Granite window sills - a few secrets of stone beauty

Window sill made of tiles in interior design

1. Peculiarities
2. How to do it yourself?
3. Necessary tools and preparation
4. Preparation
5. Technology
6. Installation
7. Covering wooden and plastic bases
8. Mosaic cladding
9. Examples

With proper decoration, a window sill can become a key element of the interior. Due to the popularity and prevalence of PVC windows, old structures are dismantled and replaced with practical plastic models. In this case, the window loses its expressiveness and decorativeness. To decorate the room and make the interior more expressive, the window sill is covered with ceramic tiles or mosaics.

Original mosaic decoration

This facing material looks unusual. The installation process is more accessible than the option with ceramic tiles, since the procedure for finishing the window sill takes less free time. A correctly selected mosaic decorates the room.

The only drawback of such cladding is that there will be many seams on the surface, which can become the main reason for the rapid growth of mold and mildew. Such areas are difficult to clean from contamination. To avoid this problem, you need to use high-quality grout.

The dimensions of the mosaic can be easily adjusted. Before laying, the work surface is prepared in the same way as with tiles. At the final stage, the base should be thoroughly cleaned of dirt and construction dust.

When laying transparent mosaics, the glue should be white. Insulation of the base is carried out before finishing work.

The video shows an original version of finishing a used window sill with homemade mosaics:

Advantages of artificial stone.

The main features of using artificial stone, which is porcelain stoneware, are as follows:

• good wear resistance;
• color stability under the influence of ultraviolet radiation - it does not fade;
• excellent impact resistance;
• hygiene.

The structure of the material may differ for different batches of samples. Therefore, the selection of suitable colors should be done in a well-lit room, preferably near a window.

If you ask yourself: why a window sill? Get a fairly simple answer. In addition to technical necessity, it serves as protection from the cold, increasing the warmth of the walls. Therefore, correct installation is extremely necessary; be sure to install it on a regular balcony or a protruding part - a bay window.

Installation procedure

When ordering a porcelain stoneware window sill, ask everything you are interested in, and in addition to the price, ask about installation.

Let's consider the option when you have a new building or you have already removed the old window sill and cleaned the surface of excess:

1. Using polyurethane foam, we tighten the gaps.
2. After drying, check and clean.
3. Place it so that it fits snugly.
4. We blow foam in 5-6 places between the window sill and the balcony. It depends on the size of the window.
5. After the foam has dried, remove the excess.

If you decide to install the structure yourself, ask a professional again. The specialists at the company where you will order the window sill will be happy to advise you on how to do it better.

Service

Manufacturers of porcelain stoneware window sills have reached a level where they are not only equal to the qualities of natural ones, but even surpass some of them:

1. ability to retain heat;
2. pleasant to the touch;
3. the solid structure will not allow fungus or bacteria to form;
4. does not absorb moisture.

All this suggests that caring for artificial stone products has become even easier. Busy women will appreciate this. Instead of cleaning, remove stains with detergent - just wipe with a napkin or sponge.

If scratches appear, you can safely sand them.

Deciding on the size

The choice of size will please you - length and width are unlimited.

Many people use the windowsill as a place to drink coffee, read a book or surf the Internet. But it is not very reliable on a plastic window sill, especially if it was not installed by professionals. So, it is possible to make a custom-made window sill-table from porcelain stoneware.

Housewives with a small kitchen will also appreciate the convenience. If desired, specialists will make a window sill-tabletop.

No matter how you use one of your favorite places in the house - for its intended purpose or not, it will serve and delight for a long time.

Prices

The price of a porcelain stoneware window sill depends on many characteristics: the brand and brand of stone, its thickness (sometimes up to 30 mm), gloss coating (a matte surface is cheaper).

A domestic porcelain tile window sill will be priced cheaper (from 9,000 rubles), but there will be less choice of colors. Foreign companies price porcelain tiles on average from 20,000 rubles, offering the buyer a choice of patterns and shades of the material.

If you need to make a window sill of a non-standard shape, then the end trim is more expensive than the usual one. There is also an additional surcharge for complex installation of the product.

Selecting masonry type

In most cases, the master has to choose from two options:

1. Along the area around the window.
2. Perpendicular to it.

The dimensions of the base should be taken as the basis for choosing the type. It is necessary to minimize unnecessary trimming of materials. To adjust the die to the dimensions, use a regular type of glass cutter.

