• ×

    • How are artificial stone window sills made? Choosing the right artificial stone window sill. What to consider when choosing

    28.10.2019

    Window sills from artificial stone - This is a great alternative to products made from natural stones. What exactly they are beneficial and why they are constantly popular for interior design of apartments, private houses and commercial premises, you will learn from this article.

    Production technology

    As the basis for the manufacture of artificial stone window sills, an acrylic-mineral composition with pigment additives-dyes is used. They are made by casting, due to which they form solid, durable and beautiful slabs, easy to process and maintain.

    Important! Acrylic stone was first invented by Donald Smoke in 1967. The goal of the development was to create a durable and hygienic artificial material for the formation of bone prostheses. Later, acrylic gained wide popularity in construction and is still used in different directions, including for the production of window sills.

    Types of artificial stone window sills

    There are several criteria by which the classification of types of stone window sills is made - these are:

    1. Configuration. The group consists of products of a classic rectangular shape, cascading, with slopes, window sills as a continuation of the table tops, semi- and whole window sills.
    2. External surface type. Depending on the method of finishing, there are matte, semi-gloss, glossy, with imitation of natural stone.

    Important! To understand how wide the design possibilities are when installing a window sill made of artificial acrylic stone, just look at the photo and read the reviews about this material. Everyone who has decided to use this particular version of window sills when decorating a window opening, express their delight about how stylish, beautiful, modern they look and how convenient and practical to use.

    Advantages of installing acrylic stone window sills

    Why the reviews about artificial stone window sills are only positive is easy to understand if you familiarize yourself with the properties of acrylic itself:

    1. Fire resistance - Class B1 according to DIN 4102/1 5.1 standards.
    2. Toxicity - Class FO.
    3. Density - 1.78 * 10 3 Kg / m3 according to DIN 53 479 and ISO R 1183.
    4. Service life - from 50 years.
    5. Flexural strength with a 12.3 mm sill thickness - 60 N / mm2 according to DIN 53 452 and ISO 178-75.
    6. Absolute resistance to any mechanical stress - when tested with a burning cigarette, boiling water, dropped an object weighing 0.5 kg, exposure to UV rays, no material changes are observed (tests are carried out according to ISO 4586/2, DIN 53 799).
    7. Full resistance to all types of pathogenic bacteria, including molds - zero values \u200b\u200bwhen tested according to ISO 486 A and B.
    8. Thermoplasticity - when heated to 185 ° C, acrylic becomes plastic, due to which it can be transformed into any desired shape. The same method is used to remove seams in case of installation of complex configuration window sills, due to which a monolithic seamless construction is achieved.

    Important! In addition to such technical parameters, the following advantages of acrylic stone are noted:

    • wide range of colors with a color palette of more than 400 colors;
    • pleasant to the touch;
    • ease of care;
    • cracks, chips, scratches do not form on it;
    • high wear resistance;
    • non-porosity of the material;
    • hygiene and hypoallergenicity.

    Based on these features, it is not surprising that artificial stone window sills are constantly in demand on the market and occupy the first positions in sales.

    Popular manufacturers

    To buy really high quality artificial stone window sills with the aforementioned properties, give preference to trusted and reliable manufacturers. Today these brands are:

    1. Corian (USA). One of the earliest manufacturers of artificial stone. Today the products are represented by window sills with the following parameters:
      • height - 4, 6, 12 mm;
      • length - 2490, 3658 mm;
      • width - 760 and 930 mm.
    2. Montelli (China). A cheaper analogue of Corian, all products of which can be conditionally divided into 2 lines - acrylic, which bends (Ultra), and stone, which does not have plasticity (Basic). Available sizes of sheets for cutting out window sills:
      • length - 3658 mm;
      • height - 12 mm;
      • width - 760 mm.
    3. Staron (South Korea). The material of this brand, decent in quality, has won its popularity due to its reasonable price and a wide range of species. Today the products are represented by hundreds of colors in the collections of Quarry, Sanded, Pebble, Aspen, Solid, Metallic, Tempest. Size chart:
      • length - 3680 and 2490 mm;
      • width - 760 mm;
      • height - 6 and 12 mm.
    4. Akrilika (Germany). The price for the window sills of this brand is slightly higher, but this manufacturer supplies the market with products of an exceptionally high quality class with the widest color palette. All types of acrylic stone are grouped into collections - Kristall, Stone, Apietra, Desing, Polystone, Deсo. This company is one of the few that supplies artificial stone of non-standard sizes for sale:
      • height - 3, 6, 12.5, 12.7, 30 mm;
      • width - 200-760 mm;
      • length - 900-3660 mm.
      • length - 2490 and 3680 mm;
      • height - 6 and 12 mm;
      • width - 760 mm Tristone (South Korea). The windowsills of this company are of particular interest to consumers in the series "Romantic", "Modern", "Renaissance", "Classic", "Baroque" and "Byzantium". Due to the correspondence of the names to the styles, it is quite easy to decide on suitable material for decoration of any room in any artistic direction. Dimensional parameters:

    How much do artificial stone window sills cost?

