How to Install Stone Veneer Siding

Stone veneer offers homeowners the elegant look of natural stone without the hefty price tag. This versatile material can transform walls, columns, and fireplaces, adding a touch of sophistication to any home. Whether applied to masonry blocks, poured concrete walls, or plywood sheathing, stone veneer provides a durable and attractive finish. 

This guide covers the process of installing stone veneers, from gathering materials to finishing touches, to enhance curb appeal and property value.

Materials Needed for Stone Veneer Installation

Before diving into the installation process, gather all the required materials. Here’s a list of essential items needed for stone veneer installation:

• Square trowel
• Chisel
• Bucket
• Steel bristle brush or metal rake
• Straight-edge tool
• Whisk brush
• Grout bag
• Jointing tool
• Pneumatic staple gun
• Gloves
• Safety glasses
• Quikrete Veneer Stone Mortar, Quikrete Polymer Modified Veneer Stone Mortar, or Quikrete Natural Stone Veneer Mortar
• Veneer stone or natural stone
• Grade D waterproof building paper
• Galvanized, self-furring, expanded metal lath (at least 2.5 pounds)
• Galvanized nails or staples
• Mason’s hammer or wide-mouth nipper (optional)

Preparing for Stone Veneer Installation

Proper preparation is key to a successful stone veneer installation. This phase involves several important steps to prepare the project area for the veneer application.

Checking Local Building Codes

Before starting any work, check local building codes and understand wall assembly and moisture barrier requirements. This step keeps the project in compliance with regulations and meets safety standards, safeguarding your home and investment.

Selecting and Calculating Veneers

You should select veneers that complement your home’s style. To determine the quantity needed, multiply the width of the project area by the height, subtracting the square footage of places that won’t be covered, such as windows and doors. 

We recommend adding 5% to 10% to this estimate to account for cutting and trimming. Choosing the right veneer will influence the overall aesthetic and harmony of the design.

Prepping the Project Area

For exterior surfaces exposed to the elements, apply two layers of grade D waterproof building paper over the rigid wall sheathing. This step isn’t necessary for unpainted concrete or masonry surfaces. Proper preparation creates a solid foundation for the veneer installation, reducing the risk of moisture issues later.

Installing Waterproof Building Paper

For exterior walls, installing grade D waterproof building paper protects against moisture. This step creates a barrier between the veneers and wall sheathing, preventing potential water damage and maintaining the structural integrity of the building.

Overlap the paper’s vertical seams by 6 inches and horizontal seams by 4 inches in a shingle fashion. Extend the paper 16 inches around all corners for comprehensive coverage and moisture protection. This method keeps every inch of the wall shielded from elements, preserving the longevity of the stone veneer.

Attaching Metal Lath

After the building paper is in place, installing a galvanized expanded metal lath is next. This provides a strong base for the veneer mortar to adhere to, securing the structure and position of the stone veneer.

Cover the entire surface with metal lath, using galvanized nails or staples every 6 inches vertically and horizontally. Have the fasteners penetrate the studs by at least 1 inch. The lath should extend 16 inches around all corners for added stability.

Planning the Stone Veneer Layout

This creative phase allows you to design the look you desire. By carefully planning the arrangement, you can achieve a natural and appealing appearance that complements your home’s exterior or interior design. Place the veneers on the ground to experiment with patterns.

Mix stones of varying sizes, shapes, and colors for a diverse look. Placing large stones beside smaller ones and thick stones next to thinner ones creates a more natural appearance. 

Adjust the arrangement until you’re satisfied with the design.

Applying the Mortar Scratch Coat

The mortar scratch coat provides a textured surface for the veneer stones to adhere to. 

This step properly bonds the wall and the veneers, allowing for a seamless and strong attachment. 

Mix Quikrete’s Veneer Stone Mortar by hand or machine, depending on the project size.

Apply a half-inch coat to the wall’s foundation using a square trowel. Scratch the area horizontally with a steel bristle brush or metal rake. Work in 5-foot sections, allowing the mortar to set hard before moving to other areas. This application guarantees a consistent and durable base to support the stone veneer.

Attaching the Veneer Stones

With the scratch coat in place, it’s time to adhere the veneer stones to the wall.

Dampen each stone veneer’s back and apply half an inch of mortar. Press the stones firmly onto the wall, rocking them back and forth until the mortar squeezes out. Position the stones so their joints are no wider than half an inch. 

Allow the excess mortar to dry, then remove droppings with a dry whisk brush to prevent staining.

Filling Gaps with Mortar

Once the veneer stones are in place, grouting the gaps between them gives the project a clean, finished look.

Use a grout bag to carefully fill the joints with Quikrete Veneer Stone Mortar. Focus on grouting only the gaps, not the stones’ surfaces. For a decorative touch, add Quikrete Liquid Cement Color to the gray mortar before grouting to match or contrast with the stone color.

Getting the mortar flush with the stones creates a seamless transition that accentuates the design.

Tooling the Mortar Joints

The final step in the installation process involves tooling the mortar joints. Once the grouted joints are thumbprint hard, use a joining tool to remove excess mortar and smooth the joints. This step improves the appearance and compresses the mortar tightly into the joints, improving durability.

Tips for Successful Stone Veneer Installation

For a successful stone veneer project, keep these key tips in mind:

• Work in small sections for easier mortar application and stone adherence.
• Vary stone sizes, textures, and colors for a natural look.
• Ensure veneers have a rough backside to grip the mortar effectively.
• Keep mortar joints less than half an inch wide.
• Allow proper curing time between steps.
• Thoroughly brush and tool all mortar joints.

Maintaining Stone Veneers

Proper maintenance is key for the longevity and beauty of stone veneers. Do annual inspections for loose or damaged pieces, and reapply mortar to gaps between veneers and the wall. 

Use a stone cleaner/sealer product yearly for protection and avoid pressure washing, which can damage mortar joints. Re-point mortar joints as needed to prevent moisture issues.