veneer installations and are available in all of Norstone's Panel Series. Let's take a look at the Natural End Panels and see them installed in a customer's fireplace project in this week's blog!
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A beautiful deck is even better with an outdoor kitchen on it, and this project is no exception. In this week's project profile we look at an in-process and completed photos of this feature packed outdoor kitchen clad in our Ebony Planc Large Format Tiles.
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Calling all Doctors! Over the years we've seen our product get used in lots of health care offices with amazing results. Let's have a look at some of our favorite projects and find out what makes stacked stone veneer a great wall covering option for medical offices.
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When one of our client sent us these photos of their recently completed kitchen backsplash where our White Marble Lynia Interlocking tiles were used we knew we had to share them on our blog. Great looking product in an amazing kitchen – read more inside!
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We're getting technical on our blog this week and talking about how stone veneer can be installed over an EIFS system. We speak with too many people who don't understand how these systems can work together so we're here to set the record straight.
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Furniture is a huge part of any design process, so knowing how to pair it well with our natural stone veneer wall panels is important. Let's take a look at some examples of how furniture and natural stone veneer walls can work together in this week's blog.
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Our new Slimline Series Rock Panels are one of the hottest products for Norstone in 2019. Projects like this amazing residential interior – exterior feature wall prove why. Let's take a look at this awesome design as this week's featured project.
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You might have seen and wondered what the terms “contractor grade” and “architectural grade” mean when it comes to building products, stone veneer specifically. It's a lot more than just different price points! Learn more about these two “grades” in this week's Norstone Blog.
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A client of ours sent us photos of this fireplace they just finished and our whole office started swooning. In this week's project profile we'll take a closer look at this mid century modern fireplace and living space and why the Charcoal Stacked Stone is a great fit.
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Does your Dentist have an awesome Ochre XL feature wall to greet their patients with? This one does! Let's have a quick look at what keeps the patients and staff in this office smiling!
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If dimensionality isn't something you are looking at when evaluating stacked stone veneer products- it should be. Dimensionality determines a lot about how the product will look when it gets up on a wall. Let's dive deep on dimensionality and why it's important on this week's blog!
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This is one of the first projects we've gotten photos back of our new Sierra color in the XLX Series and we're loving everything about this silver grey color with brownish accents. Dive in with us on this week's project profile!
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April is a busy month for conventions in the stone & tile world. Have a read through this week's blog to learn more about where Norstone will be this month.
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This mall in the upper midwest needed a sleek modern product to dress up some landscaping walls close to one of their entrances. A durable, modern, and beautiful product was needed – the Lynia Interlocking tiles fit the bill. Check out our profile of this project in this week's blog!
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Testing natural stone for susceptibility to damage caused by freeze / thaw cycles is an important part of knowing if the stone can be used exterior in certain climates. Learn more about what tests Norstone submits their stacked stone products to in this week's blog.
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We first saw photos of this Platinum Planc project and featured it in our blog in November. Now that this house is complete we're even more in love with the final result. Take a look around this awesome Hollywood, CA home with us today.
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Spalling is when layers of stone flake or pop off without direct force. This is a natural process for most sedimentary stones and we get a lot of questions about it. Let's take a few minutes this week to learn more about spalling, why it happens, and what our recommended course of action is.
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We really love how our Charcoal XL product came together on the exterior of this modern designed home on Long Island in New York. Let's take a in depth look at what makes our largest format rock panel product ideal for this project.
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The stacked stone industry is on pins and needles waiting to see how the next couple weeks play out as it relates to the proposed increase in tariffs on many of the product codes applicable to our products and industry. Let's take a closer look at what's being considered, who might lose and who might benefit from these changes.
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Our White Marble Lynia Tiles is a new product that we released last year and it's cool to see installations like this one coming back doing interesting things like installing the tile unit with a vertical orientation. Have a look at how this interlocking tile product helps this small powder bath look bigger than it is.
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This isn't exactly an age old debate, but for anyone considering stone for a wall project, it's a common question. Learn more in this blog about the pros and cons of both hand stacked loose stone and stone panel systems.
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We've known since the start that our Planc Large Format Tile product was versatile. It comes in a bunch of colors and can be set in lots of different patterns. But,we weren't expecting it to look like this! Check out this super cool project on this week's blog that used four of our Planc colors for one unique look!