After determining the location of the incision, the area is marked with markers. Cladding should only be carried out on a smooth surface that is firmly fixed. Otherwise, you will not be able to trim the marked marks.

You should not be afraid to press hard on the laid material. If you press weakly, then there is a chance that the tile will not press through.

To do the job carefully, a rubber hammer will help, which should be used to slowly tap ceramic products in places where there is a potential cut. As an alternative to a hammer, you can use the handle of a spatula. But you should wrap it in something soft (for example, a towel) in advance, otherwise there is a risk of damaging the product.

The selected part must be broken off with a sharp and forceful movement. If you are not sure that the process will be like this, it is recommended to use an angle grinder. It will save time and physical effort.

Advice from experienced masons

The cladding process will not be difficult if you pay attention to the following factors:

1. Surface condition. The base must be complete. If during preparation you find cracks, large scratches, chips, empty spaces, etc., then the problem should be corrected. If you ignore these nuances, the finish will not be of high quality. The tile can simply crack.
2. Choosing a base. A concrete base will ensure the durability of the structure and high quality of finishing in general. It will lie on any surface (wooden or plastic) without any problems.
3. Surface condition. After checking the area of ​​work, you need to make sure that it is firmly fixed in the opening and will not “ride” during installation.
4. Choosing the tile itself. The most important aspect. The type of masonry and the complexity of the work depend on the size of the tile. The diagonal of the tile is selected based on the size of the base. If it is not large, then it is recommended to go with 10x10 or 15x15 tiles. This will eliminate the need for cutting and will give the surface a more attractive appearance. If the dimensions of the base allow you to choose a larger tile, then you can think between 30x30 or 40x20 centimeters. Any store has a wide range of products, so choosing a model is not difficult.

Installation begins only after a new double-glazed window has been installed and the external type of drip has been correctly installed.

Types of consumables

To install a standard stone sample, different materials are used. Most often, preference is given to 3 types of natural stone:

• onyx, which transmits light radiation through itself;
• marble, which accumulates harmful substances. The material is available in a wide range of colors. It is a harmless and environmentally friendly natural resource;
• granite, resistant to various damages. Granite window sills “absorb” radiation, which should be taken into account before purchasing consumables.

Most often, marble, onyx, and granite are used to make window sills.

After installing a translucent onyx stone product, it is recommended to install a light source underneath it. This will give the window a beautiful and original look. But window sills made of natural onyx stone are expensive, and the material itself is not resistant to mechanical damage.

Marble window sills are characterized by the following features:

• The thread-like structure of the product gives the surface high performance characteristics. Marble, unlike other analogues, is considered a durable natural resource. Therefore, the marble window sill can withstand heavy loads;
• the presence of a flat and smooth surface throughout the product;
• marble window sills on which defects have appeared can easily withstand the effects of chemical cleaning agents;
• the material does not flake or crumble, so marble window sills are easy to process. In the process of manufacturing and installing an element made of natural stone, you can use different methods of influence, including cutting, sawing, and drilling. After such procedures, the physical characteristics of the product do not change;
• Marble stone window sill is highly resistant to chemicals.

Required Tools

A universal list of tools that will be required during the work process:

1. Universal type soil mixture.
2. Adhesive solution.
3. Tile.
4. Marker for marking.
5. Rubbing material for seams.
6. Pliers.
7. Glass cutting tool.
8. Hacksaw.
9. Level.
10. Hammer (it is better to choose a rubber one so as not to damage the materials).
11. Spatula (regular one is enough).

In order not to waste a lot of time, such materials for work can be found in the same store where you will buy the tiles.

Choosing window sills sparingly

The stereotypes of our consciousness attribute a high cost to marble (which is, in principle, true) and extend this opinion to granite and porcelain stoneware (which is not always true).

If made from granite or porcelain stoneware, the window sill can be even cheaper than a wooden one. Under the indispensable condition that it will be a composite product.

Let's explain in more detail. You can also order a solid window sill made of natural or artificial stone, several meters long to fit the dimensions of the window, and 30-50 cm wide. But such an order will probably cost more than all the PVC windows in the room, or even in the entire apartment. In addition, its weight will be so significant that it will require calling a special team of loaders and installers. Which will affect the size of the repair estimate in the most deplorable way.

How to choose surface material: artificial, wood, chipboard, tile

The same requirements apply to a countertop on a windowsill as to a regular one:

• it should not emit hazardous substances;
• must be moisture resistant;
• dirt should not penetrate the pores;
• be resistant to all kinds of damage;
• be heat resistant;
• easy to wash.