    The price for artificial stone window sills is determined by a set of characteristics:

    • color filling - large-fraction and shiny elements increase the price category;
    • type of surface - products with a glossy finish are 10% more expensive than matte window sills;
    • thickness - as this parameter increases, the cost of the entire product also increases;
    • end processing method - the more complex the configuration, the more expensive the product.

    Important! In addition to these parameters, take into account the specific prices of the selected manufacturer, plus the costs of measurement, transportation and installation, if you do not perform them yourself, but entrust the specialists.

    Installation of an artificial stone window sill

    Correct installation of the window sill will not only give the desired aesthetic result, but will also affect its service life, as well as the amount of heat loss and moisture penetration into the room. Therefore, before you install an artificial stone window sill with your own hands, carefully read the rules of installation technology.

    General installation rules

    1. The minimum projection of the canvas outside the walls is 4-5 cm.
    2. The inclination of the installation angle is from 5 degrees.
    3. Distance from heating radiators - at least 15 cm.
    4. The distance is 2-3 mm from the walls at the ends of the window sill.

    Important! Please also note that if the projection of the blade is more than 1/3 of the total width, you will have to install additional supports.

    Artificial stone window sill installation technology

    Before installing an artificial stone window sill, dismantle the old one. For this:

    1. Prepare a hammer, chisel, puncher.
    2. Break up the slopes to the point where the window sill can be easily removed from the niche.
    3. Remove the rest of the mounting foam on the base and plaster from the slopes.
    4. Remove all large debris and construction dust.
    5. Make sure that the parameters of the prepared product correspond to the dimensions of the window niche.
    6. Level the base by sealing cracks, chips, abrasive protrusions.
    7. Measure with a ruler and a building level the correct position of the new window sill, taking into account the above rules.
    8. Mark up with a pencil.

    The installation itself is carried out using one of 2 technologies:

    1. Method 1. In this case, special supports are installed on the base. The rules for their competent installation are as follows:
      • material for stiffening ribs - wood or metal, small bars are suitable;
      • the distance between the supports is 10-15 cm, the direction is transverse (along the width of the window sill);
      • material for fastening the supports to the base and the window sill and stiffeners - special glue. Preferably the same manufacturer as the acrylic board itself.
    2. Method 2. This technology provides for the design of a concrete screed. The rules are:
      • height - up to 14 mm downward from the expected installation height of the artificial stone window sill;
      • brackets - buried in the screed. On them, the installation of the window sill itself is carried out;
      • design of slopes - sawing of grooves up to 30 mm deep in order to finally fix the window sill.
    3. Further actions:
      • install the stove in the chosen way;
      • check the clarity of the horizontal line by level;
      • seal the gaps between the stiffeners or cement screed and the slab with polyurethane foam;
      • wait for solidification and remove excess;
      • plaster or paint over the slopes, preferably in 2-3 layers;
      • maintain a technical pause until all solutions have completely set;
      • wipe all surfaces of the window structure with a damp cloth to remove the remnants of debris and dust;
      • remove the protective film from the surface of the window sill.

    Rules for caring for an artificial stone window sill

    Artificial stone window sills are very practical, comfortable, unpretentious in maintenance. Nevertheless, it is not worthwhile to deliberately create unfavorable conditions, reducing the service life. Therefore, when cleaning the house, follow these rules:

    1. Use soap solutions or disinfectants (maybe ammonia) to regularly clean the surface.
    2. Remove all dirt at once - even caustic dyes do not penetrate deep into the material, but can be easily washed off with a damp cloth. Therefore, this procedure will not take much of your time.
    3. Do not use sharp hard objects to remove heavy dirt and drops of building mixtures from the surface of artificial stone window sills. It is better to use suitable, moderately aggressive solvents.
    4. Do not let the surface heat up too much - at temperatures above 185 ° C, possible deformation of the blade.
    5. In case of visible defects, perform simple procedures for restoration by heat treatment and grinding, or invite a professional master. Acrylic boards are highly maintainable.