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With the Spring Building Season right around the corner, lots of folks are starting to think about projects involving stone veneer that will be happening over the next couple of months. If you are price shopping, know what to look for in a reputable natural stone veneer manufacturer by reading this week's blog.
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Once we saw this project, we knew we had to share it with on the blog. We've got a soft spot for see through fireplaces, and this one takes it a step further being outdoors. So much cool stuff to check out – have a look!
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Indoor Air Quality is a buzzword that gets thrown around a bunch in the building industry. This article explores more about what indoor air quality is and specifically how natural stone products can help achieve better indoor air quality.
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Our Grey Aksent panels are the perfect choice for this modern fireplace that a customer of ours recently completed. A big space like this “lofty” feeling great room needs a focal point, and the Aksent 3 Dimensional panels deliver!
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Acid can wreak havoc on a natural stone installation, whether used directly after installation as part of the clean up process, or over time as part of routine cleaning and maintenance. Let's take a look at a real life example of how acid cleaners can cause problems for a natural stone installation.
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With 2018 coming to a close in just a few short days we wanted to recap some of the highlights of a year in natural stone for the Norstone team.
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Did you know that what pattern you choose to install your stone veneer in, along with the specifics of your project could substantively change how much material you need to finish the job? Let's look at how that happens and what you need to know to order right the first time!
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Our new Planc Large Format Tile is perfect for exterior applications,especially as part of a modern design scheme. Come check out this in process hillside home in Reno, Nevada that just installed some Platinum on an exterior feature wall that showcases what this product is all about!
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Fireplace renovations are one of the most popular uses of our natural stone veneer products. The hearth can pose some design challenges, especially in a remodel project, but also provide a signature look for the space. Let's take a deep dive into fireplace hearths and explore the possibilities.
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A recent cold snap at Norstone's headquarters in Central Florida has got us thinking about staying warm in front of a fireplace – so we dug through our archives and found this cool before and after project featuring our Aztec XL Series Rock Panels. Stay warm and enjoy this major transformation!
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With Thanksgiving a few days away, we thought it would be fun to put together a list of our top 5 dining room stacked stone feature walls to get ready for the big day. Check this out and let the feasting begin!
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While meeting customers last week in South Florida I saw this great set of photos where our Lynia Interlocking Tiles in Ash Grey were used as part of a complete kitchen remodel. It turned out better than the homeowners imagined, so let's take a quick look around this project and see what it's all about.
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What's more manly, or cave like for that matter, then an awesome stacked stone wall in a man cave? In this week's blog we take a look at some man caves customers of ours have done and poke a little fun at some of the strange design choices that happen when the boys are left in charge!
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This project isn't even done and its got us sweatin' how good the new Planc large format tile looks! If you're a fan of modern design, this project and this product should be on your next idea board! Let's take a look!
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We get this question a lot, and the answer every time is NO! Let's take a quick look at why installing a heavy product like stone veneer on drywall is not a good idea.
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We love the before and after of this client's entryway project where they took a space with good bones and layout and really created a focal point for the space. Let's have a closer look at the before and afters and see what makes this stacked stone veneer project a winner!
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Did you know that stone veneer can be installed over metal substrates? We've gotten this question a couple times from clients in the past couple days so figured it'd be a good topic to tackle in this week's blog.
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We see a lot of bathroom project photos come across our desk, but this one definitely stands out! There's amazing stone and natural details everywhere you look – come take a peek with us and get inspired for your next bathroom remodel.
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In the natural stone world, the terms basalt and lava stone are sometimes used interchangeably. There's no doubt these two stones are similar, but let's learn more about each one to really understand the difference between the two and what makes both basalt and lava stone unique.
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Fresh off a relaxing Labor Day weekend, we wanted to share one last summertime project with everyone to celebrate a great summer. This stacked stone outdoor kitchen and pool project is just the place we'd want to spend the last bit of summer!
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Almost every new construction or remodel project I've been a part of, at a certain point, comes down to budget. If a stacked stone look is something you are considering for your next project, here are some great ways you can get the look, but save a bunch of money by using easy to install thin stone veneer panel system instead of traditional hand stacked stone.
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How appropriate that our largest format stone veneer panel product is now being featured at the Mall of America in Minnesota, one of the largest malls in America. Let's take a look at how the Charcoal XL was used and why this is a great project for this product!
