Window sills made of stone - there is nothing better than natural! Choosing the right artificial stone window sill How to make a stone window sill with your own hands.

Any repair work in the house requires material costs for the owner. Buying the necessary material and paying for the installation and work of a specialist is not always and not everyone can afford. In such cases, some types of work can be done independently. If a person has minimal skills, then he will be able to create a window sill with his own hands.

Types of window sills and why they are needed in the house

Almost no window is complete without installing a window sill, which ensures safe drainage of accumulated condensation on the window during the cold season. The purpose of the window sill is not only purely protective, but also aesthetic. The main functions of the surface can be divided into three groups:

  • protective;
  • aesthetic;
  • decorative

The decorative function of the window sill provides a gradual transition from the space inside and the walls themselves to the opening in the window. In addition, window sills are often used as shelves for indoor plants.

With the help of modern design solutions, different types of surfaces near the window are used as: a kitchen countertop, a bench for sitting, and simply as a shelf.

Window sills come in different types, since the materials for their production are very diverse:

  • wooden;
  • from natural stone;
  • from artificial stone;
  • Chipboard and MDF window sills;
  • PVC, etc.

Varieties of window sills are also classified according to their composition. If the product consists of one component (wood, stone), then such window sills are called monomaterial. When the composition contains two or more components, such window sills are usually called composite.

The traditional material for the production of surfaces for windows is wood. To preserve the quality of the material for many years, the wood is treated with special oils, varnishes, and waxes. The most commonly used wood for window sills is pine. To save money, glued laminated timber is often used, which has good performance in production.

Natural materials are always expensive and not everyone can afford them on a family budget. But without taking into account the disadvantage of expensive cost, window sills made of natural stone are absolutely environmentally friendly and have a fairly good presentable appearance.

Often natural stone for the production of window sills is replaced with artificial material, which allows the product to be created at an affordable price. Window sills made of artificial stone look no worse than the original ones. In addition, the advantage of acrylic stone is considered to be complete resistance to moisture and various bacteria.

Window sills made from wood materials such as chipboard and MDF are characterized by excellent strength and moisture resistance. They are often coated with varnish, which adds shine to the product.

PVC window sills are famous for their good performance characteristics. This material is resistant to sunlight and moisture. In addition, PVC does not require special care. Thanks to the surface, which has no pores, microbes and bacteria do not accumulate on PVC.

DIY wooden window sill

Before you start work, you need to choose materials and methods for making a window sill with your own hands. Since wood materials are very popular, we will consider one of the options for making window sill boards from wood. As the craftsmen write, making a window sill structure yourself is not that difficult, the main thing is to strictly follow the work instructions and have basic skills in using tools. How to make and install a wooden window sill with your own hands will be discussed in more detail below in the article.

When choosing a board for work, you need to pay attention to the presence of knots and various defects. The selected wood must be well dried, and in no case should it be saturated with moisture. After all, the quality and suitability of the future window sill will depend on the chosen material. If the process does not use a whole board, but its pieces are joined by gluing. If you are making a window sill board for a kitchen window, experts recommend using a solid board, since the humidity in this room is always high.

The starting point in working on a window sill with your own hands is considered to be a standard action - accurate measurements of the future design. It is recommended to make a detailed drawing for yourself, on which you carefully write down all the size data.

Next, using wood planes, we give the board the desired shapes. During processing, it is necessary to maintain exact proportions: the protrusion of the window sill should be approximately 6-8 cm, and the length should be 10-15 cm greater than the width of the opening.

In order to neutralize the void during the installation of the window sill, felt is attached to the bottom of the board. This material must be treated with an antiseptic solution. Next, the finished structure is inserted into the window frame and secured with screws or nails. To bring the window sill to an ideal look, it is opened with varnish, this will protect the condition of the wood from external factors.

DIY concrete window sill

Such material - like concrete, is considered an excellent, breathable material for the production of a window sill in a house with your own hands. The good performance of this material makes it easy to decorate structures from it. It is easy to paint, finish and sand, making concrete a leader in window sills. How to make a window sill with your own hands and what installation rules you need to follow, we will describe in detail below.

