Artificial stone window sills: professional secrets and useful recommendations

Modern materials make it possible to create products with the necessary consumer characteristics at a reasonable cost. A good example is artificial stone window sills. They are successfully used to equip residential, public and commercial real estate. They are practically no different from natural analogues, however, they are much cheaper. The editors of HomeMyHome.ru will help you make your choice and give the necessary recommendations for decorating window sills using modern finishing options.

The impeccable appearance of a window sill made of artificial material is harmoniously complemented by a reasonable price and durability

Artificial stone window sills - what are they and what do they look like in the photo

The unique aesthetic parameters of natural materials are a significant advantage. However, at the same time, they are characterized by heterogeneity of structure, which creates difficulties in the construction of architectural and design structures. Stones with complex, beautiful designs are rare and expensive. High strength explains long service life. But additional costs arise during extraction and processing. Significant weight causes transportation costs.

Artificial analogues are created on the basis of sand or other durable inexpensive raw materials. Granular materials are held together with epoxy resin and other compounds. Using various additives they create the desired appearance.

Expensive heavy granite? No, a high-quality window sill made of lightweight and affordable artificial stone is installed here.

Finding a large piece of marble without defects is difficult

The photo demonstrates the excellent aesthetic characteristics of a stone window sill. The use of modern production technologies allows you to create an impeccable appearance without extra costs. There are no veins in such a product that impair load-bearing capabilities.

Artificial stone window sill with built-in sink and countertop for kitchen unit

It is almost impossible to make such a product from natural raw materials without joints. The one-piece design will withstand heavy loads and rough handling. No gaps means less hassle when cleaning.

Window sills of complex shapes are created from artificial stone

Related article:

Ventilation grilles for window sills : operating principle and types of structures, how to choose the right one, pros and cons of use, how to install it yourself and a photo gallery of decorative modifications - in our publication.

Installation of a marble window sill.

After trimming, you need to install the marble window sill in its future location, using a rubber hammer. Next, the correct positioning is checked for the absence of distortions in the longitudinal and transverse directions. It is necessary to inspect the junction of the marble slab and the wall surface for a loose fit.

A special cement-based adhesive is used to attach the marble slab. It is applied to the wall seat in straight stripes at a distance of 5 cm.

The adhesive must be applied as evenly as possible, otherwise the window sill may come off the base surface. After the procedure for installing and positioning the marble slab is completed, it should be pressed evenly by placing heavy objects on top.

If the walls of the room at the place where the window sill is attached have wooden elements, then before installation you need to thoroughly clean the surface from dust particles and other residues, and install a marble sheet, using a special glue designed for joining wood and marble to attach it.

After the glue has dried, you should treat the joints, removing cracks, gaps and giving the area around the window a neat appearance. To do this you need to use a high-quality sealant. After completing the work, remove the excess with a damp cloth - after hardening, this will be quite difficult to do.

Then, using putty, you need to level and give a finished look to the walls around the slab. If the gap under the marble window sill is small (up to 1.5 cm), you can do this work later.

After you have finished treating the surfaces around the marble window sill, you need to thoroughly clean the stone surface itself.

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Advantages and disadvantages of artificial stone window sills

Some advantages are clear from the examples above. But for an objective analysis, they should be listed in full along with their disadvantages:

1. The relatively low weight does not increase the load on the supports and simplifies the performance of work operations.
2. The thickness and width of an artificial stone window sill is limited only by the requirements of the technical specifications.
3. Using certain components, you can create a single-color surface, a unique pattern, and a believable imitation of natural material.
4. To process some varieties, it is quite enough to use a woodworking tool.
5. The strength of artificial stone window sills is higher than wood, but lower compared to steel. Damping properties help maintain integrity under severe impacts.
6. The absence of pores and heterogeneous inclusions not only increases strength. Window sills made of artificial stone do not absorb moisture, dirt, or odors.
7. Products made from this material are harmless to human health.
8. They are capable of maintaining consumer parameters in excellent condition for tens and even hundreds of years.
9. Some modifications, unlike natural stone, are warm to the touch, like wooden window sills.
10. Simple techniques using adhesive joints, grinding, and heat treatment are suitable for restoration.
11. There are no significant shortcomings in quality products. But it is precisely for this reason that it is necessary to choose the right responsible manufacturer.
12. Products from well-known brands are not cheap.
13. Some models of artificial stone window sills are damaged by high temperatures.

