Vello Soft Stone Paneling – FAQ

 

Product Basics

·        Q: What is Vello Soft Stone Paneling?

  A: Vello Soft Stone Paneling is a flexible, lightweight wall cladding made from a stone composite. It combines natural mineral powders (stone sand, stone powder) and cement with a high-performance polymer binder, creating thin panels that mimic the look and texture of real stone. Each panel is engineered to deliver the authentic appearance of materials like travertine or slate, but in a format that is lighter and easier to work with than solid stone.

·        Q: What is it made of exactly?

  A: The panels are primarily composed of natural stone powder (~55%) and mineral sand, bonded with Portland cement (~15%) and a specialized polymer binder (~23%), plus pigments and reinforcing fibers (small percentages) for added strength. This composition means no wood or PVC – it’s mostly inorganic. The result is called “soft stone” because the panels have a flexible quality despite containing real stone and cement.

·        Q: What sizes and thicknesses are available?

  A: Vello Soft Stone Panels come in two sizes: 4 x 8 feet and 2 feet x 4 feet.  The panels are thin enough to be easy to work with while remaining durable and substantial   – usually about 3mm to 6mm for most of the panels and going all the way to 16 mm thick for the thicker options (approximately 1/8 inches – 1/4” for most panels and going to 5/8 inches for thicker options). Despite being thin, they are robust due to the composite makeup. Each panel weighs only about 3–6 kg per square meter, a fraction of traditional stone, which makes both shipping and installation much easier.

·        Q: What finishes and colors does it come in?

  A: The Vello Soft Stone line is available in a variety of finishes and textures that replicate popular natural materials. These include Travertine-style panels, Slate / rockface styles, woodgrain and other patterned designs, all using the same base material. Each finish has its own natural color variations (e.g. travertine off-white, slate gray, terra cotta tones, etc.), achieved with integral mineral pigments. The surface texture is crafted during production to match the stone or design – for example, travertine panels have the familiar pits and bands of real travertine, while slate designs have a layered cleft texture. All finishes share the same core composition and performance characteristics (strength, fire rating, etc.), so the choice is purely aesthetic. For current inventory, visit VelloStone.com or give us a call.

·        Q: How flexible are these “soft stone” panels?

  A: They are quite flexible for a mineral-based product. Thanks to the polymer binder and thin profile, many of our SKUs can bend to follow curves and corners. In practical terms, a standard panel can flex enough to handle gentle to moderate curves – for example, encircling a round column or arch with a few inches (several centimeters) radius is achievable. However, extremely tight bends or repeated folding should be avoided to prevent any chance of cracking.

·        Q: Are the panels self-supporting or do they need a backing?

  A: Vello Soft Stone Panels are applied as a veneer to a solid backing or substrate; they are not structural panels. Think of them like a decorative stone panel or tile. They need to be bonded to an existing wall or substrate (such as drywall, cement board, concrete, plywood, etc.). The panels themselves have enough integrity to handle during installation, but they rely on adhesive to stay in place long-term.

Applications & Performance

·        Q: Where can Vello Soft Stone Panels be used?

  A: These panels are designed for both interior and exterior applications. They are suitable for indoor walls (feature walls, backsplashes, bathroom walls, fireplace surrounds, etc.) as well as outdoor facades and cladding. Because they are thin and light, they’re great for retrofitting over existing walls in renovations, and for high-rise buildings where heavy stone is impractical. They work in commercial settings and residential projects alike.

·        Q: Are they really okay for wet areas like bathrooms or outdoors?

  A: Yes. Vello panels have very low water permeability. The material’s water absorption rate is around 8% by weight, which is similar to or better than many unglazed ceramic tiles. In practice, this means the panels won’t significantly swell, warp, or fall apart when exposed to humidity or an occasional splash. They are mold- and mildew-resistant as well – since the composition is inorganic, it does not support mold growth.

·        Q: What is the fire rating of this product?

