Installation Instructions
Paneled STONE (Border Products) provides these Installation Instructions as guidelines. Paneled STONE, however, does not install
panels or have control over the installation. It is the responsibility of whoever does the installation to ensure all Paneled STONE
products are installed in accordance to the Paneled STONE Installation Instructions. It is also the responsibility of the installer to
ensure that all applicable building codes are being met or exceeded. Border Products assumes no liability for either improper
installation or personal injury resulting from proper or improper use or installation.
Please ensure, wherever possible, that the production dates on all product being installed side-by-side are the same. This will help
maintain consistent coloring. Most of the time product from different dates will match up, but the installer should check this before
beginning. Natural variation in colors is desirable and enhances the appearance. However, due to the natural oxides used in
production, there is the possibility for a panel to be slightly off-colored in a batch. Again, the installer should check that all panels
match adequately before installing.
Determining suitability of Paneled STONE for a particular application must be determined by the purchaser and/or installer. Paneled
STONE products are designed to be used as exterior wall cladding or as interior wall treatments. They do not offer any structural
properties and should only be used for the intended purpose. They are not tested or recommended for horizontal applications of
flooring, seating, or otherwise. Paneled STONE products should not be installed underwater, in continually wet areas, or in areas
susceptible to contact with harsh chemicals such as chlorine, acids, sodium, or bleach.
Prior to installation, the area receiving the application should be checked to be sure all necessary flashing, caulking, and
waterproofing measures have been completed.
For more information, please visit our website at www.Paneled STONE.com
(or) phone our toll free number 1-877-477-4373 (or) email us at [email protected]
Paneled STONE Installation Instructions
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Paneled STONE INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS
The following installation instructions must be followed for warranty purposes and for optimal performance. The
operator of any power tools or other tools should be skilled and familiar with the correct use of each tool. Always study
and follow local Building Codes when applying Paneled STONE. Proper safety gear must be worn at all times.
CAUTION: Cutting or sawing Paneled STONE creates a dust that may be hazardous. Dusts of this type of product may cause irritation
of the throat, nose, and respiratory tract. Avoid prolonged or repeated inhalation of dusts from this product. A properly fitted NIOSH
approved N-95 series disposable particulate filtering face piece respirator ( “dust mask”) should be used when cutting, sawing, drilling,
or mechanically altering this product (e.g. any similar dust generating processes). Wear appropriate clothing (long-sleevedhirt, long
pants, gloves and safety glasses with side shields when handling and installing material.
RECOMMENDED TOOLS:
-
-
Miter saw, Circular saw, Table saw
with Cement Blade (fiber/diamond)
or Wet Tile Saw
Drill/Driver
Measuring Tape
Level and Chalk Line
Caulking Gun
Pencil
Safety Glasses
Earplugs
Dust Mask
Dust Mask - Always wear a dust mask during cutting and after until particulate is no longer present in the air.
Eye protection – safety glasses/goggles should be worn during the entire installation process.
Hearing protection – plugs or over the head ear covers
A cutting device - A circular saw, grinder, table saw, or miter saw with a blade appropriate for cutting cement-type
materials is preferable. Turbo type blades are not recommended. If one of these options is not available, a “rod” type
saw is available from many sources at a minimal cost and will be adequate if only a few cuts are needed on a small
project. Do not cut indoors or other confined areas and always wear a dust mask when cutting. A wet tile saw can also
be used if preferred.
HANDLING AND STORAGE OF PRODUCTS:
Paneled STONE products are highly impact resistant once they are installed, but should be handled carefully to reduce
damage prior to installation. The products should be kept stored and shipped according to box instructions. It is best to
keep the products in their original packaging until ready for installation. Panels should not be stored or shipped lying
flat.
PRODUCT COLORING:
Please ensure, wherever possible, that the production dates on all product being installed side-by-side are the same.
This will help ensure consistent coloring. Most of the time product from different dates will match up, but the installer
should check this before installing. Also, due to the natural oxides used in production, there is the possibility for a panel
to be slightly off-colored in a batch. Again, the installer should check all panels match before installing.
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COMPONENTS
Applicable Paneled STONE products vary by job but may include Panels, Corner Panels, Wainscot Caps, Finishing Trims,
Electrical Trims, Fixture Trims, Starter Strips, Stone Finish textured caulking, and touch up kits.
Screws and Adhesive (see fastening section)
Starter Strips
- Are PVC or steel (depending on geographic location), J shaped trims used at the bottom edge of installations to
hold the bottom of the panels securely while allowing for drainage and providing a finished look. They are
applied via screws of the same type used for the rest of the installation (see fasteners section) at approximately
12 inch intervals.