The organic appearance of the future design directly depends on the first stage - work on the drawings. In order for all stages of installing a window sill to be completed successfully with your own hands, it is necessary to take measurements on the following points:

  • width of slopes;
  • base length;
  • distance between slopes;
  • width of projections and overhang;
  • window sill depth;
  • length and thickness of the window sill.

During the work process, we will need the following necessary tools to install the window sill with our own hands:

  • fasteners;
  • Bulgarian;
  • jigsaw;
  • putty knife;
  • construction vacuum cleaner;
  • roulette;
  • level;
  • grinding machine and attachments for it, etc.

To produce a future window device, you will need a concrete solution, which is prepared from: M 500 cement, sand, a polymer-based plasticizer, pigment to create marble chips and decorative material. It is important to add all the ingredients gradually so that the solution does not turn out liquid.

You can create a shape for the future window sill using one of two methods. The first method involves preparing the window sill board separately in advance. The second method is to cast the structure in place. The second option is considered more convenient, as it allows you to create formwork much faster.

The process of preparing concrete mortar for a window sill

When working on a concrete window sill, the most important process is the preparation of the solution, on which the integrity and quality of the structure directly depends. If the consistency of the material does not meet the standard (it is too thick or vice versa), cracks will form on the surface during drying. For excellent adhesion of all components, a plasticizer is added to the solution. With its help, the concrete slurry will become flexible, which speeds up the work.

Sand and cement must be added to the solution in a 2:1 ratio. It is customary to add 50 grams of plasticizer for every kilogram of dry workpiece. The next step is to add pigment. His choice varies depending on the owner’s desire to get a specific color. Water is also added to the solution in an amount of 200 ml per kilogram of mixture. There is no need to prepare the solution in advance; it is prepared immediately before the tide of the window sill is cast.

The final stages of work on a concrete window sill

The penultimate stage in working on a concrete window sill is grinding the surface. It is carried out after the solution has completely dried. Using rough discs, it is necessary to remove all unevenness and roughness of the top. Then use grinding discs of 50 and 100 grit.

Finally, by polishing the surface is given the appearance of natural stone and a protective coating is applied.

Features of a plastic window sill

PVC products are also very popular in the construction industry. Plastic window sills are manufactured in production using a separate system, which includes several stages.

Various additives are combined with PVC powder, after which the mass becomes homogeneous using the homogenization method. Next, the plastic is calibrated and receives its true shape. During the process it is cooled and cut.

The features of a plastic window sill are due to the following characteristics:

1. PVC structures are durable and wear-resistant.

2. They look quite warm and presentable.

3. Another advantage of this material is the fact that plastic does not require additional processing.

Installation of a plastic window sill

Installation of a plastic window sill consists of several processes that require attentiveness, accuracy and endurance from the master. The structure can be installed using three methods.

1. Using foam. Using foam and a gun, the plastic plate is attached to the base under the window sill. If foam gets on the outer surface, it must be wiped off immediately, as it tends to dry quickly. If it so happens that the foam has dried, it can be removed using a special solvent.

2. Using staples. Metal brackets are fixed to the installation surface, onto which the window sill itself is placed. The disadvantage of this installation is its minimal strength.

To successfully carry out all installation work, you must follow all do-it-yourself installation rules.

Standard sizes of window sills and their advantages

The main dimensions of plastic window sills vary: from 4 to 6 meters in length and from 10 cm to 1 m in width. The thickness of plastic products for this purpose is usually 2 cm.

For wooden window sills, the following figures are considered standard: width - from 15 cm to 1 m; length from 70 cm to 3 m. Wooden materials differ in their length, as they are veneered and jointed.

Following the detailed instructions, creating and installing a window sill with your own hands, as it turned out, is not at all difficult. What it will be like and from what material it will be up to each owner to decide individually. In your choice, be guided by the known advantages of each product.

PVC window sills can last faithfully for up to 25 years due to their durable surface. In addition, this material, in comparison with stone or wood, has a fairly low price.

Wooden window sills should be combined with wooden windows, so the entire window structure will look harmonious and expensive. Wood can last for many years only if it is properly treated with protective agents (varnishes, oils).