Even complex damage to an artificial stone window sill can be repaired without extra costs with your own hands.

Characteristics of different types of countertops and window sills made of artificial stone

The specific composition of the functional components and the technology used are of great importance. Below are the features of common engineering solutions. The good consumer characteristics of these artificial stone window sills are confirmed by laboratory and practical tests.

Window sills made of acrylic and polyester artificial stone

The first technologies in this category were created in the early 60s of the last century. Some of them are still used today. To create artificial stone, acrylic/polyester resin and aluminum hydroxide are taken and mixed together with pigments and other decorative fillers. The mixture is poured into the prepared form.

After removal, the workpiece is ground and the edges are processed using power tools.

The table shows the characteristics of a window sill made from high-quality acrylic artificial stone.

A high-quality window sill made of such artificial stone belongs to the group of low-flammable products according to the B1 class standard for fire resistance. With a thickness of 12 mm, the weight of 1 m² is 21-22 kg. The content of acrylic components is up to 30%.

The tabletop, apron, window sill, decorative overlay on the ceiling are made of artificial stone

Trade enterprises present a wide range of finished products

Production and characteristics of window sills made of artificial stone based on quartz agglomerate

In these materials, up to 92-94% of the volume is pure quartz sand. The rest is polymer binders, dyes, and decorative additives. To create a uniform structure, the mixture is subjected to vibration and high temperature influences. A vacuum environment is used to eliminate unnecessary impurities. At a reasonable cost, window sills made of quartz artificial stone have better technical characteristics than products made from natural analogues.

Window sill and countertop made of quartz agglomerate

For your information! Compared to acrylic products, this material is more resistant to high temperatures, abrasion, static loads, and contamination. However, it is more difficult to repair window sills made of quartz agglomerate.

Manufacturing technology

Making donkey marble in a kiln
Oselkovy (gypsum) marble is a lighter material compared to natural marble. For production, finely ground molding gypsum is used, without sand impurities and exclusively white in color. As a retarder, glue diluted in water is used some time before mixing the gypsum. To create the required color of marble, paints based on mineral, organic and artificial dyes are used.

In the manufacture of the material, special and construction tools are used: sieves with holes of various diameters, scoops, ladle, trowel, watering can, buckets, scraper, sherhebel, tsinubel, scraper, selector, chisel, knife, brushes and sponge.

The production process occurs in several stages, these are: preparation, sharpening, grinding and polishing.

Preparation is done in two ways.

Bulk method

When preparing in this way, the dry gypsum mixture is poured in several layers on a previously prepared surface (workbench). The layers vary in color depending on the pattern and texture desired.

First, a layer of the main background color is laid, then the color of the veins, then the transition color, and again, in a similar sequence. The thickness of the layer depends on the required pattern and texture, and is 5.0 – 50.0 mm. The installation diagram is shown below.

After this operation, burlap soaked in an adhesive composition is placed on a shield made of wood or other material, laid on a second workbench (the so-called “wet workbench”), with its edges hanging from the workbench.

The prepared gypsum mixture, using a scoop, is transferred to a wet workbench and laid in a plane located perpendicular to the original one (laying diagram is shown below).

The thickness of the plaster to be laid must be greater than the thickness of the marble that is to be obtained as a result of manufacturing.

After laying the entire required area, the surface is leveled and covered with another layer of burlap, after which it is spilled with adhesive.