Panels
- Are the most common piece and are used to complete the main sections of the installation also known as the
“field.” They have an interlocking channel groove on the top and bottom edges and a PVC screw flange on the
top edge for placing fasteners. The ends have an overlapping design. They measure roughly 6 or 12 inches high
by 24 inches in length and cover approximately one square foot or two square feet depending on the style.
Corner Panels
- Are used on 90 degree outside corners. They have a short side (return) and a long side and come in right and
left types. Each Corner Panel has an interlocking channel groove on the top and bottom edges and a screw
flange for fasteners on the top edge. The ends have an overlapping design. They measure roughly 6 or 12 inches
high and the long side is 22 ½ inches with the short side at 2 ½ inches. Coverage is approximately one square
foot or two square feet depending on the style.
Wainscot Caps
- Are to be used under windows, or at the top of a partial wall. They measure 3 inches by 2 inch and are 24
inches in length. They have screw flanges for fastener placement.
Finishing Trim
- Are to be used as window/door trim, at transition points, and can be used to form corners. They measure 2
inches by 1 inch and are 24 inches in length. They have screw flanges for fastener placement.
Electrical Trims
- Are designed to provide a clean finished look around most electrical outlets and switches. An electrical
extension box is recommended for proper installation. Dimensions are: 6.25"L x8.25"Hx1.2"D. They have screw
flanges for fastener placement.
Fixture Trims
- Are designed to provide a clean finished look around most outdoor wall lights. An octagonal extension box is
recommended for proper installation. Dimensions are: 10.5"Lx12.5"Hx 1.2"D. They have screw flanges for
fastener placement.
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INSTALLATION SURFACE/SUBSTRATE
The surface, in which the Paneled STONE products are to be applied, must be structurally sound with minimal flex or
deflection. It must be free from other siding materials, loose components, debris or dirt, gloss coatings, or residues. This
substrate can be many different materials.
OSB, plywood, or other wood sheathing is common and should have a minimum thickness of ½ inch. On exterior
applications it must be covered with a weather resistive barrier such as house wrap or building paper as specified by
local code. Only screws are needed for attaching. Adhesive can be used where the wood sheathing is not covered by a
wrap.
For concrete, brick, and block a combination of adhesive and screws is recommended. If the substrate materials have
been sealed, painted, or otherwise coated they may needed to be abraded by means of stripping, grinding, or blasting to
ensure a proper bond. The adhesive manufacturer’s directions should be followed. Attaching sheathing to the face of
the wall or furring with sheathing and then following the sheathing installation procedure may also be an option.
ICF systems that include an attachment point such as a screw strip or flange are well suited for use with Paneled STONE.
Screws and adhesive are normally recommended but the ICF manufacturer’s requirements for attaching cladding should
be used. ICF systems without attachment provisions may also be adequate, but the manufacturer must be consulted for
proper application.
Gypsum, drywall, or cement boards used as sheathing require that screws penetrate into the framing whenever
possible. Appropriate adhesive applied to the back of the panel and screws are both used simultaneously.
GETTING STARTED
For the first row installation, fasten Starter Strip(s) first. Make sure to mark a level line using a chalk line, and then screw
Starter Strip(s) into place through provided holes. Once up, check line using level.
Measure / Mark
Either dry fitting and marking the panels on an edge (top or bottom) with a marker/pencil or using a tape measure and
then marking the appropriate distance on an edge are acceptable. Depending on the cutting method being used it may
be desirable to create a cut line across the back or on the face of the piece. This is easiest to do with square, but a level
or strait edge can be used with additional measuring. The cut line can be marked directly on the panel or onto
temporary masking tape. Remember when marking using a tape measure, to measure from the correct part of the
panel. This is usually done by measuring along the face not from other parts of the panel such as the interlocking edges.
Cut
The panels are easiest cut when the flat backside is resting down on a flat cutting surface. Use appropriate
diamond/masonry abrasive blade on the saw to make the cut. When making horizontal cuts, we recommend using the
bottom edge of the panel as a guide and not the top PVC flange. The PVC can vary slightly in size.
When making an end (vertical) cut where two panels must join together, there are two options:
a. Make a full cut the entire (6”or 12”) height of the panel. Then cut the adjoining piece the full (6”or
12”) height, and butt together. Stone Finish and/or paint kits can be used on the ends prior to installing
pieces to for a more finished look.
b. Make a staggered cut that mimics the ‘factory stagger’. This takes a bit more time and skill, but gives a
more seamless, finished look. This also eliminates the need to cut the adjoining panel.
