Types of artificial stone and their use in construction

The use of stone decoration elements is a rather popular phenomenon. The building looks good, the life of stone decorative parts is very long. The only drawback, in fact, is a high price. Artificial stone is an excellent solution for a limited budget.

It is much cheaper than natural, but, at the same time, it is completely not inferior to the natural analogue either in decorative qualities or in physical properties. And sometimes, a synthetic stone even exceeds natural in its qualities. So, for example, it is 1.5 times easier than natural. Moreover, cracks and chips are found in the structure of natural stone, which is not characteristic of artificial materials.

Artificial stone is a composite material obtained from oxides of metals and acrylic compounds and imitating natural stone, similar to it visually and in physical characteristics. Materials of artificial origin are quite often used for interior decoration and for external decor buildings.

Interior elements that are made of artificial stone

• Tables and countertops.
• Sculptural compositions.
• Fountains.
• Benches.
• Window sills.
• Mosaics and wall panels.
• Fireplaces.
• Decorative fences.
• Tiles for sidewalks.
• Receiving sides.
• Bar racks.
• Sinks.
• Panels for wall decoration, etc.

Advantages of artificial stone

• Impact resistance.
• The lack of pores and cracks in the texture.
• Small weight.
• Long life.
• Hydrophobic.
• Resistance to temperature changes.
• Resistance to the influence of chemically active substances.
• Easy installation.
• Low price.
• Aesthetics.

The disadvantages of synthetic stone

• Assassination of abrasive cleaning agents.
• Fragility that complicates the process of transportation (characteristic only for some species).

Types of artificial stone

Methods of production of artificial stone

The firing method of production

This method implies the formation of a stone from a multicomponent mixture with the subsequent influence of high temperatures on it. Derivatives obtained from burned clay (ceramic) are used in the construction industry to create road surfaces, the construction of walls, create foundations and ceilings, for laying fireplaces and furnaces, smokestime, for decorative decoration of floors and walls.

Types of fire (ceramic) building materials

• Products of increased strength (solid). Suitable for the construction of walls, paving bridge, etc.
• Combined (porous-dirked). It is advisable to use them in the isolation of heating planes, as well as for arranging the premises inside and for the decoration of external facades of houses with moderate humidity (but the walls, it is still better to plaster and clad, in view of the presence of increased hydrophilic properties of this material) and to fill in the frames of high -rise buildings .
• Hollow. This type of building materials is made from especially pure and more plastic clay of exceptional quality. Hollow bricks, as a rule, are burned at higher temperatures than integral ones. Such fire products are also used for the construction of walls and rheasts to fill in high -rise buildings. It is advisable to choose such a hollow brick when laying hidden wiring, telephone and other communication cables.

1. Hollow (multi -year) brick. In such bricks, cavities, perpendicular to the working surface, can have a different shape. Hall brick is much easier than standard.
2. Ceramic wall blocks. The dimensions of such stone blocks are several times larger than the sizes of standard bricks. Voids in ceramic blocks can be internal and through. On the smooth side surfaces, grooves are sometimes made, which greatly facilitates the subsequent installation process.

Cormoline method of production

This method is based on the natural thickening of the formed raw material mass, or its solidification in special chambers when exposed to heat and steam. Another way is to pour hot materials in shape.

Types of artificial stones obtained by a cloudless way

Silicatical building materials

Basic raw materials for the production of this type of materials - a mixture of quartz sand, water and lime. Silicate materials are five degrees of strength (75, 100, 125, 200, 250). Silicata materials are used in all the same building processes as ceramic ones. The difference lies in the unacceptability of the use of silicate products in rooms with high humidity (bathrooms, pools, saunas, gyms, etc.). You can not use them for the decoration of the heating surfaces (stoves, fireplaces, etc.). In their structure and dimensions, silicate building materials classify as follows:

1. Bricks are single 65x120x250 (full -bodied and with porous aggregates).
2. Thickened bricks 88x120x250 (full -bodied and with porous aggregates).
3. Hollow bricks 138x120x250.
4. Blocks wall silicate concrete. Such blocks greatly simplify the process of creating foundations, walls and partitions. There is such a overall and texture gradation of these products:

• whole - 188x190x390;
• longitudinal half - 188x90x390;
• particular - 188x90x590.

Concrete materials

The basic mixture of such artificial stone building materials consists of astringent substance, aggregates, water and additives. This mixture is easily mixed, quickly thickens and stages. To strengthen the strength indicators, concrete can be reinforced with steel or synthetic fibers.