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If you have a project that is looking to attain a certain LEED status, stacked stone veneer has some benefits that are worth considering. In this week's blog we learn all about what it means to be green when it comes to building.
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This summer we officially launched two new colors in our XL Series Rock Panel Collection – Pearl and Sierra. Let's take a look at how these colors came about and what makes each one unique.
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With our Lynia Series of medium format mosaic tile, picking the right grout and knowing how to install it is an important part of a successful installation. In this week's blog we deep dive into the world of grout and cover everything you need to know for a successful Lynia mosaic tile installation!
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The thing we love most about this project is how well utilized the space was to maximize the outdoor living potential of this screened in pool lanai. Let's take a closer look at all these features and how our Aztec Rock Panels set the tone for the space.
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When it comes to stone veneer, the difference between split face vs honed is akin to the difference between porcelain vs ceramic tile or granite vs quartz counter tops. There are a lot more similarities than differences! Let's take a deep dive at these two surface finishes and what makes each one great!
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One of our awesome customers just finished their outdoor kitchen and firepit project earlier this month and were so excited with how it turned out they couldn't wait to get these photos to us. We share their stoke and proudly feature this project on this week's blog!
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Outdoor living spaces are a booming trend in home design. If you've got the space – use it, but most importantly make it useful and beautiful. Let's take a look at how stacked stone can enhance any outdoor space.
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This project caught our eye, and not just because it was used in a rap video! Tall ceilings, vertical installation, this loft has got it all going on! Let's take a closer look in this week's project profile to see what make this space special.
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If the heat of the summer has got you dreading stepping outside the A/C these 5 interior stacked stone projects might help you beat the heat and make your house more beautiful at the same time!
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Sometimes a simple change, like installing our Rock Panels with a vertical orientation can yield a big change in the overall look of a product. In this week's blog post we discuss more about this installation scheme and why it might make sense for your next project.
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This project in the Seychelle Islands off the Eastern Coast of Africa has always been a favorite of ours. We get to see our products in a lot of truly extraordinary places all over the world, but none are as stunningly gorgeous as this one. Come take a closer look at this beautiful project and location in this week's blog.
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The photos and videos of the eruptions and lava flows from the Kilauea volcano in Hawaii are incredible to look at and a good reminder of the power of mother earth. Did you know Norstone has crafted a select line of natural stone products from Lava Stone that we launched earlier this year? Let's take a look this week at Lava Stone and what makes these new products so unique to use for natural stone tile.
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Everybody needs to get away from their cubicle every now and then, but not everyone has a great outdoor space like this at their office! Let's check out how our Lynia Interlocking Natural Stone Tiles were used on the landscaping walls of this week's featured project!
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Stacked stone is a great look for a commercial application, and one thing every commercial space needs is great signage. If you've ever wondered what the best way is to handle signage on a variable thickness product like stacked stone, this week's blog is for you!
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This vacation home on the Mediterranean island of Cyprus has got not only some life changing views but some amazing stone work worth appreciating as well. Allow us to introduce this special project we had the privilege to supply stone to in this week's blog.
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Stacked stone panels are a great product to use for exterior siding applications, especially as part of a renovation project, which is the focus of this week's New Dimensions in Natural Stone blog!
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The design team on this mixed use development project in Portland was looking for a durable yet natural surface, and hit a homerun with our Grey Aksent 3D panel which was used extensively on the primary level. Let's take a look at this project in greater detail and how this stone product is a perfect fit for the job.
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Our new PLANC series has gotten us more excited than any other product we've ever launched. Check out this week's article introducing the product and diiving into what it makes it so unique!
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With Summer grilling season right around the corner we wanted to showcase a great outdoor kitchen project that used our Ochre XL Rock Panels on the base and cabinets of this awesome space. If an outdoor kitchen or grill island is in your summer 2018 plans check out this project for some great inspiration!
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If you've always loved Norstone's Standard Series Rock Panels, but the price hasn't worked for your project, we're happy to introduce our new Slim Line Series Rock Panels, a thinner and lower cost product that we're debuting this Spring.
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It's hard not to like this pool that was completed last year which used our Lynia Interlocking Tiles in grey as part of an extensive raised beam feature. Let's take a look at what makes a product like the Lynia IL tiles a great fit for this type of project.