When the gypsum mixture is saturated, the top layer of burlap is removed and excess mortar is removed.

Method under the shoulder blade

This method is used when it is necessary to create a thin marble pattern with a dominant main background. This method differs from the previously discussed method in the preparation of the gypsum mass and the method of its installation.

Ostrozhka

After the prepared gypsum mixture has hardened, it is necessary to remove excess parts of the resulting slab, as well as open the created pattern.

At the beginning of this operation, the required thickness of the slab and the necessary dimensions to be further processed are determined.

To open the design, a scratch and sherhebel are used for rough sharpening, and tsinubel for fine sharpening.

If necessary, chisels and selectors can be used.

Rough grinding.

This operation is performed using pumice or “pechora”, by grinding the surface of the slab being manufactured. Existing scratches are puttied.

Fine grinding.

After the slab has dried naturally (2–3 days), it is necessary to perform fine sanding. To do this, use a whetstone with No. 1, after which the surface is washed and puttied again. After drying, grinding is performed with sandstones No. 2 and No. 3, and after each operation, putty is performed again.

After completing the grinding process, you should get a smooth surface of sufficient density, without holes or other damage.

Polishing.

This operation is initially performed using whetstone No. 3, with preliminary coating of the surface to be treated with an adhesive solution. When the touchstone treatment is completed, the slab is again covered with an adhesive composition and, after 24 hours, polished using touchstone No. 4.

This process is performed several times until the surface being treated reaches a mirror-like shine.

Polishing.

This operation is performed to protect artificial marble from moisture and other negative phenomena. The surface is treated with wax, which is diluted in gasoline or turpentine, and rubbed into the surface to be treated.

Leading manufacturers of ready-made artificial stone window sills

Summary data on products of famous brands is given in the table.

Preparatory work.

The first step is to prepare the surface on which the material will be mounted. You need to make sure that the base is leveled properly. For these purposes, we use a spirit level, which we use to check all directions. This job requires patience if you want to do it professionally.

If the base is uneven, the marble window sill will not lie properly on the surface and may move. In addition, the wall should have a neat appearance, so make sure that the corner edge of the main surface is made at a right angle.

If the future planting site is uneven (not level), this must be corrected using a suitable mixture or solution, and wait at least a day until it dries completely. After this, we check the level again, thereby determining whether the marble window sill is ready for installation.

How to trim a marble window sill.

To cut a stone window sill, you need to mark the desired length on its back side using a tape measure, then use a pencil and a building square to draw a line. By using a construction square, you will ensure that the line is drawn at a right angle and the cut will be accurate.

The next operation is carried out using a special saw for cutting stone (which has a moistened cutting surface), an angle grinder with a diamond wheel. Immediately before carrying out the trimming procedure, the window sill plate must be firmly fixed so that it does not move during the work. To do this, you can use clamps or ask another person to hold the workpiece.

Having secured the slab, a cut is made on it. In this case, you should use special glasses and a respirator to protect yourself from dust.

You must work carefully to avoid possible injury. If you do not have experience working with this type of power tool, it is better to entrust such an operation to competent specialists.

At what price to buy artificial stone window sills: review of market offers with prices

The cost of individual modifications of the same brand can differ significantly. Its formation is significantly influenced by decorative characteristics.

Some sellers offer artificial stone window sills at a certain price per square meter.

For your information! For accurate calculations, there are special calculators on the official websites of stores. In addition to sizes and shapes, we can choose the type of edge treatment and complete set of edges. Professional installation is carried out according to a separate price list.

Reviews about artificial stone window sills

Having studied the opinions of users, it is easier to make a decision when choosing. Below are comments about various products created from artificial stone. In addition to window sills, tabletops were considered.

