Your kitchen is undoubtedly a place where you spend a lot of your time and make memories with your family and friends. Painting your kitchen is an easy way to spruce it up, give your home a new feel, and it can improve your resale value.

Painting your kitchen can be a task that is endearing to some, but dreadful to others. Follow the tips below to make painting your kitchen as smooth a process as possible:

Image via: Birch and Bird

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Supplies:

Gather all of the necessary supplies – paint trays, paint brushes, paints rollers, a paint stirrer, tarps, painter’s tape, and any other supplies you feel your kitchen may need. Heavier paint trays are easier to use. The preparation process is the hardest part.

Remove Furniture/Appliances:

Take everything out of your kitchen before you begin painting, including your stove, refrigerator, and any appliances. You will drip paint at some point, and you don’t want to get it all over any of your home appliances. If you haven’t moved in to your new place yet and are painting before a move, you’re one step ahead of the game.

Use Painter’s Tape:

This is a really long process, but really important as it ensures the easiest and cleanest home paint job. Around every corner of the kitchen that you want to paint you must put blue painter’s tape (i.e., along the corners of your cabinets, stove, countertops, windowsills, etc.). The tape is your removable frame. It lays down the parameters of where you will be painting and creates an even line so that as you inevitably go past the surface you plan to paint, you will be painting over the tape and not the surrounding wall.

Use Tarp:

Lay tarp down, and lots of it. Plastic tarp is inexpensive, so buy lots of it and use it generously. Cover all of the floors and any appliances that may not be moveable when painting.

Image via: Pinterest

Sand:

Your walls needs to be clean, dry, and free of imperfections. Go over rough areas with a piece of sandpaper and remove dust and debris with a damp cloth. Inspect the walls for any holes or cracks that may need to be filled with spackle. Let surfaces completely dry before you paint.

Always Apply a Second Coat:

You will finish the first coat of paint and realize it still doesn’t look great. Don’t fret. The second coat is vital in making your kitchen look fabulous. Wait for the first coat to dry, and then reapply.

Sometimes all a room needs is a fresh coat of paint to make it look and feel as good as new! Have fun painting, and rest assured you have all of the preparations done correctly. For more information, contact an Arlington Heights painter today.

For more kitchen & bath ideas on Stagetecture, click here.

As winter is coming towards an end, more and more homeowners are starting to pay attention to their gardens.  Get a head start this year by tackling your landscaping and tree trimming goals today!  Planting flowers, shrubs, and plants may seem like an easy task.  After all, how hard can it be to take a plant out of the pot and find an open area to plant it in?  For landscaping beginners, much of landscaping is the preparation and the planning.  Without a good plan, it is hard to achieve the garden of your dreams.  Here’s some quick pointers for you beginners:

Image via: Houzz

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1. Start with an Image Board:

To give you a better idea of how you would like your final product to look like, gather some inspiration from the internet or from gardening magazines.  Take note of flowers or plants that you see on your daily morning drive.  Envision how these flowers and plants will look like in your yard.

2. Create a Mapped Plan:

Once you have a general gist of how you would like your garden to look, you are ready to move onto actually planning.  Things to ask yourself and consider: how big is your yard, how much money are you willing to spend, do you want your garden to be plant heavy or garden heavy.  You may not know what kind of plants you plan on getting, but you should have a general idea of what type of plants go where.

Image via: Sunset

3. Pick out Your Plants:

Now comes the best part of gardening: picking out the plants!  A few tips and pointers to keep in mind: color, growth cycle, how well the plants work together, and basic care instructions.  For landscaping, you want to pick out plants that work with each other.  There should be some uniformity when picking out plants.  After all it would be silly to plant a cactus in the middle of a bed of daisies.

4. Layer Plants:

Layering plants is an important, yet often overlooked technique in landscaping.  The general idea of layering is to have shorter plants in the front and taller plants in the back.  Just like taking group photos, you want the shortest people in the front and the tallest in the back, so you can clearly see everyone.  This should be taken into consideration when you are purchasing your plants.  It is always good to have a variety of plants.

Image via: Providence Ltd Design

5. Maintain it Year Round:

One of the biggest misconceptions when it comes to creating your own garden and landscaping is letting your plants roam free after a landscape project.  Your garden will not tend itself and your plants probably won’t grow the way you want them to grow.  Just because you are done with landscaping, doesn’t mean you are done tending and maintaining your plants.  Having a great yard and garden takes constant work, but it’s well worth it!