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A lot of stone facades, particularly large format, are installed using a variety of clip systems for a mechanical bond with the substrates. If you've ever wondered if this type of mechanical fastening can be used for a stacked stone panel installation, this article is for you!
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Assisted Living Facilities aren't in general one of our favorite places, but this one that just opened recently in New Jersey might help us change our mind. With many of the same amenities as a spa mixed with a country club, like a sweet stone veneer feature wall and fireplace that used our Ochre Rock Panels, getting old is starting to look more appealing!
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As the trend of turning master bathrooms into mini spa like retreats continues, we're seeing more and more customers thinking about using stacked stone products in their showers. So how does a product with loads of texture and small tinygaps between each stone work in a wet environment? Learn all about how to use stacked stone in a shower in this week's blog!
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If you travel in and out of Boston a lot you might have seen this amazing lobby atrium wall featuring our White Quartz Rock Panels at one of the airport area hotels. This project was several years ago, but one we still go back to frequently to show customers how stacked stone veneer can be used in applications that go beyond normal ceiling height, which we'll explain in great detail in this week's blog!
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Sealing stacked stone is an important finishing step for many projects, especially exterior installations, or where the stone is in or around water. Let's take a look at how and why stacked stone should be sealed in this week's blog!
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Even though this project is still under construction, we liked how our Ebony Aksent stone veneer panels were looking so much we wanted to share some photos we snapped during a recent site visit. Enjoy!
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Calling all you DIY'ers out there – ever wondered how to best cut stacked stone under different conditions? Ask and you shall receive with this week's blog focusing on how to cut stacked stone veneer!
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We love the architecture of this modern home with its abundance of glass, steel, and stone throughout its design. Let's take a closer look in this week's blog on what makes this house so special.
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Freeze – thaw cycles have the potential to really impact an exterior stacked stone installation if not done correctly. In this week's blog we learn why freeze – thaw is such a big deal and the best way to address it in on a stacked stone project.
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There's so much to love about this kitchen recently completed in a re-developing area area of Texas' Capitol city of Austin, especially the super cool stone wall with a low maintenance but stylishly designed ventless fireplace. Let's take a look at all the things that make this project cool in this week's project profile!
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The team at Norstone and the New Dimensions in Natural Stone blog hope you and yours had an amazing holiday season and very happy new year. In this week's blog we wanted to outline resolutions we've put together to make 2018 the best year for natural stone yet!
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Norstone Aksent 3D panels in Grey are a perfect fit for this modern home in the South of England. Let's take a look at some of what makes this project so special and a great use of this stone veneer project.
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In honor of Jolly Old St. Nick, who's made a name for himself coming through fireplaces, here are our top 5 stone fireplaces of 2017. Santa will be sure lucky if he gets to visit one of these houses in a few nights and might even pause to admire how great they look!
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We instantly loved this modern inspired home in Massachusetts for the contrasting White Brick and Charcoal XL Stone Veneer exterior before we even realized how cool the inside and backyard was. Take a look at this cool house in this week's project profile.
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Our Lynia tile in the ebony color is a real dark and seductive product and even in this beautifully designed Chicago living space still dominates the space with a fireplace we can't take our eyes off of. In this week's blog we're going to take a look at what makes this product and project an inspiration for any modern fireplace design.
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Houzz is one of our favorite tools to get design inspiration and find cool and unique products, but it's also a great resource to find contractors for your next stone or tile installation. Let's take a look at how to find a great contractor on this increasingly popular social network.
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When it comes to catching a great film, we're partial to the iPic Theater in Boca Raton's Mizner Park. Beyond the comfy reclining chairs and awesome food, the restaurant and bar have some of the most amazing and dramatic design elements found anywhere – and of course some awesome columns and other features done up in our Ochre XL Stone Veneer Panels.
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On a tile or stone job, corners are not only where things come together, but also where details stand out. Let's talk about the difference between the common field practice of miter cutting corners versus using our pre-fabricated corner units and what makes these two techniques so different.
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One of our first projects in Canada was the Matrix Hotel in Edmonton, Alberta. Even we were blown away by the lobby fireplace which was a perfect fit for our White Rock Panels. In honor of some cooler weather we felt at our office this week, let's pay homage to this project North of the border.
