Stone veneer is a thin layer of natural or manufactured stone used as an exterior wall covering. Installing stone veneer is a great way to add visual interest, texture, and durability to any home. With proper planning and preparation, even novice DIYers can achieve beautiful results. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know to successfully install stone veneer on your home’s exterior.
Choose the Stone Veneer Type
The first step is selecting the right stone veneer for your project. There are two main categories of stone veneer:
Natural Stone Veneer
This is cut from real stone slabs or blocks. The most common natural stone veneers are:
- Granite – Very hard and durable. Colors range from pink to gray.
- Limestone – Off-white or light gray. Has a smoother look.
- Sandstone – Shades of tan, red, or brown. Rougher texture.
- Bluestone – Blue-gray color. Random shapes.
- Slate – Very dark gray. Thin layers and uneven surfaces.
Natural stone veneer is more expensive but provides an authentic look. The pieces are unique and irregular.
Manufactured Stone Veneer
This is made from cement mixed with natural aggregates like crushed stone. It is colored and molded to mimic real stone textures. The most realistic options are:
- Cast stone – Highly details molding and coloring
- Adhered masonry veneer – Thin layers bonded to a concrete backing.
Manufactured veneer is cheaper, more uniform, and easier to install. It is still very durable.
Consider your budget, project scope, and desired look when choosing between natural and faux stone veneer.
Calculate How Much Stone Veneer You Need
To determine the amount of stone veneer needed:
- Measure the total square footage of the surfaces to be covered.
- Add up the linear footage of corners, edges, windows, and doors.
- Multiply the total square footage by 1.15 to allow for irregular stones.
- Most stone veneer coverage is approximately 8-15 stones per square foot.
- Buy 10-15% extra as allowance for cuts, mistakes, and future repairs.
Stone veneer is sold by the square foot, box, or pallet depending on type and supplier. Consult your stone provider for estimating assistance.
Prepare the Surface
Proper surface prep is vital for good adhesion and longevity of the stone veneer:
- The surface must be clean, smooth, and structurally sound. Remove any loose material or protrusions.
- Concrete, stucco, and cinder block walls need a “scratch coat” – a thin layer of mortar or modified plaster for the stone veneer to bond to.
- Allow new scratch coats to cure for at least 24-48 hours before installing the veneer.
- Painted or glossy surfaces must be sanded or etched to provide texture.
- Wrap house corners with metal lath at least 8 inches on each side to reinforce the edges.
- Install metal lath over wood or vinyl surfaces for proper bonding. Staple every 6 inches.
Take time to correctly prep surfaces for best stone veneer results.
Gather the Right Installation Tools and Materials
Installing stone veneer takes patience and hard work. Having the proper tools and materials makes the process easier:
Essential Tools
- Safety glasses and gloves
- Shovel for mixing mortar
- Trowel for spreading mortar
- Grout bag for detailed mortar work
- Stone nibbler for shaping and trimming
- Circular saw with masonry blade for major cuts
- Mason’s hammer and chisel for splitting stone
- Level and tape measure
- Wood float for smoothing mortar
- Mortar pan for mixing
- Wheelbarrow for moving mortar
Materials Needed
- Type S Masonry Mortar – adhesive and filler
- Mortar dye if coloring mortar
- Concrete bonding agent
- Plastic spacers or shims
- Caulk/grout for joints
- Foam masonry insulation
- Flashing and parapet cap for water protection
Having the right DIY stone veneer tools will make installation much simpler. Invest in equipment for efficiency and quality results.
Install a Weep Screed
A weep screed creates a space at the bottom of the veneer for airflow and drainage. This prevents moisture damage.
To add a weep screed:
- Mount a metal or vinyl flashing along the base of the wall. The bottom edge should stick out 1/4-1/2 inch.
- Place mortar 3/4 inch thick on the wall above the flashing.
- Press the bottom edge of the first course of stone veneer into the mortar bed above the flashing.
- Maintain at least 1 inch of space between the veneer and flashing.
- The screed will channel water out the bottom of the stone wall safely.
Proper weep screed installation is critical for stone veneer walls. Don’t skip this essential step!
Mix and Apply Mortar
Mortar adheres the veneer stones to the surface. Mixing and using it correctly ensures strong bonds:
- Always mix mortar according to the manufacturer’s directions.
- Start with the minimum amount of water for desired consistency.
- Mix thoroughly until uniform in color and texture.
- Only mix what can be used in 1 hour before mortar stiffens.
- Apply 1/2-3/4 inch mortar layers to the back of each stone veneer piece using the trowel.
- Spread additional mortar 1/2 inch thick on the wall where the stone will be placed.
- Press stones firmly into position twisting slightly. Leave gaps for grout/caulk.
- Use shims and spacers to maintain uniform joints and surfaces.
- Check levels and alignment periodically to keep courses straight.
Take the time to properly mix and apply mortar when installing stone veneer. Don’t rush this step!