When producing a concrete window sill, do not forget to monitor the quality of the solution. And yet, if everything is done correctly, then this type of product will not be inferior in its beauty to window sills made of natural stone.

If you have any questions during the work, you can learn more about installing a wooden window sill by watching this video:

After installing the windows, it becomes necessary to design the side walls of the opening. The top and side walls are usually designed in the same style, and the bottom wall is made more beautiful and stronger; this is the window sill.

It can be multifunctional, often used as a bookshelf, as well as a stool and a ladder if you need to wash windows or curtains.

It can also be a combined table or a continuation of the headset. Window sills can be made from many materials.

Plastic window sills are very popular, they are cheap and practical, they are harmonious with plastic windows.

If you have wooden windows, then it is better that the window sills are made of wood, they are natural, environmentally friendly, but not very cheap, the wooden surface will need to be additionally processed.

Metal window sills are usually installed outside and are often used in offices and industrial premises. If you value high-quality materials, then window sills made of natural stone are suitable for you. The stone has unique properties.

It is durable and reliable, but quite expensive. An excellent alternative to natural will be artificial; window sills made from artificial stone are strong, wear-resistant, durable and pleasant to the touch, and they are much cheaper than products made from natural stone.

Production of window sills from artificial stone

To make them you need to prepare a special mixture. The binder can be cement or polymer, and dyes and fillers will also be required.

In general, artificial stone window sills from etamstone.com/podokonniki will be very noticeable in your interior and will help decorate it; they will emphasize its individuality.

Such window sills can be of any size and configuration, it can smoothly transition into a kitchen countertop, you can integrate a sink made of artificial stone into it, they will look exactly like natural ones.

The material can be completely restored at any time. The guaranteed service life of such ceilings is up to 10 years. They are resistant to scratches and mechanical stress.

They have a non-porous structure, they do not absorb or emit anything. You can choose any color of this window sill. They are environmentally friendly and immune to bacteria and fungi, easily accept the ambient temperature, they are warm, which distinguishes them from marble and granite.

They have no visible glue seams. They retain color consistently. They are thermally conductive, waterproof and fireproof. They are resistant to chemicals.

  • There are several types of artificial stone for making window sills. Their disadvantages include a fairly high price, they are also unstable to abrasives, stones form after them, but in many respects they are better than products made from natural stone.
  • There are several types of artificial stone. The most popular is acrylic stone, its main component is acrylic resin and fillers. It will make a durable, beautiful window sill.
  • The basis of polyester stone is polyester resin; window sills made from it will be cheaper than acrylic ones. At first after installation, they will not emit a very good smell, you can only choose a classic rectangular window sill, such a stone will not be deformed during processing.

If you want a window sill with rounded corners, polyester won't work for you. Quartz agglomerate contains natural quartz, mountain sedimentary rock and various decorative additives.

It is processed by vibrocompression; window sills made from this material are of high quality. Quartz tolerates physical and chemical influences well.

It consists almost entirely of natural materials. Window sills are made less frequently from cast marble, it is a durable and strong material, it is often used if you need it, by the way, they are becoming more and more popular.

You need to choose them carefully, look at the thickness of the window sill, it should not be less than a centimeter. If it is smaller, the window sill simply will not withstand the load; it is better if it is 2 cm.

You can buy a window sill only from trusted manufacturers who have been working on the market for a long time, find out the maximum number of reviews about them, the warranty on the product should be 10 years or more.

The color range of such window sills is very wide, so when choosing a product, you need to take into account its compatibility with the overall interior of the premises. Do not buy window sills at below market prices, as most likely you have a fake in front of you.

In principle, you can mount such a window sill yourself; it can be mounted on almost all materials. It is important that the base is clean and strong. It must be made of cement mortar.

When installing, you must maintain a gap of 5 cm from the bottom. It will be held in place by extending 3 cm under the frame. The minimum overhang of the window sill over the screed must be at least 2 cm.

Its width must be calculated taking into account the radiator, it must cover at least half of its length.

When connecting the window sill to the slope, provide for a distance for its expansion, it must be at least 0.5 cm, this is necessary so that the plaster does not collapse when the window sill is extended. If you want to learn more about their installation, you need to visit our website, there you can find a lot of useful information.