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This past week we rebranded our Basalt Interlocking and Basalt 3D Panel lines into our new Lynia and Aksent Modern Tile Series. Learn more about these exciting changes which are much more than just a new name!
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The crisp evenings of Fall are in the air and for many of us there's no better place to enjoy an evening than next to a crackling fire. Let's take a look at 5 cool examples of how our stacked stone veneer and natural stone tiles can be used in an outdoor fireplace.
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This stunning hotel project just south of Downtown Orlando was one of the first installations of our Aztec XL Series Stone Veneer material. While pictures don't do the size and complexity of the stone color range justice, let's take a look at how the design team worked this great accent wall product into this busy commercial space.
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More people than ever know the term quartz from the increasingly popular solid surface countertop material, but few know that the quartz stone that we make a lot of our natural stone veneer and tile products isn't the same thing. The difference is actually pretty substantial, so lets take a look at the difference between the two in this week's classroom session.
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The Norstone team based in Central Florida lived through Hurricane Irma over the past couple of days, thankfully with little damage to our homes and office. While a few of us still are waiting on power to come back, this experience reminded us of a great project we worked on in 2011, the Revel Casino in Atlantic City, which experienced major damage caused by Hurricane / Superstorm Sandy in 2012, and which we'll profile in this week's blog.
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A lot of our customers ask us if they should seal their stone and the answer in almost every case is a resounding yes. While its critically important in some installations, such as water features, a case for sealing natural stone veneer can be made for just about any project. In this week's article let's take a closer look at why sealing might just be the most important part of your next natural stone veneer installation.
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Who doesn't love a nice burrito bowl or some carnitas, especially if you're lucky enough to visit this restaurant in South Florida that used our Basalt Mosaic Interlocking Tile on the exterior facade. If great design inspires great hunger – this is the place for you. Let's take a look at how the interlocking tile was used and why it was a great selection for this project.
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If you've ever had a stacked stone panel installation fail one of the first things to look at is whether or not a waterproofing membrane was used on the substrate. In this week's article lets take a look at what this product is, what purpose it serves and why its so important.
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Swimming and New York City are two things close to the hearts of the team at Norstone, which makes this cool enclosed rooftop pool that used our Ivory Rock Panels on some feature walls a place we'd enjoy getting our laps in before or after the work day.
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At Norstone we get to work with clients on all levels of projects – from a small backsplash or fireplace where our homeowner client is installing the stone veneer themselves to large architecturally specified projects that can take years to develop. If you've ever found yourself in the middle of a big project and aren't quite sure who is responsible for what, here's a great guide we compiled to make things clearer for us and our clients.
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This credit union in central Washington state raises the bar from a design standpoint as far as financial institutions are concerned. Let's take a look at how our Ebony Basalt 3D Panels were used extensively on the interior and exterior of this project and how this credit union gives you a lot to look at when you stop by.
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Curved or radius walls provide a unique opportunity to use stacked stone in a way not traditionally seen. We've gotten a chance to work on some great radius projects and wanted to share our tips and guidelines for using stacked stone on radius walls.
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We were blown away when we saw photos of this client's project recently completed about an hours drive outside of Kansas City, KS. The detail the designers and installers wove into the installation is pretty extraordinary. Come take a look inside with us and see what makes this project so special.
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You've designed and maybe already installed an amazing stone wall, now use these tips to make sure the flooring in the space is just as on point as the wall you can't keep your eyes off of.
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We're incredibly impressed with the use of our Charcoal XL Stacked Stone veneer on this new construction modern lake home in Asheville, NC. Take a seat and let's look at some of the design features that make this project award worthy.
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Making sure you've got the right installer for a tile or stone project is one of the most important parts of the whole job. Here's a deep dive into the steps you should be taking when finding your next tile or stone installer.
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At Norstone we're love great architecture, and this recently remodeled contemporary home in Palm Beach, FL checks all the boxes. Let's take a look at what makes this project where Norstone was used in both interior and exterior applications so special.
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Come take a look at this amazing gourmet kitchen featuring Norstone White Rock Panels in countertop to ceiling backsplash and a unique dual sides fireplace that makes this space truly one of a kind.
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Stacked stone can be used in a variety of features on a swimming pool to enhance the look,texture, and overall design of the space. Explore and learn more about designing pools with stacked stone in mind in this week's featured post.
