Ultra-thin stone veneer, 3-5mm on backing (3mm-5mm veneer; 10mm-25mm total panel with backing)
Stone Veneer
ATLAS CODE
COM-LAM-STN-001
Category composite
Material Family Laminate
Regulatory Status Non-combustible (stone); composite varies
Density
14?20 kg/m? (panel weight, stone honeycomb systems) kg/mĀ³
Carbon (A1-A5)
21.4 kg CO2e/mĀ² (vs 62.3 for precast concrete) kgCOāe
Fire Class
Non-combustible (stone); composite varies
Lifespan
20-50+ years (climate and stone dependent) yrs
Description
Ultra-thin stone veneer composite panels bond 3?8 mm stone to an aluminum honeycomb or FRP backing. Manufacturer data for stone honeycomb panels list total panel thicknesses of 12?25 mm and typical unit weight of 14?20 kg/m?, depending on stone type and backplate. These systems deliver large weight reductions versus solid stone while keeping the stone finish intact.
Primary Sectors
[Residential][Commercial][Hospitality][Institutional]
Typical Uses
- External wall cladding for residential and commercial buildings
- Interior feature walls and accent surfaces
- High-rise facade systems with reduced structural loading
- Renovation and retrofit of existing buildings
- Soffit and ceiling applications
- Column wraps and architectural features
- Retail and hospitality fit-outs
- Institutional buildings (schools, hospitals, government)
- Marine environment applications with appropriate substrate
- Heritage building restoration with weight limitations
- Prefabricated panel construction
- Modular building systems
Recycled Content 0-30% (backing substrate dependent)
Renewable Content 0% (geological resource)
Recyclability 100% (stone component); 70-90% (complete system)
Embodied Carbon 21.4 kg CO2e/mĀ² (vs 62.3 for precast concrete) kgCOāe
Embodied Energy 0.3-1.0 MJ/kg (minimal processing required) MJ/kg
EPD Available Yes
Advantages
80% weight reduction compared to traditional stone (63-78 kg/mĀ² vs 300+ kg/mĀ²)Enhanced impact resistance (60x greater than solid granite for StoneLiteĀ® system)Installation speed 10-12x faster than dimensional stoneReduced structural requirements and foundation loadsExcellent fire performance (Group 1-2 classification, FRL up to 90/90/90)100% recyclable natural stone componentZero VOC emissions contributing to indoor air qualityLow embodied carbon (21.4-22.0 kg CO2e/mĀ²)Suitable for all 8 BCA climate zones with appropriate designCost-effective at $220-350/mĀ² installed vs $450-600/mĀ² for traditional stone50+ year service life for granite in temperate climatesDesign flexibility with various fixing methods
Cautions
Requires Performance Solution pathway for NCC complianceLimited Australian-specific technical data availableHigher initial cost than some alternative cladding systemsSpecialist installation required (Certificate III in Stonemasonry)Movement joint requirements critical (3-6m spacing)Backing substrate selection affects fire performanceVariable performance by stone type (limestone vs granite)Crystalline silica safety requirements during cuttingLimited availability of some international systemsThermal movement considerations in extreme climatesSealant maintenance required every 3-5 yearsEdge protection critical in cyclonic regions
TECHNICAL DATA: PERFORMANCE PROPERTIES COM-LAM-STN-001
Density (Dry) 14?20 kg/m? (panel weight, stone honeycomb systems) kg/mĀ³
Specific Gravity 2.5-2.8 (stone component); 0.3-0.5 (honeycomb backing)
Porosity 0.5-5% depending on stone type (granite: <1%, limestone: 5-15%) %
Water Absorption Stone dependent; not specified for composite panel %
Hardness 3-7 Mohs scale (marble: 3-4, granite: 6-7)
Surface Roughness 0.5-5.0 Ī¼m Ra depending on finish (polished to textured) Ī¼m
UV Resistance Excellent (natural stone); slight color change possible over decades
Chemical Resistance Good to excellent; vulnerable to acids (limestone/marble)
pH Tolerance pH 5-11 (granite/quartzite); pH 7-9 (limestone/marble)
Compressive Strength ?1.37 MPa (stone honeycomb panel test data, 5 mm stone) MPa
Tensile Strength 5-15 MPa (natural stone component) MPa
Flexural Strength ?17.8 MPa (stone honeycomb panel test data, 5 mm stone) MPa
Shear Strength 10-20 MPa (stone component); 1.7 MPa minimum bond MPa
Elastic Modulus 20-80 GPa (limestone: 20-50, granite: 40-80) GPa
Yield Strength Not applicable (brittle failure mode) MPa
Impact Resistance Class 1 BS 8200:1985 (500J solid body impact) J/m
Bearing Capacity Not applicable for cladding application kN/mĀ²
Poisson's Ratio 0.20-0.35 (typical natural stone)
