Horizone Stone surfaces create stylish and durable home updates. Whether the project involves kitchen worktops, decorative stone walls or bathroom vanities, it is imperative to guarantee a quality finish.
This guide outlines a step-by-step process to install Horizone Stone. The guide covers everything, from the preparation of the surface to its finishing touches. If you carefully follow these instructions, even beginners will achieve professional results.
Why Choose Horizone Stone Surfaces
Horizone Stone surfaces offer a beautiful and durable alternative to engineered stone for designers and homeowners looking to create a unique interior. These surfaces combine beauty, functionality, and durability.
Selecting surfaces or countertops is one of the most significant decisions you will make for your house. This affects its appearance and functionality. With Horizon Stone, you receive all the natural beauty of stone while enjoying its easy upkeep and lasting strength. For these reasons, it is the finest choice for lasting surfaces. It is perfect for contemporary sinks, baths, and other frequently used spaces.
Horizone Stone Surfaces Benefits
Horizone Stone’s durability resists heat and staining, so it is ideal for high use areas such as Kitchen Worktops.
- An alluring feature: Has different colours and textures which replicate natural stones.
- Minimal maintenance: Unlike natural work stone worktops, engineered stone and quartz worktops require less upkeep.
- More affordable: appears to be marble and granite, but at a fraction of the cost.
- Immune to Porosity: Bacteria and mould cannot thrive, meaning it is suitable for use on surfaces which involve the preparation of food.
Materials and Tools Required for Installation
Knowing what tools and materials you need beforehand will make the installation a lot easier. Being prepared in advance minimises blunders, consequently resulting in a timely professional grade outcome. Please make certain that you are prepared with all the materials listed prior to commencing your project.
Essential Tools
- Measuring Tape
- Circular Saw with Diamond Blade
- Level
- Notched trowel
- Rubber mallet
- Caulking gun
- Clamps are used to secure stone pieces.
- Sandpaper is used to smoothen edges.
- Safety gear (gloves/goggles/dust mask)
Required materials
- Horizon Stone slabs
- Adhesive or thin set mortar
- Stone sealant (if required)
- Backer board (four walls)
- Colour-matched caulk to seal joints
Step-by-Step Installation Guide
Step 1 – Install the system
Before proceeding with applying any glue or doing any cutting, it is critical to obtain accurate measurements ahead of time. Not only will fitting cuts save time, but it will also help to avoid miscalculations. A thoughtfully developed layout will enable you to position your cut marks and seams in such a way that the completed work looks tidy and attractive.
- Use a measuring device to find out the exact dimensions.
- Mark the areas in which seams or cuts are needed.
- To check the surface’s level, use a level. Uneven surfaces could require shimming, or even sanding.
- Prepare your worktops in advance by planning the cutouts of sinks and appliances.
Step 2 – Prepare the Surface
A stable, clean surface is necessary for long-term adhesion. Assuring that the surface is free of any debris and level will provide a stable foundation for Horizon Stone slabs. It is crucial to follow this step when installing quartz worktops where moisture or heat can negatively impact the lifespan.
- To install kitchen worktops, Ensure base cabinets have been levelled.
- Install a cement backer board to provide a firm foundation for the stones.
- Install the additional parts in a clean, dust-free area.
- Install adhesive after aligning the Horizon Stone pieces.
Step 3: Cutting stone slabs
For clean edges and precision, the right tools are needed to cut the slabs. Horizon Stone surfaces being engineered can result in unnecessary chips or breaks if improper cutting techniques are used. Using a smooth, well-measured cut will improve the last look and ease installation.
- To make clean cuts, use a saw equipped with a blade made of diamond.
- To reduce the amount of chipping, place painter’s tape on the cut line.
- Wearing protective gear, you should cut steadily and slowly.
- Sand rough corners with fine-grits if you want a smooth surface.
Step 4: Applying adhesive
By applying the adhesive correctly, Horizon Stone slabs stay in place. Choosing the best adhesive will determine the durability and strength.
- Use a notched trowel for spreading a thin and even layer of glue on the surface.
- Press the stone firmly in place using a rubber hammer.
- To prevent the adhesive from drying, work in small sections.
- You can use clamps in order to keep the stone in its place until the adhesive has set.
Step 5: Levelling and securing the stone
Avoiding misalignment and making minute adjustments prior to the bonding element curing will help prevent uneven surfaces. Imperfections can occur when slabs are not oriented completely horizontally.
- You can use a level to ensure the slabs are straight.
- Adjust as required before the adhesive fully dries.
- Allow the adhesive at least two days to cure before moving on.
Step 6: Sealing and finishing the seams
After the adhesive dries, seal the seams. Applying finishing touches completes the installation. Properly sealed joints prevent moisture intrusion and enhance the overall durability.
- Apply colour-matched sealant to seams, gaps between slabs and joints.
- If your quartz worktops are in need of sealing, use a sealant made from high-quality stones.
- To remove the excess adhesive, use a damp clean cloth.
Conclusion
Installing Horizone Stone Surfaces will upgrade your home in a practical, stylish manner. Whether used to enhance kitchen worktops, bathrooms, vanities, or feature walls, this engineered product offers durability, beauty, as well as ease of maintenance. Installing the stone correctly will give you a durable finish.
Imperial Worktops offers premium engineered stone surfaces of similar durability and beauty. You can enhance the visual appeal and functionality of any space by investing in a quality surface, whether you choose Horizon Stone.
With this guide, you can install Horizone Stone surfaces successfully and with confidence. It is best to seek professional assistance for complicated installations.
FAQs
1. Can Horizon Stones be installed by dyes?
Horizon Stone installation is possible as a do-it-yourself project with the correct tools and preparation. Installation by a professional is recommended for extensive areas or complex layouts.
2. Do quartz worktops need sealing?
As is the case with most types of stone worktops, quartz worktops are nonporous, and as such do not require sealant. They are also scratch resistant and stain resistant.
3. How can I cut Horizon Stone without chipping?
Use a diamond blade for the cut and place painter’s masking tape along the cut line to avoid chipping while cutting slowly.
4. What adhesive can be used on Horizone Stone surfaces and what should it be?
The application will determine whether a stone adhesive or thin-set cement is required.
5. How do I clean Horizon Stone kitchen worktops?
Employing a soft cloth coupled with a bit of detergent works perfectly. Avoid cleaning with acidic or abrasive solutions if you wish to maintain the quality of the surface.