Avalon Bay Squares & Rectangular Corners" are the essential L-shaped pieces designed to complete any installation of Avalon Bay Squares & Rectangular stone veneer where an outside corner or edge is present. These corners play a vital role in creating a cohesive, professional, and visually appealing stone facade. Here's a detailed explanation: What are they? L-Shaped Profile: Avalon Bay Squares & Rectangular Corners are pre-fabricated, 90-degree angle pieces. They have two visible faces that wrap around the edge, seamlessly transitioning the stone pattern from one wall to the next. Material Match: Crucially, they are made from the same natural marble and feature the same split-face finish as the flat Avalon Bay Squares & Rectangular pieces. This ensures perfect color consistency (rich dark gray with brown accents) and texture, making the corners virtually indistinguishable from the flat wall areas. Shape Consistency: While the flat pieces are square and rectangular, the corner pieces are designed to integrate with these shapes, often having varying "short returns" and "long returns" to allow for a natural, staggered bond pattern as they ascend the corner. Why are they crucial for installation? Authentic Appearance: Using dedicated corner pieces is fundamental for replicating the look of traditional full-thickness stone masonry. If you tried to simply miter cut flat pieces, it would expose the un-finished, sawn edge of the stone and break the natural flow and texture of the split-face marble. Seamless Transitions: They create a clean, continuous stone surface around architectural features like columns, wall ends, fireplace surrounds, and exterior building corners. Simplified Installation: While installing loose stone veneer requires skill, using pre-formed corners significantly reduces the complexity and labor involved compared to attempting to fabricate corners from flat pieces on-site. Durability and Weather Protection: For exterior applications, properly installed corner pieces minimize seams and potential points of moisture intrusion, contributing to the longevity and weather resistance of the veneer system. Key Features and Benefits: Natural Marble Beauty: Inherits the unique veining, subtle color variations, and inherent durability of natural marble. Split-Face Texture: Provides a rugged, three-dimensional surface that catches light and adds depth. Consistent Color Palette: Matches the distinctive dark gray and brown tones of the Avalon Bay collection. Versatile Application: Suitable for all interior and exterior wall applications where Avalon Bay Squares & Rectangular flats are used, including residential and commercial projects. Eco-Friendly: Often carries GREENGUARD Gold and USGBC/LEED certifications, indicating a commitment to sustainable building practices and healthy indoor air quality. Frost-Resistant: Suitable for outdoor use in various climates due to the inherent properties of natural marble. Installation Tips: Quantity Calculation: When planning your project, measure the linear feet of all outside corners separately from the square footage of the flat wall areas. Staggering: When installing, alternate the "long" and "short" sides of the L-shaped corner pieces in each successive course. This creates an interlocking pattern that mimics authentic masonry and enhances stability and appearance. Mortar Application: Apply thin-set mortar to both the back of the stone and the substrate for a strong bond. Grout (Optional/Minimal): The "split-face" nature of Squares & Rectangulars means they often have slight irregularities. You may choose a minimal grout joint or a dry-stacked look depending on the desired aesthetic. Avalon Bay Squares & Rectangular Corners are an indispensable component for any project aiming to achieve a sophisticated, durable, and truly authentic natural stone veneer finish.
