NATURAL STONE MASONRY
Natural Stone Masonry Specialists in Granite, Marble and Cut Building Stone
Kafka’s line of cut building stone includes stunning natural granite, marble, and quartzite that can be used wherever you want a show-stopping first impression. Due to its light weight, thin stone veneer doesn’t require the use of footings or support ledges for installation. Additionally, it can be adhered to a variety of surfaces with the proper surface preparation. These qualities make the versatile material ideal for many kinds of non-structural natural stone masonry projects, like fireplaces, pillars, chimney facades, and decorative walls. Because Kafka’s high-quality thin stone veneer consists entirely of quarried stone, the material will retain its integrity when exposed to the elements, whatever they may be.
Natural Stone Masonry at a Glance
- Kafka’s thin stone veneer is made entirely of quarried natural granite, marble, and quartzite. No concrete. No artificial colorants. No two pieces exactly alike.
- Because the material is lightweight, installation doesn’t require footings or support ledges, keeping projects simpler than traditional full-bed stone work.
- Well suited for both interior and exterior non-structural applications, including fireplaces, pillars, chimney facades, decorative walls, building exteriors, and more.
- Surfaces must be cleaned of any chemical film before installation, and depending on the substrate, a non-corrosive wire lath and setting mix may be needed prior to applying the veneer.
- For exterior projects, any surface that will come into contact with the veneer must first be waterproofed to industry standards.
- Type N mortar works for most above-grade, interior, and exterior installations, including chimneys and high-temperature environments. Type S is the better choice for heavier-duty applications where high wind or soil pressure is a factor.
Looking for a Custom Solution?
Kafka Granite takes pride in providing custom natural stone masonry solutions to our customers’ needs. Whether you need a specific size or thickness of a fireplace mantel or hearth stone, a particular height of thin stone veneer, or a custom blend of stone to create the perfect exterior facade, Kafka can deliver the perfect result. All our natural cut building stone, from marble to granite, is produced as it’s ordered, allowing for complete customization for your next masonry project.
Contact UsFeatured Projects
Frequently Asked Questions
Natural stone masonry is one of the most durable building materials available, with well-constructed installations commonly lasting well over a century. Unlike manufactured materials, natural stone does not fade or degrade when properly maintained. That said, the longevity of any installation depends on the quality of the stone, the surface preparation, and the use of appropriate mortar for the application.
Manufactured or artificial stone is man-made and typically crafted from concrete and other materials. This type of product can be molded to resemble natural stone, but is far from the real thing. Kafka’s natural cut stone products consist entirely of quarried rock, creating a beautiful, organic quality that can’t be replicated. Each piece of natural stone is completely unique, giving it truly exceptional character. Additionally, natural cut stone maintains its color and integrity as it weathers, while man-made concrete materials contain oxide colors and other chemicals that will fade over time.
To ensure the integrity and longevity of a project, we recommend having a professional mason install our natural thin stone veneer. If this specialty building product is being utilized in an exterior project, the area that will be in contact with the product must first be waterproofed to industry standards. Next, any chemical film on the wall should be removed. Additional surface preparation may be necessary, depending on the type of material. Some surfaces will need a non-corrosive wire lath and a setting mix before the material is applied. To set the product, begin with any corner pieces and alternate long and short ends while stacking them on top of each other. Type N or S mortar is suitable for most projects, possibly with the addition of a bonding admixture. Once the corners are complete, the rest of the pattern can be filled in by pressing each stone against the scratch coat wall. Mortar should be allowed to ooze and create grout joints around the edge of each stone.
The mortar mix you’ll want to use for natural stone walling will depend on the type of thin stone veneer you’ve chosen for your project. Depending on your needs, you’ll choose either type N or type S.
- Type N is a reliable, general-purpose mix with a medium compressive strength, while type S provides a high-tensile bond strength and a high compressive strength.
- Type N is well-suited for exterior and above-grade projects that are exposed to severe weather and high temperatures, as well as interior installations. Soft stone masonry, above-grade walls, and chimneys are just a few examples of projects that would most likely require type N.
- With a minimum compressive strength of 1,800 psi, type S can be considered a more “heavy-duty” mortar and is ideal for applications like exterior masonry and other projects that need to withstand forceful winds and soil pressure.