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c. REMOVE ANY DUST OR RESIDUE QUICKLY. If using a wet saw it is easiest to flush the panel with clean
water. If using a dry blade use compressed air and/or a soft brush to remove the dust. If the concrete
dust is left on the panel, it will take on moisture and form a concrete haze that is difficult to remove.
Fasten
Wood - Screws for wood sheathing applications must be long enough to penetrate the sheathing by at least 1 inch. In
most cases a 1 1/2 inch screw is ideal but in some instances longer may be required. Regardless of length, screws must
be coarse thread, exterior grade, #8, with a head that sits as flush as possible with the wall. A minimum of four screws
should be used per panel. These should be placed one in each corner and two in the center. Drive each screw until flush.
DO NOT OVER DRIVE/TORQUE THE SCREWS.
Concrete - For concrete, concrete block, or brick - a masonry type screw is used in conjunction with adhesive. A flat head
(Philips or square drive) 3/16 in. diameter with a minimum length of 1 ¾ inches is recommended. Follow the screw
manufacturer’s installation process. Screws should be used through the screw flange in each corner of each panel. DO
NOT OVER DRIVE/TORQUE THE SCREWS. Adhesive should be applied via a caulking gun with a minimum of 4 evenly
spaced, vertical, wavy lines to the back of the panel prior to placement on the wall.
Gypsum, Drywall, Cement Board - Fastening to gypsum or cement boards used as sheathing requires screws and
adhesive. Screws must be long enough to penetrate through the Paneled STONE, the board behind, and at least ¾ inch
into the framing member. Adhesive should be applied via a caulking gun in evenly spaced, vertical lines to the back of
the panel prior to placement on the wall. Make sure that the adhesive is recommended for cement board or drywall
accordingly. Thinset mortar is an option when installing over cement backer board.
Recommended adhesives (when needed) include (heavy duty) polyurethane construction adhesive and other products
designed for specifically for bonding cementitious materials.
LAYOUT
Paneled STONE products should be applied in consideration of their pattern number and joint placement. Vertical joints
should be staggered to minimize any perceived ‘panelization’. The panels have five different patterns, each numbered
accordingly. Optimally, they should be installed 1-2-3-4-5, and the row directly above should be installed 5-4-3-2-1, etc.
Panel numbers do not affect the fit of the panels with one another, but are strictly for aesthetics. Each panel is colored
using a random selection process. This means panels with the same number will have the same profile but will not be
colored identically.
APPLYING PANELS:
Finishing trim(s), electrical, and fixture trims should be installed prior to the panels. The wall should first be measured
and laid out, and a level line should be set at the bottom / beginning point for the first row of panels prior to installing
the Starter Strips. After installing the starter strips begin installing the panels in the lower left corner. This may be an
outside corner, inside corner, or an edge with trim. These options are discussed below in ‘Applying or Forming corners’
Then install all field panels left to right. Next, measure the distance remaining between the last panel and the (right)
corner panel, trim, or wall. Measure and cut the panel the correct length (using cut method (a) or (b) above. Place the
panel in its designated position to check the fit.
APPLYING or FORMING CORNERS:
A. Paneled STONE recommends using our Corner Panels. Corner Panels are applied the same as Panels, with a
minimum of four screws being used through the screw flange. If the left edge of the area to be covered is an
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outside corner and Paneled STONE Corner Panels are to be used, begin by placing a corner panel onto the
starter strip at the bottom left corner of the wall. Directly above this place another Corner Panel the opposite
direction. If the first corner panel was a left, then the next one above it should be a right, and continue
alternating back and forth for the entire height of the corner. This alternating not only blends the corner
seamlessly but also staggers the joints in the panels across the wall. Additional staggering can be achieved by
using panels of different lengths as the first panels placed next to the corner panels. After installing the first
couple Corner Panels, it is best to start working to the right across the row and then return to build the corner
up a few pieces at a time as the rows are completed. The sections below cover the different first panel
placements.
B. If the left edge of the area to be covered is a Paneled STONE trim piece, other trim, or is an inside corner with
the connecting wall not being covered with Paneled Stone, first cut the left edge of a panel so it is no longer
staggered but fits flush to the trim or edge. Next, place this panel onto the starter strip and butt the left edge of
the panel to the trim/edge. Fasten the panel. Directly above this first panel, a panel of a different length should
be used. Simply cut a panel a few inches in from the left edge and place this panel on top of the already set
panel with the cut left edge butted against the trim.
C. If left edge of the area to be covered meets another wall that is to be covered with Paneled STONE, an inside
corner will need to be created. The options for inside corners are to use a trim (Paneled STONE or other) or
miter. Using trim is referenced above in ‘B.’ Mitering is discussed below in ‘Mitering Corners.’