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Color trends come and go, and one that we've noticed recently is a renewed interest in our Ivory Blend color, so we decided to feature a residential project in Southwest Florida that used our Ivory Blend on the exterior as this week's featured project.
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Stacked stone makes a great backdrop for a media wall and a question we get asked all the time is how to hang a flat screen tv on the stone. Keep reading our latest blog for the best solution to this quandary and some other tips and tricks we point out along the way.
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Norstone Basalt Interlocking Tile is used prominently in the lounge of a student housing complex on the downtown Philadelphia campus of Drexel University. Let's check out what makes this space so well designed and probably much nicer than any dorm we've spent time in.
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Sustainability and green building practices are important factors to consider as part of your next home remodel project. Learn all the different ways you can remodel your home and make a positive impact not only on the space, but on the environment as well, all while sticking to a budget.
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Coverings, the largest tile and stone in North America, was last week in Orlando and our whole team attended. Check out our thoughts on the show and where the tile and stone industry is headed in this week's blog.
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The smooth finished Basalt Tile is the perfect hardscape material for this large multi family outdoor living space just across the Potomac from Washington, D.C. Come take a look at how the design team was able to transition seamlessly from feature to feature using this versatile interlocking mosaic tile.
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While we all know stacked stone makes a great veneer choice for projects like fireplaces, backsplashes and feature walls, check out this article for some design inspiration on how to use stacked stone in applications that will be unique and eye catching on your next remodel or new construction project.
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We love how the colors of Aztec make this backsplash stand out in this beautiful modern inspired kitchen in the hip College Park area of Orlando, FL. Let's take a look at what makes this light and bright color a good choice for this perfectly designed corner kitchen.
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Lighting fixtures probably don't get enough credit for pulling the design of a room together. They're an important part of any project, so let's explore and take a look some of our favorite stone veneer projects where the fixture adds to the design of the space.
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This is one of our new favorite fireplaces, designed by the amazing team at Springhaus Designs in Ft. Collins, CO. Unafraid to mix materials and colors allowed them to create a truly unique modern fireplace in this Northern Colorado home.
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Whether you're buying online or from a brick and mortar dealer or distributor, samples should be an important part of the selection process for your next tile and stone job. This article delves into some of the reasons why and some major pitfalls that can be avoided with the simple step of requesting a sample.
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Thinset forms that critical link between substrate and stone, but is all thinset the same? This article is a definitive guide to different types of thinset and what is the best type to use for your next stacked stone veneer installation.
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We love the design of this client's modern inspired home in Austin, TX and we especially love all the different places they used our Ochre Rock Panels adding a little bit of Texas charm to this sleek beauty.
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Here at Norstone we've been noticing a trend in terms of design towards smoother finished products and away from more textured materials. This article explores that trend, how we see it showing up in our client's projects, and how some of our products will work well in design schemes looking to embrace all that is smooth.
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Although all of Norstone products are DIY friendly, sometimes you just don't have the motivation to learn or time to install your next stone project yourself. Hiring a contractor can be a daunting task for someone without experience or knowledge in construction, so here's some tips and strategies for finding and hiring a contractor that will meet and hopefully exceed your expectations.
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Big returns on a small budget are music to any homeowner, investor, or flipper's ears. When a blockbuster budget to re-do the kitchen or bathrooms isn't in the cards, or if you've been diligent and have some money leftover at the end of a big renovation, look no further than the fireplace for smaller project that can significantly change the way a room looks and feels, and if done correctly, give you a great return on your renovation dollars.
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All Natural Stone veneers are not the same. Thickness, build quality and color consistency, not to mention service before and after the sale are just some of the things to consider when doing your homework on this type of product. In this blog we dive into some key reasons why Norstone products differ from other products in the marketplace, and why ultimately that results in a superior product for the end user.
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Many installations don't end neatly into another wall or fixed object. What do you do when your thin veneer installation ends right in the middle of a wall? Natural Ends by Norstone are a great way to solve this problem. Each "unit" has two "ends" left in the natural cleft, allowing an installation to be finished mid wall, without seeing, or finding a way to cover up the standard smooth saw cut ends of a field unit.
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Do-it-yourself projects are more and more common these days, and companies like Norstone are making home projects like Ledgestone Walls an easy affair. In this Norstone Industry Series, join us to learn about the growing trend in 2016 of DIY home-based projects.
