Entry #871, December 31, 2011

Best of 2011 – #1

How to Install Interior Stone Veneer (Video)

We made it to #1 of Stagetecture’s Best of 2011! These last 5 days I have showed you the top 5 posts of 2011 that were chosen by you, my readers. Today, we are at #1, and it is a DIY Saturday on how to install stone veneer in their home. While we all love the look of beautiful stone in our homes, veneer is a great option that is more affordable, and we can install it ourselves! Congratulations to all you DIY’ers, once again proving that homeowners love their DIY projects.

Happy DIY Saturday! Today celebrates our 40th DIY Saturday, and we have covered so many projects. I hope you have taken advantage of them, or at least they’ve given you ideas for what projects you will be starting soon.

As we continue through ‘home renewal’ month, I thought about the need to bring your outdoors inside your home, as well as bring your indoors outside. This creates a union between your inside and outside that feels and looks great. Today, we’re going to see how to install interior stone veneer to a wall. Stone Veneer Wall Ideas or How to Install Faux Stone Panels are perfect for homes that want a rustic or more textured look to their interiors.

How to Install Interior Stone Veneer (Video)

How to Install Faux Stone Panels

This stone veneer option is gorgeous in a contemporary home. Another option is White Natural Stacked Stone veneer wall that can add beauty and value to your home.

Prepping the Wall Surface for Applying Veneer Stone

Locate the wall studs using a stud finder and mark with an “X” on the ceiling. Beginning at the bottom of the wall, staple builder’s felt horizontally, overlapping the felt 2 inches. Use continuous sections of felt across the wall with no vertical seams. Vertical seams can allow water from the mortar to damage the underlying surfaces. Nail metal lath over the felt, with the “cups” of the lath toward you and facing upward toward the ceiling. Secure with roofing nails to the wall studs. Lath will feel rough to the touch, when running your hand downward. The “cups” in the lath are designed to hold the mortar in place and not allow it to slip downward on the wall.

Applying Mortar Scratch Coat for a Stacked Stone Wall

Mix veneer mortar to the consistency of creamy peanut butter and apply to the metal lath with a finishing trowel. Use a downward motion initially to fill the “cups” in the lath with mortar. Continue adding mortar until a thickness of ½ inch spreads evenly over the lath. Use a notched tiling trowel to comb across the mortar while still pliable to create grooves for better adherence of the mortar applied to the stone veneer. The scratch coat of mortar will dry overnight.

Designing the Layout of the Stones

On a flat area, use painter’s tape to outline an area the size and dimensions of the wall being covered with the stone veneer. Lay the stone in this area until you create an attractive arrangement. Leave an area between the stones the width of a finger and stagger the shapes and sizes of the stone. If your prefer the stone already in place, consider Stone Veneer Wall Panels that could save you time.

Installing the Stone Veneer

Mix the mortar to a pudding consistency. Spray the back of each stone and the wall with water. Begin at the bottom of the wall. Apply mortar around the edges of the backside of the stone, leaving an opening in the center. Press the mortared stone against the wall, wiggling it back and forth slightly. Mortar will ooze out on all sides. Do not get mortar on the face of the stone; it will stain. Leave a space the width of a finger between the stones. Use an angle grinder with a diamond wheel to make any necessary cuts to the stones. Continue until all stones are in place.Use a striking tool and a whisk broom to remove excess mortar from between the stones to allow room for the application of grout. Allow the stone veneer wall to dry overnight.

Grouting the Stone Veneer Wall

Fill a grout bag with mortar mixed to a pudding consistency. Squeeze the mortar out the tip of the grout bag into the opening between the stones, beginning with the vertical joints and then the horizontal. Allow the grout to protrude slightly above the stones. Allow the grout to cure one hour and use a striking tool to dress the grout.To give a classic look to the grout, use the striking tool to remove some of the grout, slightly recessing the grout below the level of the stone. For a rustic look, dress the grout level to the face of the stone. Brush the grout joints with a whisk broom to create a natural finish. The wall will cure in 48 hours.

For more Faux Stone Panels ideas look here.

For more DIY ideas on Stagetecture, & Stagetecture’s YouTube Channel, click here.