Mitering Corners
Installers can miter cut the corners using regular Panels and a miter saw with an appropriate blade as well. However, it
should be a very tight cut, and since the Stone Finish caulking can shrink, some touch up of corner gaps is usually
necessary. This method is preferable for inside corners; It should only be used on outside corners when necessary and
corner pieces can’t be used. To fit a right angle inside or outside corner, cut each end at a 45 degree angle and try for
the tightest fit possible. Stone Finish caulking should then be used to fill in any unwanted gaps or screw holes, and
Touch-Up Paint applied. Both cuts should be made at the same place on the same panel to ensure the stone matches on
both sides of the corner. If two different pieces are used, the variation of the surface makes the corner joint irregular.
***angles and cuts may need to be played and experimented with, as most corners and walls are often not straight.
APPLYING TRIMS:
Wainscot Cap
The wall should first be measured and a level line marked for proper placement. Typically, the Wainscot Cap will be
sitting on top of an previously installed panel. A level can be used to help insure proper alignment. A bead of adhesive
should be placed on the top edge of the panel that the Wainscot Cap will rest on. The piece should then be placed
against the wall above the top panel and slid down into place compressing the adhesive. Screws should then be placed
in all available holes in the screw flange of the Wainscot Cap.
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Finishing Trim
Finishing Trims should be applied prior to installing panels. For proper alignment, the wall should first be measured and
then a level line marked for proper placement. There are PVC flanges for fastener placement. These flanges should be
placed on the side that will receive the PanledSTONE or other siding products so they are covered. Adhesive may be
used in conjunction with the fasteners.
Electrical and Fixture Trim
It is easiest to install any Electrical and Fixture trims prior to installing panels. Once installed, the other panels can be cut
at the proper location a butted to the edge of the trim pieces. All available screw holes in the flanges should be used.
APPLICATION OVER CONCRETE/BRICK:
There are a couple of options. Paneled STONE can be applied according to the standard (wood) instructions above, with
a few differences. A pilot hole can be drilled into the concrete with a masonry bit, and a special masonry screw should
be used to fasten the product (no need for construction paper). In some cases, a wood or masonry screw can be applied
directly into the concrete without pre-drilling a pilot hole. A second option is to fasten a sheet of 1/2” or 3/4” plywood
to the concrete and then to continue with normal wood substrate installation. Adhesive (see below) can be used in
conjunction with the screws to ensure a solid installation.
APPLICATION OVER EXISTING SIDING:
All siding should be carefully removed with suitable cutting tools (utility knife, reciprocation saw, etc.). Once this is
complete, check to ensure that the construction paper beneath the siding is in good condition (if it isn’t, apply new
paper). Then proceed with installation above “APPLYING PANELS”.
APPLICATION OVER ICF’S (INSULATED CONCRETE FORMS):
Use the standard installation instructions above labeled “APPLYING PANELS”. The plastic ‘webs’ that are contained
within the foam walls will act as a suitable anchor for the screws. Check with the ICF supplier to see whether applying
construction paper before the stone installation is recommended. Adhesive (see below) can be used in conjunction with
the screws to ensure a solid installation.
APPLICATION OVER GYPSUM BOARD:
Gypsum board applied over framing - the product must be fastened to the framing wherever possible. If there are
instances where the wood framing isn’t sufficient, coarse thread drywall screws can be used. Adhesive (see below)
should also be used in conjunction with the screws.
ADHESIVE:
Products can be fastened to concrete, brick or other hard surfaces using the proper construction adhesive. Paneled
STONE recommends a heavy duty construction adhesive that has a strong grab/tack. All surface areas must be clean,
dry and free of oily and loose materials. Apply adhesive to the backside of the products; panels and trims - in equally
spaced, slightly wavy lines.
PAINT KITS AND CAULKING:
Stone Finish textured caulking is recommended for use on Paneled STONE. There are also paint Touch-Up Kits available
for minor touch ups, to further color the Stone Finish, and for cut edges. Stone Finish caulking can be used to cover
screw holes, damaged areas, or to add extra color. You can use your finger to smooth and distribute the caulking or use
a small brush to work it in place. A moist grout sponge can be used to clean the excess caulking from the product. After
a product edge is cut or trimmed, Stone Finish caulking and/or the Touch-Up Paint should be applied to the edge. When
applying around door or window openings, exterior grade, silicone caulking should be applied according to local building
codes. Check for required temperatures before applying any caulking, adhesives or finishing paint.
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