    Conclusion

    Artificial stone window sills are a great modern solution. With their help, you can easily decorate the original interior, avoid excessive costs for installation, maintenance and reinstallation after several years. Choose high-quality products from trusted brands, follow the installation rules and an excellent result of strength, beauty and reliability of window sills is guaranteed!

    __________________________________________________

    Artificial stone window sills are elegant and reliable. They are highly durable and fit into any interior in an original way. For the manufacture of the product, you can use acrylic stone, granite, marble.

    Plastic surfaces

    Artificial stone window sills are produced using mineral filler, additives with color pigments and acrylic resin. The glued components set, and the resulting window sills made of artificial acrylic stone or other material are easily sanded with micro-grained abrasives. Such production provides an absolute external resemblance to natural stone.

    Artificial window sill plate has high strength and durability

    Artificial stone window sills have the following advantages:

    • strength, durability and resistance to various influences;
    • through modern technology you can pour seamless racks, and the installation of a stone window sill takes several hours;
    • the material heats up quickly and retains heat for a long time;
    • acrylic stone window sills are lightweight;
    • effective removal of scratches;
    • easy care;
    • hygiene;
    • wide range of colors and tint palette.

    Artificial stone window sills have some disadvantages. Traces of hot objects remain on their surface.

    Design selection

    According to the form, experts distinguish the following types of window sills:

    • rectangular - this is a classic design option for the space below the window;
    • bay window;
    • half-window - manufacturing of artificial stone window sills in the corner of the room;
    • window sills-slopes;
    • a complex cascade, during the arrangement of which a smooth transition of the window sill to the tabletop is ensured.

    As a rule, rectangular window sills are installed.

    Artificial stone can have a smooth glossy or matte surface. In appearance and structure, it can imitate a specific natural material. Window sills made of natural and artificial stone can have any shape and color. If necessary, with the help of the structure, the design of the window is continued or a separate surface is created.

    To find out how much an artificial stone window sill costs, the following factors are taken into account:

    • the pigment used;
    • the amount of paint in the product;
    • surface parameters;
    • window state.

    Installation work

    Installation of window sills is carried out using a specific technology. This takes into account an indent of 10-15 cm. To seal the joints, polyurethane foam is used. When pouring a concrete screed, this effect is absent. Therefore, before installing an artificial stone window sill, it is recommended to decide on the technology for performing installation work.

    If a screed is being installed, then it should be 14 mm lower than the artificial stone. Brackets are mounted on 1/3 of the screed width. In the slopes, grooves are made to fix the window sills of quartz stone or other artificial material.


    Before gluing the artificial stone, it is recommended to decide on the color scheme of consumables and glue. If the installation of a stone window sill is carried out using the glued method, then a special code table is used.


    Corian has a smooth, non-porous surface

    Each shade has its own digital meaning. A sander is used to remove glue residues. Most often, artificial stone window sills are made with a thickness of 12.45 mm or 3.0 cm... If you need to make a complex figure for the window, then the installation work is carried out in stages. The surface is assembled in parts. The resulting structure is ground and polished. Can be finished with Corian. This natural mineral filler is made from bauxite. To install a structure made of artificial quartz, acrylic stone and other consumables, you will need a building level.

    Surfaces made of natural material

    For window decoration, you can use a natural window sill natural material... The product has the following advantages:

    • high strength;
    • long-term operation;
    • good resistance to external factors;
    • stone windowsills are easily cleaned of stains;
    • absolute environmental friendliness;
    • original appearance.

    Natural stone window sills are much more expensive than artificial counterparts

    But natural stone window sills are more difficult to work with, as they are heavy. Other disadvantages include high cost and small color gamut.

    Consumable types

    To mount a stone standard sample, use different material... Most often, preference is given to 3 types of natural stone:

    • onyx, which transmits light radiation through itself;
    • marble, which accumulates harmful substances. The material is presented in a wide palette of colors. It is a harmless and environmentally friendly natural resource;
    • granite resistant to various damages. Granite window sills "absorb" radiation, which should be taken into account before purchasing consumables.

    Most often, marble, onyx, granite are used for the manufacture of window sills.

