How To Veneer a Wall With Stone

Stone veneer can transform an ordinary wall into a stunning focal point, adding texture, depth, and natural beauty to any space. This versatile material allows you to achieve the look of a solid stone wall without the hefty price tag or structural concerns. In this guide, we’ll explore the process of installing stone veneer, from preparation to finishing touches. In the video, This Old House host Kevin O’Connor discusses the intricacies of building a mortared stone veneer wall with a professional mason, offering valuable insights into material selection and installation techniques.

What Is Stone Veneer?

Stone veneer is a thin layer of natural or manufactured stone used to cover interior or exterior walls. It provides the appearance of full-thickness stone without the associated weight and cost.

There are three types of stone veneer:

• Manufactured stone veneer is crafted from concrete and aggregate materials to mimic natural stone.
• Natural stone veneer is made from real stone that’s cut into thin slices.
• Thin stone veneer is a lightweight option that’s typically less than 1 inch thick.

Benefits of Stone Veneer

Installing stone veneer offers several advantages:

• Appearance: Adds natural beauty and increases curb appeal.
• Cost-effective: Less expensive than full-thickness stone.
• Lightweight: Easier to install and doesn’t require additional structural support.
• Low maintenance: Requires minimal upkeep once installed.
• Versatile: You can use it on various surfaces, including concrete, brick, and wood frame construction, and it allows for waterproof membranes, flashing, and installation behind the stone veneer.

Tools and Materials for a Stone Veneer

To veneer a wall with stone, you’ll need a few items:

• Flat trowel
• Grout
• Grout bag
• Margin trowel
• Metal lath
• Notched trowel
• Sealer
• Stiff-bristle brush
• Stone
• Water-resistant barrier

How To Veneer a Wall With Stone

This step-by-step guide walks you through choosing the right stone for the job to finishing techniques.

1. Choose the Right Stone

When choosing stone veneer, consider color, texture, size, shape, and durability to complement your existing architecture, desired look, and climate requirements.

Achieving a natural, balanced appearance involves mixing various colors and textures. Blending different tones and finishes can dramatically impact the final result.

Pro Tip: Gary Brewer, Dream House project architect, advises: “You want to avoid long vertical or horizontal joint lines by using a mix of sizes and placing them so they don’t appear to be formally coursed like brick. And with Shingle Style and other traditional designs, the rougher the stone the better.”

2. Prepare the Wall

Before applying stone veneer, prepare the wall surface by doing the following:

1. Clean the surface thoroughly, removing any dirt, dust, or debris.
2. Repair any cracks or damage to the existing wall.
3. If it’s an exterior wall, apply a water-resistant barrier.
4. To provide a surface for the mortar to adhere to, install a metal lath over the barrier.

Scratch Coat Detail: After installing the metal lath, cover it with a scratch coat — a ½-inch layer of veneer mortar mixed to the consistency of creamy peanut butter. Spread it over the lath using a finishing trowel, first with a downward motion to fill the lath’s cups, then using a side-to-side or fanning motion to build up the surface. While the mortar is still pliable (about 20 minutes after application), comb it horizontally with a notched tiling trowel held at a slight angle to create grooves that give the mortared stones something to grab on to. Allow the scratch coat to cure overnight or longer before applying stone.

3. Apply Mortar

Once the wall is ready, do the following:

1. Mix the mortar according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
2. Apply a layer of mortar to the prepared wall surface using a trowel.
3. Create grooves in the mortar with a notched trowel to improve adhesion.

4 Set the Stones

For this step, you’ll want to have your selected stones nearby. 

1. Apply thin-set mortar to the back of each stone using a flat trowel.
2. Press the stone firmly against the wall, wiggling it slightly to create good contact.
3. Use a margin trowel to remove excess mortar from around the edges of the stone.
4. Continue setting stones, varying sizes and colors for a natural look.

5. Create Corners

For a professional finish, corners should be handled carefully. Here’s how to create corners:

1. Use pre-cut corner pieces or cut full stones at a 45-degree angle.
2. Alternate long and short sides of corner pieces for a natural, interlocking appearance.
3. Make sure corner pieces are level and plumb as you work.

6. Add Grout

Grouting can secure the stones and give the wall a more traditional appearance. Do the following:

1. Mix the grout to a consistency similar to peanut butter.
2. Apply the grout using a grout bag, filling joints between stones.
3. Allow the grout to set slightly, then use a jointing tool to smooth and shape it.

Choose Your Grout Style: According to This Old House Magazine, the grout style you choose sets the tone for the entire project. For a standard look, place stones roughly a finger’s width apart and pipe grout between them, then “rake” the joint to create a concave profile with consistent depth. For a more rustic effect, use an “overgrout” technique where grout is piped until it rises above the face of the stone, resulting in wider, less uniform joints. A dry-stack approach, where veneer pieces are layered like puzzle pieces, eliminates the need for grout altogether.

Timing Is Key: Let the grout cure until pressing it with a finger leaves a dent without breaking through the surface—typically about 60 minutes. Then use a striking tool to carve the grout to the desired shape and depth. You can use a store-bought striking tool, a chopstick, or the end of a 1×1 that’s been rounded with sandpaper, depending on the size of the joints. For a classic look, carve a grout profile that sits below the face of the stones; for a rustic effect, shape the grout to sit flush with the stones, then go over the grout lines with a whisk broom to create a natural-looking finish.

7. Finish and Seal

Allow the mortar to cure for at least 48 hours. Use a stiff-bristle brush to apply a clear sealant to protect the stone and enhance its natural colors.

1. Clean the stone surface with a stiff-bristle brush to remove any mortar residue.
2. Allow the installation to cure for at least 48 hours.
3. Apply a clear sealant to protect the stone and enhance its natural colors.

Maintenance and Care for Stone Veneer

Proper maintenance and cleaning will keep your stone veneer looking beautiful. Here are some tips:

• Avoid using harsh chemicals or pressure washers, which can damage the stone.
• Clean any white, powdery deposits (known as efflorescence) with a brush or efflorescence cleaner.
• Clean with a soft brush and mild soap solution as needed.
• Dust or vacuum the surface regularly.
• Inspect the veneer periodically for any loose stones or cracking mortar.
• Repair small issues promptly to prevent more significant problems.
• Reseal exterior stone veneer every few years to maintain protection.

Our Conclusion

Stone veneer offers a beautiful, cost-effective way to enhance your home’s interior or exterior walls. With proper preparation, careful installation, and regular maintenance, your stone veneer wall will provide lasting beauty and value to your home.