Although we live in the era of digital technology, natural stone in the interior is still considered the personification of durability and luxury. Unfortunately, not everyone has access to such interior elements, even small window sills. This is where you begin to rejoice that modern technologies have found cheaper, but no less impressive in appearance than brutal stone window frames. How good they are and whether it’s worth paying attention to them at all, as well as a sea of ​​other useful information about what artificial stone window sills are, will be told by the editors of the online magazine website.

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

Another popular material in the manufacture of window sills is porcelain stoneware; it perfectly replaces natural stone. It contains high-quality clay, quartz, feldspar, and natural coloring pigments. They are pressed under pressure and fired at high temperatures.


Porcelain tiles have all the advantages of natural stones. It has high density, strength, durability, resistance to various types of damage, it is not afraid of high and low temperatures, mold and fungi harmful to human health. There are also some peculiarities in installation. Installation of artificial stone products is possible on almost any type, steel, aluminum, gypsum and even wood.

Types and performance characteristics of artificial stone window sills

Each type of window sill has its own characteristics and characteristics. They are especially strikingly different during operation.

Window sills made of acrylic and polyester artificial stone

Acrylic stone is a modern composite material; products made from it are expensive, but of high quality. Such window sills have no pores, due to this it is a highly durable, durable and hygienic product with a temperature range of +5 to +180 o C. It is difficult to get dirty, it does not absorb aromas, it is simple, does not change color in the light, and is warm. The absence of seams makes the product aesthetically pleasing.


Polyester stone is a rare option; its composition is similar to acrylic, but it is based on polyester resins, which give the material a certain smell that disappears over time. Due to this, it is more affordable. But such window sills cannot be made in any shape; they do not have flexibility and, accordingly, are not used to create “interesting” elements.

Quartz agglomerate and cast marble for artificial stone window sills

Quartz window sills are comfortable, durable and easy to process. This material is often used in the manufacture of complex shapes and sizes. It is smooth and so strong that it is difficult to leave a scratch or chip on it; it is impossible to create a defect from a hot object, red wine, coffee and other coloring substances. It can be used as a . It is not deformable, does not absorb moisture and does not fade in the sun after long use, and can easily withstand low and high temperatures.


Cast marble looks elegant and neat and is a type of liquid stone. It contains marble chips and polyester resins. It is more durable than natural white marble and can withstand temperatures from -50 to +80 o C. It tolerates changing seasons well. The price for such a product is higher than for a polyester window sill, but lower than the cost of acrylic stone.

Leading manufacturers of artificial stone - price review and consumer reviews

Let's take a brief look at the leading manufacturers of such products.

Products from a US chemical company were presented on the Russian market for the first time "DuPont" . Acrylic stone "Corian" It is so high quality, durable, and has excellent performance characteristics that it is used not only in everyday life, but also in medical organizations. A variety of colors and textures will add individuality. Such window sills made of artificial stone have a price per meter of window sills from 21,000 rubles.

Fake diamond "Montelli" It is manufactured by the same company, but has a “tastier” price and excellent quality. You can purchase window sills made from such artificial stone at a cost of 17,000 rubles. per m².

A world-famous company Samsung , among other products, is engaged in the production of acrylic artificial stone called "Staron" with international recognition. As always, Koreans captivate with the good quality and low price of their products - from 7,500 rubles. per m². What do consumers say about this stone?

Review of Samsung Staron artificial stone countertop:


More details on Otzovik: https://otzovik.com/review_5398382.html

Another review about the use of artificial stone Samsung Staron:


More details on Otzovik: https://otzovik.com/review_4294554.html

The company produces artificial material that is not very expensive, but has good characteristics. "Akrilika" from a German manufacturer. It is durable, reliable, with a long service life. It is a popular product on the Russian market. You can buy it from 11,000 rubles per linear meter. However, the glory of German production for this product is not entirely appropriate, since such a stone is fragile. If this is not a problem for the window sills, then for it it is a real tragedy.

Korean manufacturer produces the product "HI-MACS" , represents a wide range of artificial stone, produced by the company LG . You can buy from 5000 rubles. per m². Among all the products presented, it does not rank last in terms of quality, but it has complaints among consumers, such as cracks and unsticking at joints. But there are also many satisfied users, as confirmed by the reviews.