Feedback on Staron material:

More details on Otzovik: https://otzovik.com/review_6165479.html

Feedback on Grandex material:

More details on Otzovik: https://otzovik.com/reviews/iskusstvenniy_akriloviy_kamen_grandex/

Feedback on Tristone material:

More details on Otzovik: https://otzovik.com/reviews/stoleshnica_iz_iskusstvennogo_kamnya_tristone/

Features of creating custom-made window sills from artificial stone

This method allows you to purchase a product with certain aesthetic and technical characteristics. In any case, the specific intended purpose is essential:

1. If you plan to place heavy pots of flowers on the surface, choose models that are more abrasion resistant.
2. When an artificial stone window sill is not covered with thick curtains, its appearance is selected taking into account the specific design style of the room.
3. The width of the “visor” should be no more than 30% of the total size. Otherwise, install additional supports.
4. Are you planning to use your window sill as a work desk? Buy an acrylic modification with a width of 50-60 cm. The surface will be pleasant to the touch and warm in the winter. Check the user-friendly installation height.

At the production stage, you can inexpensively create a hole for a decorative grille in an artificial stone window sill. This device increases the efficiency of the heating system.

How to make?

Anyone can make such a product if they have the materials and necessary equipment. You need to take measurements first. After this, they buy the blank in a specialized store. Today such slabs can also be purchased from construction companies.

All you need to do is cut out the desired shape from the slab. However, before doing this, marking must be done. To do this, make a template from cardboard, taken with an accuracy of 3 mm. It marks allowances for slopes and window profiles.

For cutting, special diamond wheels are used for cutting marble. The saw operates at low speeds so that the marble does not crack due to a sudden change in temperature.

Water should be supplied to the cut site. Otherwise, cracks will appear on the surface of the slab. The decorative design will consist of milling the profile shape by cutting a chamfer.

Then it is necessary to process the end taking into account the texture of the main surface. Grinding and polishing is carried out using a grinder with a flexible diamond disc. The surface shine is given after installation and finishing of the slopes.

Correct installation, repair and maintenance

After purchasing an artificial stone window sill at an affordable price, the overall costs can be reduced by doing the installation work yourself. Use the following recommendations to avoid making mistakes:

1. Make a protrusion beyond the wall from 4 to 6 cm.
2. A slight tilt towards the room (5-6°) will simplify cleaning and prevent moisture accumulation.
3. A technological seam is left between the end parts of the window sill and the walls to compensate for thermal expansion.
4. In order not to worsen the convection process, the distance to the heating radiators is made more than 10 cm.

When dismantling an old structure, remove the mounting foam and other materials up to the main wall. The new window sill is installed on a concrete screed or specially made of wood/steel stiffeners. For rigid fixation, use suitable glue. Large cracks are sealed and additionally strengthened using construction foam. Next, the slopes are plastered and painted. Plastic sheathing and moisture-resistant plasterboard are also used to finish openings.

Regular detergents without abrasive components are suitable for caring for artificial stone window sills. Do not use metal scrapers or other tools that can damage surfaces. Do not expose acrylic models to temperatures above +185°C.

To remove scratches, successive grinding with materials with different abrasive parameters is used. Gradually reduce the roughness until an ideal surface is obtained. Using glue, you can restore the integrity of window sills made of acrylic artificial stone.

Clamps secure the product in the desired position

After hardening, remove the remaining adhesive composition. Polish the surface using a power tool. The entire recovery procedure will take no more than an hour. For more information, use the comments on the post. Report your personal experience of purchase, operation and repair. Ask questions to receive qualified advice.

Preparation and tools

To dismantle the old canvas you will need the following tools:

• hammer;
• perforator;
• chisel.

With these tools you can perform the preparatory work:

• break the slopes to easily remove the window sill from the niche;
• clean the base from traces of sealant, and the slopes from plaster;
• remove construction debris, remove dust;
• check that the dimensions of the slab correspond to the dimensions of the niche;
• level the base, eliminate chips and cracks;
• using a ruler and a building level, determine the correct position of the new slab;
• make markings using a pencil.