FAQ

1. What is Classic Stone?

   Classic Stone products are intended for interior or exterior non-structural use, as a lightweight veneer facing on masonry surfaces for architectural aesthetics. Classic Stone is cast in moulds from hand selected natural stones and coloured & textured to replicate the exact qualities of natural stone. These products are suitable for use on residential and commercial projects of many types. Classic Stone products are produced in preselected sizes and shapes. Installation is quick and easy, and is very cost competitive when compared with natural stone.

2. How is it applied?

   Classic Stone can be applied over the following substrates: Hebel blocks & panels, BGC & Eterpan fibre cement sheets, brick, concrete block & precast concrete panels. The walls should be clean and free from any contaminants e.g mould, paint or oils. Refer to the Classic Stone - Data Spec Sheet (available as a download file from the Technical page on this web site) for further information.

3. How hard is it to apply?

   For the housing market Classic Stone has its own installers. However for other applications such as planter bins, retainer walls etc any competent tradesman or handyman will have no trouble. Contact us for more detailed instructions.

4. Is it durable?

   Classic Stone is a high density,lightweight concrete veneer, It has been specially formulated to withstand long term weathering and will last as long as any other high quality concrete building material.

5. Will the colours fade?

   Classic Stone uses an integral stone base colour throughout the mix to give durability and quality. The veneer stone then has an additional colouring applied using some of the best artificial rock colouring systems known. These systems have been used throughout America for the last 30 to 40 years with no adverse colour deterioration. We produce our stone with slightly sharper colours than needed when new, with a little time they will weather back to a natural shade.

6. How thick and heavy is this stone?

   Classic Stone is a veneer system. The stones are from  25mm to 45mm thick depending on the profile chosen. The average weight is from 30 to 60kg per squared metre.

7. How is it transported?

   Classic Stone is packed in cardboard cartons on pallets and can be sent anywhere in the country with ease. Because the stone is a lightweight veneer, it makes it very cost efficient.

8. How does the price compare with natural stone?

   One of the major advantages is the price. Because of the lower transport cost of Classic Stone and the speed and ease of installation, it is often far less than the price of natural stone.

9. Can Classic Stone be used on both exterior and interior applications?

   Classic Stone is suitable for both exterior and interior applications and does very well in bringing an outdoor ambience - inside, by placing an emphasis on continuity in colour and texture.

10. Can Classic Stone be used as paving for paths, patios etc?

    The Classic Stone product being a lightweight veneer is not suitable as a paving stone.

11. Can Classic Stone be used to clad walls that are near swimming pools?

    While Classic Stone is highly durable, it is, like any other coloured concrete veneer susceptible to discolouration through exposure to chemicals such as chlorine. The Classic Stone product is well suited for above water level applications. Should the Classic Stone veneer come into regular contact with chemically treated water, we would recommend the application of a masonry type sealer periodically.

12. Should the mortar be coloured?

    The overall appearance of a Classic Stone application can be enhanced when you tint the mortar to complement the stone colour. This can be achieved by using iron oxide mortar colours.

13. What maintenance is required?

    Classic Stone is a low maintenance product. As with all cladding systems, stone should be checked annually for the effects of building movement or other external factors. A Classic Stone approved waterproofing sealer should be reapplied as required. This will be dependant on the surrounding environment and prevailing weather conditions. Occasional washing to remove surface dust and dirt may be required from time to time. Please contact Classic Stone for any further information.

14. Does Classic Stone, meet Building Code requirements?

    Classic Stone has a full and independent appraisal, detailing how Classic Stone meets all the requirements of the NZ Building Code.  A copy is available either as a download file from this website or from Classic Stone themselves.

15. Can Classic Stone be cut?

    Yes, Classic Stone can easily be cut and altered, using edge cutters, masonry blade etc.

16. Can Classic Stone be used for fireplaces?

    Tests have shown that Classic Stone veneer does not produce flame spread, smoke development and does not aid the combustion process. Always check with local building authority to ensure that the design of the fire, substrates and use of stone veneer meets all building code requirements.

17. What Warranties are supplied with the Classic Stone system?

    Classic Stone Limited offers a thirty year product warranty on the products it manufactures.  A full copy of the product warranty and its conditions is available on request to Classic Stone.  Each installer is to provide a producer statement to their clients, thereby providing a warranty to the client on their workmanship and that they have installed the stone veneer as per the Classic Stone specification.  Where there is deemed to be a fault with an aspect of the installation the relevant installer must be contacted to arrange remedial work to be carried out.  Classic Stone Limited is not responsible for incorrect installations.