Review of Hi-Macs artificial stone countertop:


More details on Otzovik: https://otzovik.com/review_2744283.html

Another review about the Hi-Macs artificial stone countertop:


More details on Otzovik: https://otzovik.com/review_2650582.html

Options for finished artificial stone window sills

Ready-made window sills are presented in the most popular shades:

  1. Ivory interspersed with creamy white adds sophistication and luxury to the interior.
  2. complemented by a brick red spot color.
  3. The most ordered color is marble white with contrasting inclusions for expressiveness of the design.
  4. You can also find options for completely unexpected colors - turquoise, purple, fresh greens. But this, as they say, is rare, and only made to order for sophisticated consumers.

Window sills made of artificial stone are available in standard sizes: from 900×200 to 2000×600 mm with a thickness of 30 mm and an edge of 6 mm. All window sills are already sanded to a semi-gloss finish, with no additional mechanical treatment required. Finished products are environmentally friendly, manufactured in compliance with modern technologies and standards, do not require additional processing and are ready for installation.

How to make custom-made artificial stone window sills

For a non-standard architectural solution, you can always order window sills in individual sizes. So how are they made?

Shape and dimensions of artificial stone window sills

Window sills made of artificial stone can be given different shapes:

  • a standard block in the shape of a rectangle - this is a classic design option;
  • bay windows, in the design of a semicircular space with windows;
  • half-bay window - installed in the corner of the room;
  • window sills presented by ;
  • When performing a complex design, a complex cascade is used to create smooth transitions into the tabletop.

They may also differ in size. The thickness of the window sill made of artificial stone can be different, depending on the needs of the customer. This is important for giving special features to the interior and for strength. The standard thickness of window sills is 30 mm. As the thickness of the window sill increases, its strength increases. The stone is mounted to the substrate, and an additional stone strip of the required width is glued to the required end for reinforcement.


In this case, it is necessary to follow the technological process in order to prevent swelling of the substrate itself. The length of standard window sills varies from 4 to 6 meters depending on the length of the opening. The width can be from 10 cm to a meter.

Production of window sills from artificial stone

Before ordering artificial stone window sills, it is interesting to know the technology for their manufacture. It can be represented in three stages:

  1. It is necessary to decide on the design of the future window sill and create a sketch of it. The specialist takes measurements, and a drawing is made from them, then the required texture of the future product is selected.
  2. The material for production is an acrylic mineral composition with the addition of pigments to achieve the desired shade. Products are produced using the casting method, this allows you to create monolithic slabs with high strength and visually attractive. The necessary parts are cut out from them according to the sketch. If the window sill involves components, then they are connected with special glue.
  3. The remaining adhesive is removed using a grinding machine.

End finishing of countertops and window sills made of artificial stone

Not the last point when ordering a window sill is the end trim; it must be taken into account so that it matches the interior and does not spoil it. In the absence of the opportunity to purchase a stone window sill of considerable thickness, it is recommended to install a standard, thirty-millimeter one and build it up. This is done by gluing additional thickness. The end trim can be figured with protrusions of various shapes. To create such products, cutters, engravings and more are used.

How to choose the right artificial stone window sill

By installing artificial stone window sills, you can not only solve many design ideas, but also give them more functionality. For example, a product can serve as a seat. It will depend on the imagination of the designer or the customer himself, but for this it is necessary to make the right choice of material, configuration, model. For example, when determining the thickness, you need to consider what function the window sill will perform. As the load on it increases, the thickness should be added.


Depending on the type of window, shapes and sizes are selected. Large windows have powerful window sills. To select shapes and colors, the elements and are taken into account. White is considered the standard, but it can, for example, be made similar to a countertop. For a long service life and good quality, it is necessary to choose a well-known manufacturer that represents its product for a long period and gives a guarantee.

What does an artificial stone window sill go with in the interior?

Imitation of natural stone creates a unique interior, has a striking resemblance to natural. Energetically, the stone brings to the room a sense of stability, a sense of peace and tranquility. The combination of stone with natural, fur, leather, wood texture will look great. On a stone background, plants give freshness, you can install or spread bindweeds.