    After installing a stone translucent onyx product, it is recommended to equip a light source under it... This will give the window a beautiful and original look. But window sills made of natural onyx stone are expensive, and the material itself is not resistant to mechanical damage.

    The following features are characteristic of marble window sills:

    • the thread-like structure of the product gives the surface high performance characteristics. Marble, unlike other analogs, is considered a durable natural resource. Therefore, the marble window sill can withstand heavy loads;
    • the presence of a flat and smooth surface throughout the product;
    • marble window sills, on which defects have appeared, easily withstand the effects of chemical cleaning agents;
    • the material does not flake or crumble, so marble window sills are easy to process. In the process of manufacturing and installing an element made of natural stone, you can use different methods of influence, including cutting, sawing, drilling. After such procedures, the physical characteristics of the product do not change;
    • marble stone sill is highly resistant to chemicals.

    Calculation of surface thickness

    Before installing the product, you need to decide on its thickness. The value of this indicator must exceed 20 mm. If marble window sills are thinner, then they may crack during transportation, installation or during operation. Most often, window sills made of marble and granite have a thickness of 30 mm.


    The thickness of the stone sill board must be more than 20 mm

    Such surfaces are highly durable, and many options can be used to finish their ends. Window sills are made of natural stone, taking into account the distance from the wall by more than 150 mm... If there is a battery under the product, then the stone window sills may be damaged during the installation process.

    Before making them, the end finish is taken into account. It should organically fit into the interior of the room. If it is not possible to install a thick coating, experts advise choosing a tile sill or a 30 mm product with additional gluing of the same thickness. Marble window sills can be finished with protrusions, engraving, cutter, or shaped processing.

    Advantages and installation of granite surfaces

    The cast granite window sill has the following advantages:

    • the highest chemical and physical characteristics associated with the structure of the natural material;
    • a granite surface is better than a tile window sill, as it can withstand high temperatures;
    • stone window sills, unlike wooden counterparts, are easy to repair;
    • affordable price.

    Granite surfaces withstand high temperatures

    Then the granite sill is installed on a dry surface. Additionally, a slope is made from the opening so that the water can drain. The product is removed, a primer is applied.

    To fix the natural stone window sills, special glue is used. It is applied in a thick layer. Excess glue is removed before it hardens. Otherwise, you will need to apply acid to the granite windowsills to remove glue stains..


    A sealant is used to seal the joints between the slab and the window profile. But first, the remains of cement glue are removed from the seam. It is better to seal granite window sills with a composition with the following requirements:

    • high adhesion;
    • neutral composition.

    When the sealing is complete, the granite window sills are treated with a protective liquid. It prevents the absorption of water and various impurities into the coating. Installed window sills made of granite, marble and artificial consumables will last a long time if properly cared for.

    Now you will be presented artificial stone manufacturing technology on the example of a table.

    Table size 1100 mm x 630 mm. First of all, two types of material are used - chipboard 16 mm and plywood 12 mm. The workpieces are cut 1 cm smaller, i.e. 1090 mm x 620 mm. This is due to the fact that in the process of pouring the edge of the workpiece R.S. we will increase to the required size (the thickness of the artificial stone around the perimeter is 0.5 cm) In the manufacture of countertops and window sills, we use only chipboard. Plywood is used so that the legs do not loosen during the operation of the table.
    First stage: gluing the blank. Now gluing is taking place. Both materials can be glued with different types of adhesives. In our case, we use PVA. After the glue is applied, we glue the two sheets together. If the plywood has a bend, then we use self-tapping screws that act as a load (tie). You don't need to press the table hard. To make the tabletop (hereinafter the workpiece) even, it all depends on the surface of the desktop. The surface of the worktable must be perfectly flat, otherwise, in the process of pressure, the worktop (workpiece) may take on the unevenness of the worktable. The load should be approximately 20 kg. for 1 sq. m., no more.
    Next step: milling the chipboard. After the gluing process, the edge of the workpiece will be milled. In our case, a manual milling machine with a 25 mm radius cutter is used. (or another cutter at the request of the client).
    Next step: making the sheet (plastic sheet). Wax mastic is applied to a soft cloth and rubbed over the glass surface with a thin layer, after 15 minutes it is reapplied and polished. The quality of the applied wax coating determines the quality of your sheet. If dust or other solid inclusions get on the sheet, it is advisable to remove them. If you do not do this, then pits will be visible on the front surface of the sheet.
    On the glass, as you can see, there is adhesive tape glued on the back, which shows the borders of our sheet. During manufacturing, you can use a template, as in this case, that is, the template is laid down and the side is glued in according to the template. We use textolite strips and masking tape. The thickness of the ebonite strip is 4-6 mm. or you can use glass strips, etc. Next, the dimensions of our edge are checked. The surface is ready. The frame is made 1 cm larger than the dimensions of our table, because during the polymerization process there is a linear shrinkage of up to 1%. After mixing well in a separate bucket, the ROYAL STONE stone is cast at the rate of 3-2.7 kg per 1 sq. M. In our case, the table area is 0.710 sq. M. we multiply 3 kg. and we get 2.1 kg. R.S. The R.S. add 1-1.5 percent catalyst per 1 kg., you can also add cobalt if the temperature in the room is not very high (less than 20 ° C). We measure it with a syringe and pour it into a separate mug. Separately pour out cobalt (at the rate of 0.2-1 cube per 1 kg. R.S.) and mix with a hand drill with a nozzle, and then the catalyst. The mixing process takes on average 1-3 minutes.