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Stacked stone is an age old building term that literally refers to constructing walls out of slabs of stone in various sizes. Romans used stacked stone walls in Europe to mark territories and some can still be found today. In New England you can find walls from early settlers that are moss covered and blending into tree lines.
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Granite, Marble, Quartz – the big three when it comes to high end stone countertop material. Ever wondered how these products would hold up when you turn that stone 90 degrees and put in on the backsplash? The answers might surprise you!
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There are many differences between manmade tile products, like porcelains and ceramics, as compared to natural stone. One of the most noticeable is color variation – something that can be tightly controlled when tile is manufactured versus something Mother Nature dictates when it comes to natural stone. Learn more about why color can vary and figure out what type of product works best for you.
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Think of your kitchen or bath backsplash as a canvas where you can express your own creativity or embrace the latest trends in backsplash tile design, without the same cost and construction commitment as other elements of the space, like cabinets and countertops. Let's explore some more trends in backsplash design that might get you in the remodeling mood!
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Whether it's charging up your phone or setting the mood with lighting, outlets and switches are a necessary and important part of many kitchen and bath backsplashes. However, when it comes time to renovate, figuring out how to work your new surface material around them might be more than you bargained for! This week's article is a great tutorial on how to work around outlets when installing a stacked stone backsplash and many of the lessons can be applied to other similar surfaces as well.
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Sometimes as ubiquitous as it is beautiful, Travertine really is its own segment in the natural stone industry. When you start hearing words like tumbled, polished, honed or filled you know you're entering a world of light earthy tones with uses as diverse as the stone itself. Come learn the basics of this unique natural stone and why it might just be the perfect selection for your next project.
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Tumbled Stone is to polished marble as those $500 "vintage" designer jeans are to a brand new pair of Levis. Have no fear Norstonians, this isn't SAT English - but it is our latest Blog where we take a closer look at what all the fuss is about when you take a perfectly good stone and make it look old.
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A small home made almost completely of larch wood in Austria dazzles us with its imaginative composition of traditionalism and futurism. Simply stunning, come check this gem out.
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Slate tile and other sedimentary based stone tiles are wildly popular due to their range of colors, ease of use, and in many instances, great value. While these products aren't as durable as most ceramics or porcelain tiles, slate tile and other stone tiles can be easily maintained with a few simple steps and will offer the uniquely natural qualities that a manufactured product just won't have. Read on for some tips about caring for your slate tile and other sedimentary based stone tiles.
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We recently bought a home and it is a fixer upper. My husband and I are already dreaming about the laundry list of projects we want to tackle. The first up is the bathroom. When brainstorming ideas for the design of the space, the various materials and textures to consider, my suggestion for the shower was subway tiles. They are classic, easy to clean, and affordable. However, my husband's automated response was "Subway tiles? They are so boring!" Little does he know the world of Subway tiles that exist...
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The horizontal stack is the basis for most stone masonry work and is the primary feature of what we call "ledgestone" in today's marketplace. One of the bigger advancements with ledgestone over the past 20 of so years changed the process from a back breaking labor intense process to what most installers today refer to as lick and stick. Come learn more about what ledgestone is and why with today's technology it's more achievable than ever.
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If you've ever heard the term "split face" in reference to a building material and weren't quite sure what that meant - you're not alone! This is maybe one of the broadest and most over-used terms in the stone industry and can be used to describe almost any product with a natural, unprocessed finish. Today's blog discusses more about what split face means throughout the industry, how split face products are made, and why they might be a good fit for your next project!
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Columns run the gamut from stately accoutrement in grand entry ways to just plain unsightly, view blocking headaches in a basement. Whatever its purpose, stone veneer is a great option for finishing columns, providing either a singular unique look, or allowing you to extend the stone veneer to more than just the flat walls of your project. This article touches on the major points to consider when selecting a veneer for a natural stone column project.
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If you clicked over and are reading this article right now there is a good chance you discovered it while doing some research for a current or upcoming design project involving stone veneer. Natural stone has been the time honored choice for stone veneer since mankind started using it as a building material, but with recent advancements and the proliferation of manmade faux stone materials, you might be asking yourself what product is the right fit for your job? Read on for a comparison between the two and determine for yourself who is "King of the Mountain."