There are several types of materials from which such a tabletop can be made:

• PVC: this is not the best material in this case, but it can be used if the countertop is not intended for cooking, but is used only as a dining table or a small bar counter;
• Chipboard and MDF: such boards are used only laminated, or they are taken as the basis for stainless steel countertops and tiles;
• artificial stone (Corian): this is a lightweight, convenient material that allows you to cut a tabletop of any configuration;
• marble: this material looks good and is hygienic, but it is heavy, so you often have to limit the size of such a countertop;
• made of granite chips: ideal for decoration in this case;
• glass: tempered shockproof glass can be an excellent surface for a tabletop, but in this case you need to decide what will be its basis; glass is a transparent material;
• wood: beech pine, oak and many other types of wood look very good, but have a number of disadvantages related to heat resistance and moisture resistance.

Video: using concrete to make countertops

Do-it-yourself concrete tabletop, video master class:

Traditional installation method

Before you begin installing ceramics, you need to prepare high-quality glue. The solution is applied with gentle movements to the back side of the finish and the work surface. You can use a spatula to distribute the composition. During installation, you need to ensure that the elements of the pattern match.

There must be a gap between the dies. To ensure that all the parts lie at the same distance from each other, special plastic crosses are used, which also differ in size.

Experts recommend forming a slight slope of the structure from the window to the outside. Thanks to this, it will be possible to avoid the accumulation of condensation, since all the water will flow from the base of the frame to the very edge. The end parts are mounted only after the laying of the horizontal dies is completed. Once all the tiles have been laid, you can proceed to using putty. It is more practical to use a dark shade. Popular options:

1. Blue.
2. Beige.
3. Brown.
4. Burgundy.

The choice of putty shade depends on the color of the tile. Once the solution has completely hardened, the window sill is thoroughly cleaned. After this, the updated surface is completely ready for use.

Attention! During work, you need to ensure that all vertical and horizontal elements are as consistent as possible with each other at the joints.

What is necessary

To lay ceramics efficiently, you need to prepare the necessary tools and consumables. The standard list includes:

1. Universal primer.
2. Adhesive solution.
3. Tile.
4. Grout for seams.
5. Pliers.
6. Glass cutter.
7. Hacksaw.
8. Building level.
9. Small rubber mallet.
10. Standard spatula.

For the window sill in the kitchen, porcelain stoneware is the best choice. This material has high strength.

Basic set of tools
Porcelain stoneware is durable and high-density. The finished structure perfectly resists the influence of adverse factors. You can place hot dishes and heavy objects on porcelain stoneware.

Calculation of surface thickness

It is possible to install a window sill made of artificial stone of any size. These parameters are limited only by the technical specifications.

The thickness of the slab is an important indicator. The strength of the structure and its service life depend on this parameter. Typically, window sills made of artificial stone reach a thickness of 1.25 - 3.0 cm.

A qualified measurer will help determine optimal indicators based on the following data:

• window opening dimensions;
• properties of the manufacturing material;
• specifics of operation.

Peculiarities

A properly installed window sill will decorate any room. Finishing with universal tiles is a rational solution. This material is not afraid of moisture, resistant to dirt and stress. High-quality cladding increases the strength of the structure. Tile surpasses even plastic in all respects, as it does not fade, is not afraid of contamination, and is easy to clean.

An original option for the kitchen

Porcelain tiles

Exterior view of a porcelain stoneware window sill

This material looks very different from a stone surface; it can rather be classified as ceramics.

The material contains several types of clay, feldspar, mineral additives, and dyes. The composition is mixed, pressed and fired. The result is a durable material that is resistant to heavy loads and temperature changes. Its disadvantage is that it is difficult to process. Therefore, the scope of application of the material is mainly for finishing floors and walls.

Read more about these window sills here.

Sheathing base made of wood and plastic

The process of finishing window sills from natural materials is no different from finishing concrete surfaces. But in this case, the craftsman will have to cover the entire structure with plasterboard slabs in order to then lay the colored tiles. You can do without cladding gypsum board, but in such a situation you should use an acrylic primer, which is used to cover wooden window sills. For installation you will need epoxy glue and grout.

It is much easier to decorate plastic bases. Instead of an adhesive solution, you can use liquid nails. The reliability of adhesion directly depends on the texture of the plastic. Specialists use special compounds for laying ceramic products on plastic or wooden bases.