    Kneading proceeds in this order: 1. Add the hardener to the resin and mix for 5 seconds. 2. Pour the stone (crumb) into the resin and mix. As soon as we see a homogeneous mass in the bucket, we immediately proceed to the formation of the sheet. 3. To avoid the formation of air bubbles, do not stir the stone for a long time and do not lift the mixer out of the liquid.

    DO NOT MIX COBALT AND CATALYST TOGETHER TO PREVENT EXPLOSION !!!

    Film 1. Wax - a separating layer for polymer granite.

    The mixture is poured onto prepared glass, greased with paraffin, and leveled with a spatula or other flat material. The thickness of the applied material on the glass is visually measured. You can use a vibrator, but after the sheet is formed. The vibrator should work no more than two minutes.
    It is advisable to prime our chipboard + plywood blank with cheap polyester resin at the rate of 200-300 gr. per sq.m. (cobalt 0.5-1% and 1-2% resin plummet plus 20% talc). The surface is primed. We give it the opportunity to saturate the wood and polymerize, but not completely until it is tack-free.
    After our sheet began to polymerize, and this is checked by the method for tack-free, when a finger leaves a print on it, but does not stick. Next, we disassemble the form, and while the sheet has not yet fully polymerized, we undermine it. This must be done very carefully, because the sheet is thin. If you have applied very little release paste, the sheet can stick to the glass and break. Pay attention to this!
    When the sheet is completely torn off, then we cover it with glass so that the polymerization process is completely over and the sheet does not warp. One sheet of glass of a slightly larger size is enough. If you have any doubts, you can put additional weight on top and as a result, the sheet will turn out to be even. We leave the sheet for a day.
    The next step: gluing the sheet. Cooking 650 gr. cheap polyester resin with 20% talc (with cobalt and a catalyst), which was used for gluing and a primer, moreover, the amount of resin poured on the sheet should be 3 times more than on the blank. The resin can be tinted with pigment pastes to match the stone R.S. Color: preferably for a light R.S. pick up light colors and vice versa. Resin consumption for gluing the sheet R.S. with a workpiece - 1 - 0.9 kg. per sq. m.When gluing a sheet, be sure to visually check the correctness of the sticker so that there is the same weight on each side, so that our sheet goes beyond the table by about 0.5 cm.
    Next operation: closing the back of the workpiece. The back side of the plywood is coated with a cheap resin with a dye in the color R.S. at the rate of 1.4 kg of resin, in this case it is advisable to use a light green color.

    Filling the back side takes place in several stages: - pasting the edge with masking tape - filling the back side. - Sprinkle R.S. granules on top of the resin.