In the kitchen, a window sill made of artificial stone looks most harmonious, especially in combination with a countertop or bar counter. In a country house, artificial stone will give a feeling of relaxation and comfort, ideal in combination with metal lanterns, torches or kerosene lamps. If used indoors, such a window sill will help emphasize the design idea.

Nuances of operation and care of artificial stone window sills

Window sills under stone are practically not susceptible to damage, but this risk should be avoided. It is not recommended to cut food on them; you should use hot mats, use non-abrasive detergents, and wipe only with a soft cloth.


It is not so difficult to care for artificial stone, you just need to be a little careful, and then products made from it will delight you and the guests of your home for many years with its brilliance and beauty.

Window sills made of artificial stone are elegant and reliable. They are highly durable and fit original into any interior. To make the product, you can use acrylic stone, granite, marble.

Artificial surfaces

Artificial stone window sills are made using mineral filler, color pigment additives and acrylic resin. The glued components set, and the resulting window sills made of artificial acrylic stone or other material are easily sanded using micro-grained abrasives. This production ensures absolute resemblance to natural stone.

Artificial window sill has high strength and durability

Window sills made of artificial stone have the following advantages:

  • strength, durability and resistance to various influences;
  • With the help of modern technology, seamless mullions can be poured, and installation of a stone window sill takes several hours;
  • the material heats up quickly and retains heat for a long time;
  • window sills made of acrylic stone are light in weight;
  • effective removal of scratches;
  • easy care;
  • hygiene;
  • wide range of colors and shades.

Artificial stone window sills have some disadvantages. Traces from hot objects remain on their surface.

Design selection

Based on their shape, experts distinguish the following types of window sills:

  • rectangular - this is a classic design option for the space below the window;
  • bay windows;
  • half-bay windows - making artificial stone window sills in the corner of the room;
  • window sills;
  • a complex cascade, the arrangement of which ensures a smooth transition of the window sill to the tabletop.

As a rule, rectangular window sills are installed

Artificial stone can have a smooth glossy or matte surface. In appearance and structure, it can imitate a specific natural material. Window sills made of natural and artificial stone can have any shape and color. If necessary, the design of the window is continued using the structure or a separate surface is created.

To find out how much an artificial stone window sill costs, the following factors are taken into account:

  • pigment used;
  • the amount of paint in the product;
  • surface parameters;
  • window state.

Installation work

Window sills are installed using a certain technology. In this case, an indentation of 10-15 cm is taken into account. To seal the joints, polyurethane foam is used. When pouring a concrete screed, there is no such effect. Therefore, before installing a window sill made of artificial stone, it is recommended to decide on the technology for performing installation work.

If a screed is installed, then it should be 14 mm lower than the artificial stone. Brackets are installed at 1/3 of the width of the screed. Grooves are made in the slopes to secure window sills made of quartz stone or other artificial material.

Read also: The best ways to repair and restore PVC window sills

Before gluing the artificial stone, it is recommended to decide on the color scheme of the consumables and glue. If the stone window sill is installed using the glued method, then a special code table is used.

Corian has a smooth, non-porous surface

Each shade has its own numerical value. A sander is used to remove any remaining adhesive. Most often, artificial stone window sills are made with a thickness of 12.45 mm or 3.0 cm. If you need to make a complex shape for a window, then installation work is carried out in stages. The surface is assembled in parts. The resulting structure is ground and polished. The surface can be finished with Corian. This natural mineral filler is made from bauxite. To install a structure made of artificial quartz, acrylic stone and other consumables, you will need a building level.

Natural surfaces

To decorate the window, you can use a window sill made of natural material. The product has the following advantages:

  • high strength;
  • long-term operation;
  • good resistance to external factors;
  • stone window sills are easy to clean from stains;
  • absolute environmental friendliness;
  • original appearance.

Window sills made of natural stone are much more expensive than artificial analogues

But natural stone window sills are more difficult to work with, as they have a lot of weight. Other disadvantages include high cost and a small range of colors.

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.

Window sills made of artificial stone or natural minerals look impressive and noble. They will suit classic and some other interior styles. For window sills they use not only real, but also artificial stone, which in many ways is not inferior to natural stone, and in some it is superior.

