• Overview

  • In this video, This Old House host Kevin O'Connor discusses building a mortared stone-veneer wall with a pro.

    Steps:
    1. Use a trowel to apply thin-set mortar to the rear of the stone-veneer pieces.
    2. Press the stone pieces to the concrete-block wall, then use a margin trowel to scrape away any excess mortar.
    3. At the wall corners, install pre-cut 3x3-inch stone corner pieces.
    4. After the mortar is fully cured, use a stiff-bristle brush to apply clear sealant to the stone.
    • Difficulty: Moderate to hard
      Requires mid-level stone-mason skills
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    Video Directory

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      Tools List

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      • flat finishing trowel
        Flat trowel, for spreading thin-set mortar onto stone
      • margin trowel
        Margin trowel or other narrow trowel, used to scrape off excess mortar
      • mason's brush
        Stiff-bristle brush, for applying stone sealer

      Shopping List

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      Stone veneer, used to create the look of a dry-stacked, solid-rock wall

      Right-angle stone corners, for mimicking the look of thick stones

      Thin-set mortar, used to adhere stone veneer to concrete-block wall

      Clear stone sealer, for protection and to highlight the stone's color