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San Diego's Flexible Stone Veneer Specialist

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about Contouro flexible stone Veneer.
About Flexible Stone Veneer
Sheet Sizes, Natural Variation & Design Options
Applications & Suitable Surfaces
Install
Installation, Adhesives & Detailing
Installation, Adhesives & Detailing
Samples, Sheet Selection & Trade Support

About Flexible Stone Veneer

Flexible stone veneer is an ultra-thin layer of genuine natural stone bonded to a flexible backing. The visible surface of Contouro is 100% authentic natural stone, never a printed or manufactured imitation. It preserves the natural texture, depth, color, and veining of slate, marble, quartzite, and sandstone.
A precision peeling process lifts an ultra-thin layer from the natural stone and bonds it to a flexible backing. The finished veneer is approximately 1-1.5 mm thick, allowing the material to bend around suitable curved surfaces without the weight and rigidity of full-thickness stone.
Contouro uses an ultra-thin natural stone layer and weighs approximately 0.5 lb per square foot, more than 90% less than traditional full-thickness stone. Its lightweight profile can reduce freight costs, simplify handling, and lessen structural load requirements.
Standard Contouro stone is bonded to a fiberglass backing, while translucent stone uses a clear epoxy backing. Contouro's proprietary bonding formulation is engineered to create a strong, consistent bond without a strong chemical odor, supporting the material's flexibility, flatness, and ease of installation.
Contouro combines carefully sourced natural stone, precision quarrying, and a proprietary bonding system. The quality of both the stone surface and the engineered bond allows the sheets to remain thin, flexible, consistent, and refined while retaining the distinctive character of natural stone.
Flexible stone veneer can use natural stone more efficiently because one quarried block produces substantially more surface coverage than conventional stone cutting. The ultra-thin format helps conserve raw material, reduce quarry waste, and lower transportation impact because significantly less weight is shipped for the same coverage area.

Sheet Sizes, Natural Variation & Design Options

Standard Contouro sheets are available in 48 x 96 inches and 48 x 120 inches, providing broad coverage with fewer seams on large surfaces. Custom sizes may also be pre-ordered to suit the requirements of a particular project.
No. Every Contouro sheet is made from genuine natural stone, so variations in color, veining, pattern, and texture are expected. These differences are part of the material's natural character. A complimentary Photo-Matching Service is available before dispatch to help you review the overall appearance of the prepared sheets.
Yes. Contouro's Translucent Series combines ultra-thin natural stone with a clear epoxy backing. When paired with a properly designed LED lighting system, the stone can diffuse light to create illuminated feature walls, bar fronts, reception desks, and other decorative installations.
Yes. Bookmatched layouts are available for select Contouro stones, including Black Wave, subject to inventory. If coordinated veining is important to the design, contact the Contouro team early so material availability and the proposed layout can be reviewed before installation.

Applications & Suitable Surfaces

Contouro flexible stone veneer is designed primarily for vertical and decorative interior or exterior applications. Common uses include feature walls, facades, columns, reception desks, bar fronts, cabinetry, furniture, ceilings, and custom architectural details on flat or curved surfaces.
Contouro can bond to most clean, dry, stable, and properly prepared substrates, including drywall, plywood, concrete, metal, and existing tile. The substrate, adhesive, and preparation method must be appropriate for the location, environmental exposure, and intended application.
Yes. Contouro can wrap many curved walls, columns, and sculptural forms that would be difficult to achieve with rigid stone. The allowable bend depends on the stone, sheet orientation, and radius. Controlled heat may help form tighter curves when used in accordance with the installation guidance.
Yes. Because Contouro is lightweight and can be cut with appropriate tools, it can extend natural stone onto ceilings, cabinetry, furniture, custom millwork, and decorative art installations, provided the supporting surface is stable and properly prepared.
Yes. Contouro can be used for suitable exterior applications when installed over a stable exterior substrate with a compatible exterior-rated adhesive, appropriate sealing, and correct edge, joint, and moisture detailing. The installation must also comply with project requirements and applicable local codes.
Yes, but Contouro must be installed as a decorative finish over a properly waterproofed, code-compliant wet-area assembly. Use a compatible waterproof adhesive and seal the natural stone face. Wet or stain-prone areas may require up to three coats of sealer, following the sealer manufacturer's application and curing instructions.
The fiberglass or clear epoxy backing is waterproof, but the natural stone face remains porous and must be sealed. Contouro should therefore be treated as the decorative finish layer, not as a replacement for the waterproofing membrane or wet-area assembly behind it.
Yes. Contouro is suitable for many fireplace surrounds and adjacent walls, but it must never be placed in direct contact with flame. Follow the fireplace manufacturer's clearance requirements, the temperature ratings of the selected substrate and adhesive, and all applicable local codes.
Contouro is not intended for flooring, countertops, or other high-abrasion horizontal surfaces that experience frequent impact, standing water, or intensive wear. It is designed primarily for vertical and decorative applications where its low weight, flexibility, and design range provide the greatest advantage.

Installation, Adhesives & Detailing

Contouro is generally simpler to install than full-thickness stone because it is lightweight and does not typically require the same structural reinforcement. Successful installation still depends on correct substrate preparation, adhesive selection, cutting, placement, rolling, sealing, and detailing. Professional installation is recommended for complex, exterior, wet-area, or large-scale projects. Contact Contouro for installation support or a quote.
Use a commercial-grade adhesive compatible with the substrate, stone backing, and installation environment. Indoor, exterior, and wet-area applications may require different specifications. Suitable tools such as a fine-tooth circular saw or track saw can produce clean cuts. Refer to the Contouro Installation Guide for adhesive and tool guidance.
Seams should be planned around the sheet layout, stone pattern, and desired visual effect. Corners and transitions may be finished using clean-cut, mitered, lapped, trimmed, or reveal details depending on the application. Careful dry-layout and alignment help maintain natural-looking veining and a refined finish.

Sealing, Cleaning & Maintenance

Yes. Sealing is highly recommended for Contouro flexible stone veneer. A first coat before installation can help protect the stone face from fingerprints, oils, and handling marks. Wet or stain-prone applications may need up to three coats according to the sealer manufacturer's instructions. Periodic re-sealing may also be required.
When properly sealed, Contouro handles normal everyday contact in its intended applications. Clean it with a soft, lint-free cloth and a mild, pH-neutral natural stone cleaner. Avoid abrasive tools and acidic or harsh chemical cleaners. Inspect the finish periodically and re-seal when needed.

Samples, Sheet Selection & Trade Support

Request a Contouro Sample Kit through the website request form. For qualifying San Diego-area projects, local studio hand-delivery and an in-person project review may also be available. The Contouro team can help identify materials suited to the intended application and design direction.
Yes. Specific-sheet selection can be arranged at the Los Angeles warehouse or remotely, subject to availability and a surcharge covering additional warehouse handling. A complimentary Photo-Matching Service is also available once an order is prepared for dispatch, allowing you to review the overall color, veining, and natural character before shipment.
In-stock Contouro sheets typically ship within 2-3 days. Large-volume and custom orders generally require approximately 6-10 weeks, depending on material availability and project scope. Contact Contouro early for large specifications, coordinated layouts, or custom sizes.
Yes. Contouro's trade program provides qualified architects, designers, and contractors with preferred pricing, sample sets, product guidance, and project consultation. Submit the trade or contact form to discuss your project and request access to available resources.