In appearance, the applied binder, concrete are divided into:

• Gypsum.
• Cement.
• Silicate.
• Polymer concrete.
• Asphalt concrete.

The aggregates involved in the process of concrete production (gravel, sand, expanded clay, pumice, gravel, slag, shells, etc.) should be cleared of third -party impurities, such as humus and clay.

Types of stone, most popular in the construction sector

Porcelain stoneware

Strong material, resistant to both high and low temperatures, is visually more like glass ceramics than a stone. Get it by pressing, under the influence of vibration and high pressure using subsequent firing. Basic raw materials: clay of several types, field spat, mineral additives and dyes. Polished, placed, glazed, embossed, matte, glossy, structured tiles are often chosen for the decoration of walls and floors, for the construction of ventilated facades, etc.

The composition is highlighted:

1. Homogenic porcelain tiles with a homogeneously painted texture, which retains brightness over time and practically does not abolish.
2. Painted porcelain stoneware, the structure of which is composed of two layers. The first is the basic, second (thinner) pigmented. This method of creating the material allows you to reduce the consumption of fairly expensive coloring pigments.
3. Glazed porcelain tiles are the same decorative tiles, only on a porcelain substrate.

Agglomerates (conglomerates)

Ideal imitations of such natural materials as jasper, granite, marble, onyx, slate, lapisitis, etc. Strong, frost -resistant materials resistant to deformation influences. The main components of conglomerates are polyester resin, filler (marble baby, quartz sand, granite, limestone of others) and dyes. The disadvantages of agglomerates include exposure to abrasion, the effect of ultraviolet and acids. This material is not suitable for the arrangement of "warm" floors, because The resin, which is the basic component, can melt under the influence of high temperatures. True, today special conglomerates have already been invented for such floors where the resin is replaced by cement. Therefore, various products from agglomerates are especially popular in construction. Decor elements, countertops, bathrooms, a variety of cladding (facades, walls, floors, ceilings, stairs, pools and bathrooms). This is far from a complete list of areas of use of this type of artificial stone.

Artificial stone based on concrete

The most popular material for internal and facade finishes. The main components of such raw materials are cement (ordinary or Portland), sand, plasticizers, filler (expanded clay, pumice, ceramic crumb), reinforcing additives, hydrophobisators and dyes.

Glue recommended in the decoration of the room with an artificial stone

For interior decoration

• Tile glue on a cement basis.
• Acrylic sealant.
• "Liquid nails."

For external work

• Frost -resistant and moisture resistant glue on a cement basis.
• Frost -resistant glue "liquid nails".

The most popular offers from artificial stone producers

Corian

Corian's artificial stone, created by Dupont, as a material that is ideal for home working surfaces. And this is certainly the manufacturer. Characteristic features can be called a wide range of shades, the possibility of processing, the absence of visible seams. Corian is one of the types of artificial stone, widely used for the production of window sills and countertops, as well as for decorative decoration of the walls of the kitchen, bathroom and other household premises. This material is often used for construction work and in public places (laboratories, sports halls, medical clinics, beauty salons, cafeterias, stations, hotels, etc.)

Polystone

The artificial stone Polystone is a spectacular and strong analogue of natural stone with improved physical properties obtained from acrylic resin with the addition of aluminum hydroxide and beautiful-beautiful substances. This combination provides a homogeneous texture without cracks and voids, i.e. The material does not absorb water and smells, does not rot and does not mold. This means that its use in places with a high level of humidity is quite justified. That is why, Polystone recommends that experts are recommended for decoration of premises in hospitals, public catering places, hairdressers, etc. Such artificial stone is easily processed (grinding and cutting), when joining does not form gross seams, it goes well with wood and metal, which makes it possible to create exclusive elements for interior decor. Polystone racks to the effects of weak solutions of acids and alkalis, ultraviolet radiation, as well as household chemicals. It is completely safe, non -di -active, does not distinguish smell.

Montelli

Another artificial acrylic stone from Dupont, which constantly seeks to expand its consumer sector, developing a new, more affordable product. So, Montelli is a cheaper analogue of Corian's stone described above. Reducing the price is due to Chinese production, where cheaper hired work is involved than in the USA. At the same time, this is a fairly strong surface, the damage of which can be restored with grinding. Excellent hygienic characteristics and affordable Montelli price allow you to use it in bathrooms and in the kitchens of average inhabitants.