    This operation can be combined with gluing the sheet onto the workpiece.
    Next operation: fill the edge. Masking tape is glued on the plywood side. The free edge of the tape should protrude 1 cm. The tape is 25 mm wide. Pay particular attention to the corners. The corners must be well sealed to prevent resin and stone leakage. It is desirable that the table is horizontal with us. This is verified with a level. One side is 280 gr. R.S. for 1.1 linear meter of billet. Cobalt speeds up the polymerization process. It is not recommended to add a lot of cobalt so that the air comes out on its own. The resulting mixture is slowly poured over the entire plane. When the first batch of R.S. poured along the end of the workpiece, then manually re-shape the edge. After the gelling is complete, we move on to the next side and so on in a circle. We give a day for polymerization.
    Next step: milling. Since all sides of the table are filled in, we need to make the end of the table even, so we again use a manual milling machine with a finger mill. We expose the cutter so that about 1 mm is removed. Milling the edge of the workpiece also allows the stone to be developed. If there are irregularities somewhere, then we still shift it by 0.5 mm and again go through it with a milling machine. All four sides are milled. The next moment. We make an oval of 25 mm with a manual milling machine. around the perimeter. You can use cutters with different semicircles. It all depends on the wishes of the customer.
    Next step: sanding and polishing. For this process, skins are used, from large size to zero. It is advisable to start from the 120th and go to the bottom. The most recent skin is 320. The product is matte. If the customer wants the product to have a shiny surface, then we apply polishing. Periodically, dust from the surface of the table must be removed with a dry cloth. The grinding process takes an average of 1 sq.m. in hour.

    Technical data: 1. Resins R.S.- 50-60% ( gelcoat transparent under the brush 50% + 50% resin for general use). 2. Crumbs R.S. 40-50%, depending on the fraction. 3. Catalyst 1-2% by weight of resin.

    Now you can make artificial granite with your own hands.

    Calculation of materials for the manufacture of "SNOWFALL" countertops from artificial stone 2.31m by 0.6m 40 mm thick. large granule.

    Type of work Resin RS, kg Granule RS, kg Cheap resin, kg Talc, kg Hardener, see cube. Total, kg
    Sheet making 3.56 3.50 71.0 7.060
    Workpiece priming (chipboard) 0.330 0.083 6.6 0.413
    Gluing sheet 1.386 0.416 27.0 1.800
    Filling the back side 2.770 0.550 55.0 3.320
    Fill visible edge - 2.31 m 0.37 0.37 7.50 0.740
    Fill visible edge - 2x0.6 m 0.19 0.19 4.0 0.380
    TOTAL 4.12 4.06 4.486 1.049 171.0
    Consumption of 1 sq. M. 2.97 2.93 3.237 0.760 123.0

    Calculation formulas.

    1. PRODUCTION OF SHEET, calculation of mixture -V. V \u003d (length + 1% X width + 1%) X to the desired thickness (in our case 5 mm) V \u003d (2.31 + 0.02 X 0.6 + 0.006) X 5 mm \u003d 7.06 kg Here 1% is the shrinkage of the polyester resin during the polymerization process. 2. UNIT LOADING, calculation of mixture -V. V \u003d (S blank X 0.24 kg) + 25% (talc) or 100% omicarb V \u003d (2.31 X 0.6 X 0.24 kg) + 25% or 100% omicarb V \u003d 0.33 kg +0.0825 kg (talc) \u003d 0.413 kg 3. ADHESIVE SHEET, calculation of the mixture –V. V \u003d S billets + 30% (talc) or 100% omicarb V \u003d 1.138 kg (resin) + 0.416 kg (talc) \u003d 1.8 kg 4. FILLING THE BACK SIDE, calculation of the mixture –V. V \u003d 2 S billets + 20% (talc) or 100% omicarb V \u003d 2 X 1.386 + 20% V \u003d 2.77 + 0.55 \u003d 3.32 kg 5. FILLING THE VISIBLE EDGE, calculation of the mixture –V. LONG SIDE (2.31 m) V \u003d 2.31 m X 0.04 m (workpiece thickness) X 8 V \u003d 0.0924 X 8 \u003d 0.74 kg SHORT SIDE (0.6 m) V \u003d 0.6 m X 0.04 X 8 (edge \u200b\u200bthickness) V \u003d 0.024 X 8 \u003d 0.19 kg. But we have two short sides, therefore 2 X 0.19 \u003d 0.38 kg.

    When making artificial granite, from the beginning, make and write down the calculation of the material consumption for your product. This will help you avoid mistakes.

    The implementation of some design solutions when decorating the interior of a house requires the installation of stone window sills. In this situation, the owner of the house is faced with a rather difficult problem: which window sill is better to choose - from natural or artificial stone. In order not to be mistaken when choosing, it is necessary to take into account the characteristics of each material, since the installation of stone window sills is a very laborious task, and it will be very problematic to dismantle them without damaging the decoration of the room.

    Artificial stone window sills

    Artificial stone is a relatively inexpensive material that is very similar in properties to natural stone. Window sills made of this material have become quite widespread due to their excellent durability, high strength and availability, however, before installing them in your home, you should get a more detailed understanding of all the properties of artificial stone.

