Installing rock vaneer

Where veneer continues around a corner, use rocks that extend 2 inches past the corner. Apply a 1-inch layer of mortar across the tops of the first row of rocks, using a brick trowel. Install the next row of rocks so that the lower edges coincide with the upper edges of the first row at the desired grout spacing.

Add accent to the veneer by creating larger spaces between rocks and installing smaller rocks. Remove residual mortar with the brick trowel and return it to the mixing tub.

Work from the scaffold to install the upper portion of the veneer. Select smaller rocks to fill spaces at the top of the wall. Mix mortar to use as grout. Add water until mixture is loose but not soupy. Scoop the grout into a grout bag. Insert the nozzle of the bag into spaces and voids between rocks and squeeze the bag to fill the voids. Allow the grout to cure for three hours, or until residual grout on the rocks flakes off.

Clean off the residual mortar with fresh water and a sponge. William Machin began work in construction at the age of 15, while still in high school. In 35 years, he's gained expertise in all phases of residential construction, retrofit and remodeling. His hobbies include horses, motorcycles, road racing and sport fishing. He studied architecture at Taft Junior College. By William Machin. Related Articles. Pull on the wire lath and nail any areas that are loose before installing the mortar bed.

Use lath staples and an air-stapler instead of nails when installing lath on wood siding. Be sure to keep the edges of the stone free of any oozing mortar so it does not harden and become an obstacle when it comes time to grouting.

It can be nerve-wracking when it comes to jobs that require a bit more tidiness such as installing stone veneer fireplace surround. Simply let it dry and as it hardens, flick it away with your trowel. Trying to clean up your mess beforehand is apt to create a smeared mess more difficult to clean up. By Jeff. In Blog.

HOW TO DO IT Despite what may seem like high maintenance, stone veneer actually poses an easy way to create the look you are going for when it comes to creating an authentic look. Who We Serve. Design Professionals Home Owners Contractors.

Resources Subscribe. Contact Us. The Scoop on Stamped Concrete vs. Determine the layout of the stones. It's helpful to do a dry run and think about the layout of the stones as they will appear on the wall.

Spending a little extra time configuring their placement now will save you the headache of excessive trimming later. If it's helpful, do the dry run on the ground instead of trying to hold the stones up against the wall.

The basic arrangement of the stones should transfer. Use a chipping hammer, trowel edge, or other blunt tool, to trim the stones to shape. The stones themselves should be fairly easy to shape.

You will be able to hide the trimmed edges later, using grout, so don't worry if the edges aren't perfectly rounded. Wash the stones until they are completely free of any dirt, sand or other loose particles.

The grout adheres much better to completely clean surfaces. Dry the stones to assure that the surfaces of the stones are damp. If necessary, use a masonry brush to lightly moisten the stone, but do not saturate it. This will prevent the stones from drawing moisture away from the mortar, which will allow it to set up with a naturally stronger bond. Backbutter the mortar onto the stone pieces one by one. If you happen to get any mortar on the face of the stone, wipe it away with a damp towel before it dries.

Start installing the stones, beginning in the bottom corners. Turn any trimmed edges either directly up or down, away from the focal point. Press the stones into the mortar, twisting them slightly to squeeze out some of the excess and strengthen the bond. Use a trowel, joint tool, or brush to remove any excess mortar that has been forced beyond the finished joint, or onto the surface of the stone itself.

You probably want your joints to be between 1 and 3 inches 2. Continue backbuttering and laying stone until the entire wall is finished. Take period breaks; step back and prospect your work every so often. If you are installing veneer across more than one face of a wall, consider getting cornerstone pieces.

Most stone veneer manufacturers make them, and they add an easy naturalness to the project. Part 3. When finished placing all the stones, fill the joints with a grout bag. Best results come from using a grout bag. During this step, conceal any trimmed edges. Use a striking tool to get the joints to the desired depth as the mortar stiffens.

Clean away any excess particles with plain water and a whisk broom. Be sure to remove any stray mortar from the face of the stone within 30 minutes — mortar will be impossible to remove after 24 hours.

Use a paint brush to clean up the mortared joints before the mortar sets completely. Apply a sealer, following the manufacturer's instructions. Sealed stone will be easier to clean and maintain, and some sealers will repel stains. Reapply the sealer periodically to maximize the advantages. I would just get a bag of quick mix cement and "throw" it or toss it at the back drop and smooth it out or get some flat stone cut and stick them to the concrete that stuck to the backdrop.

Screwing a metal sheet to the backdrop helps keep the concrete stuck to the wall. If it won't stick, just use chicken wire or something, it doesn't matter really as long as you covered it up well with concrete and you can stick rocks into it and things too if you want. Highlight it with a nice mantel piece or a mirror and plants. Not Helpful 1 Helpful 1. Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. By using this service, some information may be shared with YouTube.

Be aware when applying masonry sealers -- some sealers can change the color of the natural stones or create a glossy look -- try a test patch first. Helpful 9 Not Helpful 3.