A natural stone

For the manufacture of window sills, stone types such as

  • onyx,
  • granite,
  • marble,
  • travertine,
  • labradorite,
  • volcanic tuff.

Window sills made of natural stone can be installed both inside and outside the building. When choosing a rock, it is important to consider not only the price and appearance, but also its properties; for example, you should know that marble is very difficult to clean from dirt.

Each piece of real stone has a unique color, so if you don’t want the window sills in different rooms or in one to be very different, you need to select similar boards in advance with the master.

Stone window sills have limitations in length, since in the case of natural stone it is difficult to work with the joints.

What should natural stone window sills be like? The standard thickness of a stone slab is 3 cm. If there is a radiator under the window, then the window sill should protrude no more than half the radiator, otherwise the air circulation will be disrupted and the window will fog up.

Processing real stone can only be trusted by professionals. Improper processing can ruin the entire product, lead to cracks and loss of appearance.

As for the price, granite and marble are almost the same in this parameter, and onyx is about 2 times more expensive. The price also depends on the type of stone of the same breed, its rarity, for example, the cost of two different types of marble can differ almost twice.

Granite

Granite is suitable for both internal and external window sills. It is harder than marble and can withstand severe frosts. Outdoors, granite will be less dirty than marble and will retain its appearance longer.

This rock has one unpleasant property - it can be radioactive, this is a natural feature of granite. Therefore, when purchasing, be sure to ask about the safety class of the stone. Buy only safety class 1 material.

Beautiful veins can become places of cracks. Therefore, it is better to buy a stone that has fewer of them.

Granite is available in different colors - each deposit has its own shade of the rock, most often red or gray, less often greenish or blue. For transportation it is packed in wooden pallets. It is best to purchase material from well-known companies, then it will definitely be of high quality and safe.

Marble

Marble is known for its wide variety of shades, light or dark. It does not accumulate radiation and is somewhat less durable than granite. This is the breed that is chosen most often. The advantages of marble include

  • thread-like structure, which provides greater strength,
  • minor damage is easy to repair,
  • does not delaminate, is relatively easy to process,
  • polishes well, resulting in a perfectly smooth surface; after about 10 years it can be repolished again.

However, it also has weaknesses. Marble gets dirty easily, and dyes or acidic liquids can leave permanent stains on it. Therefore, do not place cups of tea, coffee, glasses of wine or cans of paint on marble window sills. Modern impregnation compounds will help protect marble.

Other breeds

Another commonly used rock is onyx. This is a semi-precious stone. Its uniqueness lies in its ability to transmit light. When the sun's rays fall on such a windowsill, it seems to glow itself. The disadvantage of onyx is that it is soft and can be easily scratched by a sharp object.

Window sills are also made from travertine (lime tuff). This is a soft, porous rock, so products made from it must be treated with care. Travertine can come in a variety of colors, from white to brown and bright red. It is easy to process and can be given complex shapes. To protect the stone, mastics and self-polishing wax are used.

Labradorite window sills are as hard as granite, but this rock looks completely different. It has an internal iridescence - a rainbow glow, which is noticeable after proper processing. Labradorite can be of different colors - from golden to bright blue; most often varieties with blue iridescence are used for decoration, but red and yellow ones are also found.

Volcanic tuff is a sedimentary rock formed from volcanic ash. It can be gray, pink, brown, black, purple, orange. Volcanic tuff is easy to process and is quite durable, so it is used for construction and decoration. It is a light and porous stone.

Fake diamond

Artificial stone is in no way inferior in properties to natural stone, and sometimes even surpasses it.

Artificial stone can be given any color, even one that is not found in nature, to imitate any rock, not only in color, but also in structure.

Typically, artificial stone window sills are smooth and even. They do not absorb water and are resistant to high temperatures, so this material can be safely used in the kitchen and hot pots can be placed on it. Pots with indoor plants and frequently spilled water will not harm him either. Caring for such a surface is easy - just wipe with a damp cloth.

