How to Clad Concrete Steps in Stone

For the mortar to grab, you must either scarify the concrete with a grinder or add a scratch coat, like we did. First, lay lath over the landing and steps, and use tin snips to trim sections for the sides that overlap the steps by 2 inches. Before cutting it, make sure the lath is oriented correctly: with the cheese-grater-like "cups" facing up so that the scales feel rough as you run your hand away from the door and down the side. Use a powder-actuated nailer and a hammer to nail down the lath every 6 to 8 inches.