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For many people, outdoor living space is more than just a nice feature, it's a necessity. Whether it's a small rooftop terrace overlooking a city skyline or a large space shaded in the leafy suburbs, outdoor spaces allow us to look away from the glare of our screens, breathe some fresh air and reconnect with nature. Natural stone finish options abound in these spaces and can be used on flooring, walls, seating and speciality features like outdoor grill islands and water features. This article visits on relevant design ideas and concepts for natural stone patios.
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In the not-too-distant future, we’ll look back effortlessly through our 3-D screens at the hallmark trends of today, and one thing that is sure to stand out as so remarkably simple yet so important that happened during this time is the revolution in design known as Sustainable Architecture. It is, without question, the Architecture and Design industry’s biggest fundamental shift of today, and is embedding itself in every fabric of our future. Let's discuss some of the important principles involved in Sustainable Architecture, and see what shakes out.
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Bathroom, restroom, lavatory or loo - whatever you call it we all know it's one of, if not the most important place in your home. With square feet often being a precious commodity, bathrooms challenge your design acumen to accomplish great things in small spaces. This article touches on how natural stone can be used on many surfaces of a bathroom serving both functional and aesthetic purposes to help create the luxurious spa like feel that will make you not want to leave.
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Natural Stone has long been the choice for retaining walls that last the test of time and now with advanced manufacturing techniques that enable manufacturers to cut stone into thin veneers, retaining walls can be built easily out of component parts, simplifying the installation even further. This blog explores how thin natural stone veneer products like Norstone can effectively be used for retaining wall applications.
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What are the big differences between natural stone and cast, or manmade, stone products - and why are those differences important? Here's a high level industry targeted look at the differences and some guidance on picking the right material for your project.
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As the economy continues its steady climb and the residential markets become less acrimonious to first time home buyers and investors once again, designing a space with a strong personal signature has become the hallmark trend of today’s emerging remodel and new construction market. Creating a space that is uniquely yours means finding materials that set you apart. With this increased demand for higher end materials comes a growing landscape of suppliers and vendors like Norstone that are rising up to meet your needs. This guide will review the essentials to ensure you choose a vendor who cares about your signature design as much as you do.
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Mosaic design has been used for centuries to create everything from functional floor and wall coverings to some of the most impressive pieces of art known to man in a variety of different mediums including natural stone. Learn more in this article about the practical aspects of selecting and working with today's natural stone mosaic finishes.
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There are a lot of misconceptions about natural stone being a hard surface to clean when the inevitable accident occurs. Don't let the thought of a spilled glass of red wine or junior going Picasso on your stone keep you up at night. Let us show you how these and other stains can be cleaned on natural stone surfaces.
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When designing a kitchen, there are a lot of little details to think about - cabinets, countertops, appliances, island or no island, flooring and more. The one detail that is often overlooked, or saved for last, is the backsplash - but it shouldn't be! The backsplash can tie all the little details together and be the finishing touch on the kitchen. Here are a few design ideas using natural stone as a non traditional backsplash medium.
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There comes a point in most stone veneer projects where the stone will need to go around an outside corner to either continue along, or terminate into another wall or structure. Calculating the right mix of field and corner units for your project the first time around is a critical step to staying on time and in budget. So don't let an outside corner bring your stacked stone project to a screeching halt - Here's a handy guide that explains how using our Rock Panel series Outside Corner Unit will have you turning corners in no time.
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Got Dimensions? This is a quick tutorial on everything you need to know to measure your project for a stone veneer application. One of the first steps in any project is going to be measuring the space and determining material requirements in square feet (sq ft). Whether you are working on a fireplace, backsplash, or feature wall, measuring the pertinent dimensions can be broken down into a few easy steps. Let's take a look at them here.
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Of all the rock panels,the Ochre Blend has the most color variation to it. You will find shades of gray, rust and beige. If you are lucky, you will even receive panels with hints of blue and green. Since the Ochre is made up of a combination of sedimentary rock and quartz, you will also notice that it has a slight gold glimmer that will catch your eye. This can be your guide to designing with this crowd favorite, helping you elevate your project from ordinary to extraordinary.
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No longer just a product site, no longer just a beta, Norstone now has a living breathing Blog for our customers to enjoy, learn from, and share in...
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