Artificial stone most often comes in one of three types:

  • agglomerate (marble agglomerate) - based on polyester resins with pieces or chips of natural marble,
  • agloquartzite (quartz agglomerate) - with pieces or crumbs of quartz,
  • acrylic stone— based on acrylic resins without the addition of natural stone.

Externally, the material may look like quartzite, travertine, marble, granite and other rocks.

Artificial stone is also used for the production of furniture, in particular, countertops for kitchen sets and sinks.

Artificial stone can be installed on various surfaces: concrete, brick, plaster, wood, steel, aluminum. It is important that the base is clean from dust, dirt, grease, and oils.

Agloquartz and agglomarble

Unlike acrylic-based material, which will be discussed below, quartz and marble agglomerates are close in weight to natural stone, feel cold to the touch, and are not afraid of high temperatures and abrasive cleaning agents. On the other hand, sinter quartz cannot be restored if it does become damaged, and it is impossible to connect two pieces without a noticeable seam.

Agglomerates are made on the basis of polyester resins, adding water, plasticizers to reduce the amount of water and increase strength, and natural stone chips. For coloring, dyes are used, which are both added to the solution and applied on top.

Agglomarble is much cheaper than natural marble. It can be either with noticeable pieces of marble or with stone chips, which allows you to obtain an even, uniform structure without large inclusions.

Agloquartzite is a very durable material that practically does not absorb water and does not change over time.

Also, agglomerate window sills can be made with pieces of glass, semi-precious rocks, mirrors, and shells. Such combinations do not occur in nature.

Acrylic stone

Acrylic stone is another type of artificial stone. It is made from acrylic resin with the addition of mineral components and dyes. Acrylic stone is different

  • warmth to the touch,
  • lack of pores,
  • light weight,
  • high hygienic characteristics, which make it possible to use it even in medical institutions,
  • ability to restore chips and cracks,
  • seamless connection,
  • resistance to chemical influences (acids, alkalis),
  • UV resistance,
  • a wide variety of colors.

The disadvantage of this material is that it is not resistant to high temperatures. Hot objects cannot be placed on it; marks may remain. It is also a fairly soft material that can be easily scratched by a stiff brush or abrasive cleaners.

Attention! Acrylic stone and sinter marble or sinter quartz are not the same thing, although some sellers claim the opposite. The production technology of these materials is different. The acrylic variety does not contain stone chips, which makes it easier.

The thickness of the slab ranges from 12 (the most common option) to 30 millimeters. Like other types of artificial stone, acrylic can imitate natural rocks: marble, granite, travertine and others. There are more than 400 options in the color palette. The surface can be glossy, semi-gloss or matte. The stone may contain sparkles or larger inclusions.

Window sills made of artificial stone are placed on cement mortar, and the ends are glued to silicone. To install the slab, grooves are made in the slopes into which the window sill fits.

The acrylic stone is connected with a special glue, which is selected according to color according to the table. The finished seam is sanded, as a result it is completely invisible. An acrylic slab is usually installed without a backing, but if you want to make the window sill flush with the tabletop, then use special bases that increase rigidity. In these cases, the window sill is laid on special construction foam with a low coefficient of expansion, and not on silicone, as usual.

Both regular straight and shaped and bay window sills are made from acrylic stone. This material is thermoplastic; after heating to 185 degrees, it can be given any shape.

On the Russian market, acrylic stone is represented by brands

  • "Corian" (manufactured by DuPont),
  • "Montelli" (DuPont),
  • "Staron" (Samsung),
  • "Akrilika" (Germany),
  • "LG HI-MACS" (LG),
  • "TriStone" (Korea

The price of a finished window sill includes the cost of the material, which depends on the color, thickness, type of surface (matte is cheaper), the presence of inclusions (glitter and other elements increase the price), edge processing, measuring, making a template, making the window sill itself, delivery and installation.

Advice! Whatever stone you choose for your window sill, you should not rely on the colors shown on your computer monitor. The color rendition of each screen is different, so it would be best to look at real samples of the material at the company’s office.

Conclusion

Stone window sills are an excellent alternative to the usual plastic or wooden ones. Natural or artificial stone is used for their manufacture. Both have great strength and durability; real stone, of course, is more expensive. There are no particular difficulties in caring for a stone window sill, but you need to know some features of the material.