Install the Main Field Stone Pieces
The main field stones make up the majority of the stone veneer surface. Maintaining proper installation techniques avoids future problems:
- Begin stone installation at the lowest corner and work upward in courses.
- Arrange stones for the best fit, overlap, pattern, and appearance.
- Place larger stones first. Fill gaps with smaller filler pieces.
- Each stone should span across at least 2 studs for stability.
- Stones should overlap seams in the course below by at least 3 inches.
- Alternate thick and thin stones for an even texture and appearance.
- Keep stones level and plumb as you go using shims if needed.
Take your time laying the main field stone pieces for the neatest finished result. Don’t sacrifice quality for speed.
Cut and Shape Irregular Stones as Needed
Not all project areas will accommodate the exact stone sizes and shapes:
- Use a mechanical stone nibbler, circular saw, or masonry blades to cut stone veneer.
- Make minor shape adjustments by chipping edges with chisel and hammer.
- For safety, wear eye and hand protection when cutting, chipping, and shaping stone.
- Smooth cut edges with an abrasive carborundum stone to match the natural texture.
- Minimize stone cutting by sorting pieces and being creative with arrangement and fit.
- Use cut pieces in inconspicuous areas to maintain a natural appearance.
With some practice and patience, you can cut and shape stone veneer for a custom look. Take precautions when fabricating stone.
Fill Gaps and Joints Properly
Filling the joints between stones finishes the installation and adds structural stability:
- First pack mortar into the space behind each stone to create a solid bond.
- After the mortar sets 24 hours, sweep or rake out excess mortar from joints to a depth of 1/2 inch.
- Use caulk or pre-mixed grout to fill the remaining joint space. Match grout color to the mortar.
- Push grout firmly into joints to fill completely. Remove excess grout with a wet sponge.
- Seal grout once fully cured according to manufacturer directions. Reapply sealer annually.
- Larger joints may need mortar filling followed by a foam backer rod before caulking.
Fill all veneer stone joints completely to prevent water intrusion and damage. Take time to do it right.
Finish Details and Make Final Checks
Finishing touches complete the stone veneer installation:
- Seal any gaps around windows, doors, pipes, and lights with a durable silicone caulk.
- Terminate the top edge with metal flashing or a sloped mortar cap for water runoff.
- Seal corners and joints wider than 1/4 inch with caulk for added water resistance.
- Let mortar cure fully for 5-7 days before exposure to rain or freezing temps.
- Inspect all stone joints and flashing seals closely for small gaps to repair.
- Remove any mortar smears or drips immediately with a wire brush.
- Apply a masonry sealer if desired for easier cleaning and stain resistance.
Pay close attention to all trim, flashing, and caulking details for a clean finished look. Take time for any final repairs.
Frequently Asked Questions About Installing Stone Veneer
How difficult is it to install stone veneer?
Stone veneer installation takes time and physical effort but is doable for a dedicated DIYer. The process involves basic masonry techniques like mixing mortar, preparing surfaces, and arranging stones that anyone can learn with proper research and preparation. Having the right tools makes the work much easier.
What thickness of stone veneer should I use?
Stone veneer thickness can range from 3/4 to 1-1/2 inches. Thinner profiles weigh less making them easier to handle and install. Thicker stones provide a more rustic appearance. For most DIY installations, 3/4 to 1 inch thick veneer offers the best combination of manageability and aesthetics.
Can I install stone veneer over vinyl or wood siding?
Yes, stone veneer can be installed over many existing surfaces, including vinyl and wood siding. The key is correctly preparing the surface for bonding. For vinyl or wood, install metal lath as a base, scratching the surface and stapling the lath every 6 inches around. Then apply the mortar scratch coat over the lath and install the stone veneer as normal.
What kind of mortar is best for stone veneer?
Type S Masonry Mortar is recommended for optimal adhesion and strength when installing stone veneer. Pre-mixed Type S mortar is available but buying bulk dry mortar mix allows custom mixing to your ideal consistency. Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s mixing instructions.
Should I use mortar or caulk between stone veneer joints?
The best practice is filling joints partially with mortar for bonding to the back of the stones, then finishing the outer joint with caulk or grout. The mortar provides structural adhesion while the caulk or grout gives a cleaner finish. For wider joints, pack mortar first then insert a foam backer rod before applying flexible caulk.
How long does stone veneer installation take?
The time required depends on the total area being covered, stone sizes, preparation work, and skill level. On average, experienced pros can install around 50 square feet of stone veneer per day. For DIYers, allow at least 5 days for a typical 8×10 ft accent wall, more for full exteriors. Rushed jobs often turn out messier, so proper planning is key.
Conclusion
Installing a stone veneer exterior takes some upfront effort but delivers beautiful, long-lasting results. With planning, patience, the proper materials and tools, and adherence to sound installation techniques, even novices can achieve walls that look and perform impressively. Transforming your home’s flat siding into a textured, natural stone facade is very satisfying and adds character, durability, and value to any property.