  A: Vello Soft Stone Paneling is fire-resistant. It meets Class B1 fire protection standards. Class B1 means the material is flame‑retardant – it does not easily catch fire and will self‑extinguish when the flame source is removed.

·        Q: Are they heat-resistant? Can I use them near a fireplace or stove?

  A: Yes, the panels handle heat well. The inorganic components are naturally non‑combustible and can tolerate high temperatures. However, we recommend avoiding using Vello Soft Stone Panels around a fireplace surround, behind a wood stove, or in a kitchen backsplash near a cooktop without worry.

·        Q: Will the color or surface fade over time outdoors?

  A: The panels are designed to be UV‑resistant and weather‑stable. Accelerated aging tests show decades of outdoor durability with minimal change. They may develop a gentle patina similar to natural stone but will not peel or flake. The panels can be cleaned with soap and water and a gentle rag.

·        Q: How impact‑resistant and durable are the panels?

  A: Despite being thin, the panels are surprisingly durable. The polymer matrix gives them impact resistance, and they withstand freeze‑thaw cycles without cracking. They resist common household acids and alkalis and do not support microbial growth.

Installation

·        Q: How are Vello Soft Stone Panels installed?

  A: Installation is similar to large‑format tile: prepare a flat substrate, cut panels with a utility knife or masonry blade, spread a suitable construction adhesive or modified thinset, press the panel firmly, and finish seams with color‑matched caulk. For the complete Installation guide, please refer to our Installation Guidelines on the Vello website.

·        Q: Can I install these panels myself?

  A: Yes. Basic DIY skills are enough for small indoor projects. Professionals can complete large areas quickly.

·        Q: What tools do I need?

  A: Circular saw or angle grinder with masonry blade • Mixing bucket, rubber trowel, small shovel • Caulking gun (manual or pneumatic) • Tape measure, scissors, utility knife • Steel ruler, round steel bar • Laser level or spirit level • Pneumatic nail gun • Electric mortar mixer • V-notched trowel (1/4" square-notch)

·        Q: Do I need to seal the panels?

  A: Not for most applications. The surface is factory‑cured and water‑repellent. Optional breathable sealers can be applied in high‑stain or harsh exterior environments.

Maintenance & Lifespan 

·        Q: How do I clean the panels?

  A: Use a soft cloth or brush with mild detergent and water. Avoid abrasive pads and harsh acids. Outdoor panels are naturally rinsed by rain.

·        Q: How long will the panels last?

  A: With proper installation, the expected service life is 20 years or more. They do not rot, warp, or delaminate under normal conditions.

·        Q: Do they emit VOCs or formaldehyde?

  A: No. The composition is inorganic and binder chemistry is VOC‑free and formaldehyde‑free, making the panels safe for indoor air quality.

Sustainability 

·        Q: Are Vello Soft Stone Panels eco‑friendly?

  A: Yes. Production requires less energy than kiln‑fired products, transportation emissions are lower due to light weight, and panels contain no toxic additives.

·        Q: Can the panels be recycled?

  A: Panels are non‑hazardous mineral material that can be crushed and used as aggregate or disposed of as inert construction debris.

Ordering

·        Q: How do I get samples?

  A: Request through the website or sales team; samples usually ship within a few days.

·        Q: What is the minimum order?

  A: No strict MOQ for stock colors; buy exactly what you need. Custom colors may require a larger run.

·        Q: What is the typical cost?

  A: Retail pricing is about $10 per square foot, depending SKU.

·        Q: How are panels shipped?

  A: Flat‑packed in reinforced cartons or crates. Lightweight panels reduce freight costs, and worldwide shipping is available.

Warranty & Support

·        Q: Is there a product warranty?

  A: No. Vello does not provide a manufacturer’s warranty against material defects.

·        Q: Where can I get technical support?

  A: Contact Vello via phone, email, or the website for installation guides, troubleshooting, or warranty claims.

·        Q: Do you offer installer training?

  A: Installation guides and remote support are available. On site training is unavailable

For project‑specific questions, please contact Vello’s technical team or your authorized distributor.