Emilie is a writer living in Cincinnati.  In her free time she enjoys blogging about nature.  She maintains a blog with topics related to Cincinnati tree removal.  Hopefully you found this article helpful and get started on your landscaping plans today!

For more outdoor ideas on Stagetecture, click here.

The end of February is around the time when most of us start getting Spring Fever. We are officially done with the cold winter temperatures, and staying cooped up in the house! This time of the year is the perfect time to consider what to do with your patio before the warm weather hits. Getting rid of the winter slush and adding color to your patio is a great place to start! Here are tips to prepare your outdoor patio for spring’s arrival.

Image via: Crowders

Clean and refresh:  

Before you already plan where to set your lemonade and garden furniture, get rid of the winter dirt and grime. Remove all your furniture and pressure wash your deck or concrete patio to remove debris from the winter. Your patio may only need a good sweeping to remove fallen branches and leaves, but make sure your patio is clean and ready for spring additions. This is an excellent time to make repairs. Whether you have a loose decking floorboard, or you have nails that are starting to lift, inspect your patio for signs of wear and repair before the spring weather settles in.

Add color and comfort:  

Even if you can’t put out the furniture cushions yet, pull them out of storage and give them a good cleaning. If they are sun damaged, or you want a new color and look to your furniture, check your garden stores now. Many garden centers offer lower costs on patio furniture and decor when out of season! This can be a great advantage for you and your patio. If you live in a climate where the weather is starting to warm up, consider what type of flowering plants you can use in planters to add instant color to your patio. Lastly, consider re-staining your wood deck, and adding colorful all-weather area rugs to soften up the hardscape of your outdoor patio area.

Image via: Apartment Therapy

Spring is around the corner and you’re just in time to prepare it for the leisurely months ahead for you and your family. From cleaning out debris that winter has left behind, to adding color with textiles and plants, your patio will be welcoming in spring before you know it. Once you get the patio ready, you may be ready to tackle spring maintenance of your exterior home!

For more outdoor patio ideas on Stagetecture, click here.

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.

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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.

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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.

If you are planning a move in the winter time and either your current location or your destination location is in an area that experiences frigid temperatures and winter precipitation, you’ll want to be sure to take some extra precautions and planning steps in order to make the transition as smooth as possible.

Remember, that while relocating in winter can be a miserable experience, you can ease the burden quite a bit by being prepared with the tips below.. and don’t forget that there are some “up-sides” to moving in the winter such as reduced moving expenses and easier availability of resources to support your move!

Image via: Sundayinbed

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Safety First.

Be sure to make things easier for your moving companies or removal companies by clearing and de-icing your walkways and driveways at both your current and/or destination location. Also be sure to cover your floors and carpets with cardboard in order to avoid the tracking of salt or ice which can cause damage.

Don’t Pack your Snuggy Just Yet.

No matter where you are moving from or moving to, assume that there will be cold weather and plan for it. Don’t pack up the items that you may need to support staying warm during the move such as your winter coat and wooly socks! Even if you’re moving to a warmer climate, delays or snafus during the moving process may mean that you need these items at-the-ready.

Image via: Photojojo

Check the Weather Regularly.

Keep informed of up-to-date weather conditions at both locations so that you can make the most of your moving plan. If the weather changes drastically, you may need to shift your plan to accommodate.

Get your Vehicle Ready.

Ensure that your travel vehicle (unless you’re taking a plane and either shipping your belongings or hiring a moving company), has been adequately serviced for the cold weather before starting your journey. Also be sure to include an emergency kit in your vehicle (flares, food, bottled water, a first-aid kit and flashlight). A shovel along with ice removal tools and a bag of sand or salt for “sticky situations” may also be necessary and have a road-side assistance number available that can service you in whatever part of the country that your travels may be taking you.

Don’t Forget about Comfort.

Ensure that your current and destination location both have the appropriate heating sources engaged to keep both places comfortable for you and your moving vendors during the moving process.

Image via: Stylefiles

Consider Items that will Need Extra Attention.

If you have items being moved that may be sensitive to the cold, make sure those items are wrapped or properly kept at room temperature during the move, such as any liquids that may freeze, electronics that may be inoperable after being exposed to the cold or plants that will not hold-up in colder temperatures.

Stay Positive.

Lastly, don’t let the cold weather dampen your spirit! A relocation can be a great and exciting experience no matter the temperature. With a well-organized plan, you can accomplish as smooth a transition as you would in the Spring or Summer months!

