How to Install Stone Veneer

Add a decorative accent to almost any wall in your home .

With the natural look of stone veneer , new engineered stone veneers are lighter and more budget friendly than traditional stone and they're easy to install .

Only requiring a few tools and special adhesive .

Follow the manufacturer's directions for your type of stone .

Start with prep , calculate how much stone you'll need by measuring your work area and subtracting areas that won't be covered .

Then add 10% for extra let the stones and adhesive acclimate in the room for 24 hours .

This is a good time to remove any bumps or knobs on the stones and to plan your layout , mix stones from different boxes and alternate sizes to break up vertical seams .

As for your work area , it must be flat , clean and smooth , lightly sand surfaces , painted with oil based paints .

Also check that the floor countertop or molding is level .

If not find the lowest spot , hold a stone in place , mark the top and extend this line along the work area .

This will be your guide for cutting the first row to fit , keeping things level .

Here's a tip for wood floors , use shims under the first row for future floor repairs or renovations .

Now mark the vertical layout on a long straight board .

This is called a jury stick , hold it against the wall and adjust the starting line as needed .

Start the install at the bottom corner with a putty knife , apply a thick layer of the adhesive to the back of the stone .

Sort of like icing a cupcake and press it onto the wall , do the same for the next piece , keeping the joints tight and finish .

Row one , make sure everything's level .

Then start the second row .

Remember to stagger the joints and keep them tight at the row ends .

Use a natural stone edge for a finished look to cut a stone mark it and cut face side up with a masonry blade or hacksaw , hide the cut edge toward the middle for corners , reverse the special corner pieces with each row .

Continue installing periodically checking for level and wiping off any adhesive that gets on the face of the stone before it dries and that's all there is to it .

Clean up is as easy as using warm water for interior adhesive .

An ordinary wall gets an extraordinary makeover with the natural beauty of stone veneer .

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