    Composition and production

    A stone sill made of artificial stone is made by casting and consists of three components:

    • mineral filler;
    • a pigment that acts as a dye;
    • acrylic resin, which is a binder for the filler.

    After the product has completely solidified, it is polished to give a perfectly smooth shape and as close as possible to a natural stone.

    Advantages of acrylic window sills

    Artificial stone products have an affordable cost and a rather impressive number of advantages, among which the most important are:

    • high strength and durability;
    • resistance to sunlight and negative environmental factors;
    • light weight;
    • excellent thermal conductivity - a stone acrylic window sill heats up very quickly and retains heat for a very long time, therefore it acts as a passive source of heating in the room;
    • due to the properties of the material, in the event of mechanical damage to an artificial stone product, any defect is very easy to eliminate;
    • unpretentiousness in care and operation.

    Also, an important advantage of artificial stone window sills is that the manufacturing technology and the use of pigments allow you to create products of absolutely any shape and color. The only drawback that a stone acrylic sill has is that it does not tolerate too much high temperaturestherefore it is not recommended to install it near heating equipment.

    Natural stone window sills: general information

    Natural stone is a material with excellent strength and durability. However, for high performance you have to pay a rather high price, therefore, before you buy a stone window sill, which will be almost impossible to install with your own hands, you need to carefully weigh the pros and cons, and also take into account their advantages and disadvantages, which will be discussed below.

    Natural stone window sills: pros and cons

    Stone window sills can give any room a more noble and elegant look. In addition, the stone is not affected by any negative factors, so it is an eternal material that will last for more than one generation. Nevertheless, they also have certain disadvantages, namely, a very large weight, as well as a high sensitivity to mechanical damage.

    All stone window sills, the photos of which look just great, are made of marble or travertine. Both materials are very fragile and can crack if dropped even from low heights. In addition, natural stone very easily absorbs dirt, so it is very difficult to care for it.

    A few words about sizes

    If you decide to install a natural stone window sill in your house, then you should immediately think about what size it should be, since the subsequent installation depends on this. When ordering a finished product, you should add 4 cm to - two on each side, which are necessary so that you can embed the window sill into the wall.

    The optimal solution for most modern houses and apartments will be a stone window sill made of solid stone slabs of great length, which in some cases can reach 3.5 meters. It is not recommended to purchase a window sill connected in two parts, because in this case it loses all its attractive appearance and will spoil the aesthetics of the interior. As for the thickness, it can be from two to four centimeters. At the same time, do not forget that with an increase in the thickness of the product, its cost also increases in direct proportion.

    Installing a natural stone window sill: general tips and tricks

    Installation of a stone window sill is a rather troublesome, laborious task, and also requires certain knowledge and experience. In order not to spoil the appearance of the product, it is best to start its installation only after the interior decoration of the room has been completed. In addition, if you want to place heating radiators under the windowsill, then it is better to install them before the window sill is suspended.

    If all the small nuances are resolved, then you can proceed directly to the process of installing a natural stone window sill. This is done in a certain sequence:

    1. On the sides of the window, two indentations are made approximately 4 centimeters each. In this case, it is recommended to provide a small gap so that later you can level the window sill without unnecessary problems.
    2. If after installation any defects are found, then they will need to be cleaned.
    3. If your house has very curved walls and there is no way to align them, then in order for the stone window sill to look even in the interior, you must use a pre-prepared template.
    4. If it is necessary to cut it for the installation of the window sill, then it is best to do this at the factory, since it will be impossible to cut at home without a special saw.
    5. Before installing a stone window sill, you should clean the planting site from dust and foreign objects, and also degrease. If during the installation process you find that the slab is crooked, then it needs to be leveled with cement mortar.
    6. All joints must be thoroughly foamed to prevent drafts.
    7. To fix the stone window sills, use a special construction adhesive designed for marble, which is evenly applied in a thin layer, both on the window sill itself and on the window opening.

    It is worth noting that if you do not have any construction experience, then when installing window sills made of natural stone, it is recommended to seek professional help so as not to damage anything.

    Conclusion

    Window sills made of natural and artificial stone allow you to bring to life any design projects and create a truly original interior, which gives the room high cost and nobility. However, no matter how expensive a stone product is, very great attention should be paid to its installation, since not only aesthetics, but also the stability, reliability and durability of the window sill depend on it.

    Similar articles
     
    Categories
    Videos
    Popular
    New