Abrasion Resistance Good to excellent (stone type dependent)
Thermal Conductivity 1.26-3.98 W/mĀ·K (limestone: 1.26-1.71, granite: 1.73-3.98) W/mK
Thermal Resistance 0.006-0.016 mĀ²Ā·K/W (3-5mm stone only, excludes backing) mĀ²K/W
Specific Heat Capacity 790-920 J/kgĀ·K (typical natural stone) J/kgK
Thermal Expansion 4-10 Ć 10ā»ā¶/Ā°C (marble: 4-6, granite: 8-10) Ī¼m/mĀ·K
Melting Point >1000Ā°C (natural stone component) Ā°C
Ignition Temperature Not applicable (non-combustible stone) Ā°C
Noise Reduction Coeff. (NRC) 0.01-0.05 (reflective surface, minimal absorption)
Optical
Light Transmittance 0% (opaque); up to 80% for translucent onyx varieties %
Light Reflectance (LRV) 10-70% depending on stone color and finish %
Ultra-thin stone veneer technology emerged in the 1980s with development of diamond wire cutting enabling consistent thin slicing of stone blocks. Early applications focused on interior uses before advancing to exterior cladding systems in the 1990s. Australian adoption accelerated post-2000 with establishment of local suppliers and development of Performance Solution compliance pathways. The technology gained prominence following weight-driven facade failures globally, positioning lightweight systems as safer alternatives. Recent developments include enhanced backing substrates, improved adhesive systems, and integration with prefabricated construction methods. The 2024 engineered stone ban has increased focus on natural stone alternatives with appropriate safety protocols.
SAFETY, ECOLOGY & INSTALLATION COM-LAM-STN-001
Flame Spread Index 0-2 (AS/NZS 1530.3)
Smoke Developed Index 0-5 (AS/NZS 1530.3)
Combustibility Class Non-combustible (stone); composite varies
Ignition Temperature Not applicable (non-combustible stone) Ā°C
Fire Resistance Rating -/60/60 to 90/90/90 (backing dependent) hours
Heat Release Rate <100 kW/mĀ² (stone with combustible backing) kW/mĀ²
Toxicity of Combustion Low - mineral components only
Embodied Carbon (A1-A3) 21.4 kg CO2e/mĀ² (vs 62.3 for precast concrete) kgCOāe/kg
Embodied Energy 0.3-1.0 MJ/kg (minimal processing required) MJ/kg
Water Footprint Low - primarily cutting and cooling water, recyclable L/kg
EPD Available Yes
LEED Points MR Credits 2-5, EQ Credit 4.1-4.2
Circular Economy Score High - reusable, recyclable, long service life /100
VOC Emissions Zero (natural stone); minimal from adhesives g/L
Skill Level Professional (Certificate III in Stonemasonry CPC32320)
Crew Size 2-4 persons (residential); 4-8 persons (commercial)
Installation Time 15-25 mĀ²/day (adhesive); 12-18 mĀ²/day (mechanical) hr/mĀ²
Curing Time 24-48 hours (adhesive initial set); 7 days (full cure) hours
Setting Time 30-45 minutes (working time for adhesives) min
Temperature Range 5-35Ā°C (installation); -20 to 60Ā°C (service) Ā°C
Humidity Range 10-85% RH (installation); 0-100% (service) %
Required Tools
Wet saw with diamond blade12mm notched trowelLevel (3m minimum)Suction cups for panel handlingGrinder with diamond bladeDrill with masonry bitsCaulking gunSafety equipment (dust masks, eye protection)
Certifications Required
Certificate III in Stonemasonry (recommended)White Card (construction safety)Working at Heights (for facade work)Silica safety training (mandatory from 2024)
Weather Limitations
Temperature 5-35Ā°C during installationNo installation during rainWind <40 km/h for panel handlingHumidity <85% for adhesive application
COMMERCIAL, LOGISTICS & REGULATORY COM-LAM-STN-001
Material Cost $49-170/mĀ² (supply only)
Installation Cost $85-150/mĀ² (labour only)
Annual Maintenance $1.50-3.50/mĀ²/year
Lifecycle Cost (50yr) $325-420/mĀ² (25-year analysis)
Market Availability Good - multiple Australian suppliers
Lead Time 2-4 weeks (stock); 8-16 weeks (imported) weeks
Design Life 20-50+ years (climate and stone dependent) years
Warranty Period 10-15 years (manufacturer); 5-10 years (installation) years
Maintenance Interval Inspect: 6-24 months; Reseal: 3-5 years months
Service Temp Range -40Ā°C to +80Ā°C (continuous exposure) Ā°C
Freeze/Thaw Resistance Excellent for granite (<0.5% absorption); Good for limestone
Dimensional Stability Ā±2mm/10m length (thermal movement)
DISCLAIMER: This specification document is generated from the CLAD Materials Atlas Database. Information is for general guidance only and does not constitute professional engineering advice. Values are typical and may vary by batch, manufacturer, and production run. Verify suitability for specific project applications independently.