Jade Evans loves winter, but she knows that it is difficult on some people – especially those that have to deal with removal companies! If you ever want to sit down with a cup of hot chocolate and enjoy the snowfall, though, get in touch.

For more moving tips on Stagetecture, click here.

We are officially into the home stretch for Thanksgiving, and every year  cook my food days ahead of time to save time, energy, and food tastes so much better once it has been “marinating” all together!

Here’s one from the archives…

Original Entry #331, November 14, 2010

Aren’t we all looking for ways to make Thanksgiving less stressful? How about making parts of your meal ahead of time? In my house I make the collard greens, sweet potato casserole, and corn pudding weeks in advance. Today I found these great recipes from Martha Stewart for “Make-Ahead Meals”… get started now!

Simple Stuffing:

Serves 8

• 2 loaves Italian bread (about 10 ounces each), torn into bite-size pieces
• 4 tablespoons butter, room temperature, plus more for baking dish
• 4 celery stalks, thinly sliced
• 4 shallots, minced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• Coarse salt and ground pepper
• 1/2 cup dry white wine
• 1/2 cup parsley leaves, chopped
• 3 large eggs, lightly beaten
• 2 cans (14 1/2 ounces each) reduced-sodium chicken broth

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Arrange bread in a single layer on two rimmed baking sheets. Bake until crisp but not browned, about 10 minutes, rotating sheets halfway through.
2. In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add celery, shallots, and garlic; season with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until vegetables are softened, 5 to 7 minutes. Add wine, and cook until evaporated, 3 to 5 minutes. Transfer to a large bowl.
3. To vegetables in bowl, add bread, parsley, and eggs. Season with 1 1/2 teaspoons salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper; stir to combine. Mix in half of broth. Continue to add in more broth just until stuffing is moistened but not wet (there should not be any liquid in the bottom of the bowl).
4. Just before roasting turkey, stuff it with 4 cups stuffing. Spoon remaining stuffing into a buttered 8-inch square baking dish. Cover with buttered aluminum foil, and refrigerate. When turkey is removed from oven to rest, place covered baking dish in oven, and bake until warmed through, 25 to 30 minutes. Uncover and bake until golden, about 15 minutes more.

Sweet Potato & Sage Butter Casserole

Serves 6 to 8

• 2 pounds sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 pound Yukon gold potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch pieces
• 4 ounces (1 stick) unsalted butter, plus 1 ounce (2 tablespoons), melted
• 2 1/2 tablespoons chopped fresh sage
• 1 1/2 cups whole milk, warmed
• Coarse salt and freshly ground pepper
• 1 cup fresh breadcrumbs (from 3 slices white bread, crusts removed)

1. Place sweet potatoes and potatoes in a large saucepan; cover with water, and season with salt. Bring to a boil; reduce heat, and simmer until potatoes are tender, about 9 minutes. Drain; pass through a ricer into a bowl.
2. Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Melt 1 stick butter in a small saucepan over medium heat, swirling occasionally, until golden brown, 5 to 7 minutes. Remove from heat; add 2 tablespoons sage. Stir butter mixture and milk into potatoes. Season with salt and pepper. Transfer to a 2-quart casserole dish. (Mixture can be refrigerated for up to 2 days.)
3. Combine breadcrumbs with 2 tablespoons melted butter and remaining 1/2 tablespoon sage. Season with salt and pepper. Toss to combine.
4. Top potato mixture with breadcrumbs. Bake, uncovered, until bubbling around edges and breadcrumbs are golden brown, 30 to 40 minutes. (If browning too quickly, tent with foil.) Let stand, uncovered, for 10 minutes.

Easy Pie Crust

 

Pie crust is always needed throughout the holidays

Makes 2

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 2 sticks chilled unsalted butter
• 1/4 to 1/2 cup ice water

1. To make dough, mix flour, salt, and sugar in a medium-size bowl. Cut butter into pieces. With a pastry blender, cut in butter, working until mixture resembles coarse meal.
2. Add ice water; work with hands until dough comes together. If dough is still crumbly, add more ice water a tablespoon at a time (up to 4 more tablespoons). Do not overwork.
3. Divide dough in half, and flatten halves into disks. Wrap disks separately in plastic; refrigerate at least 1 hour.
4. To form pie-shell, on a floured surface, roll dough into a 14-inch round. Wrap around rolling pin; carefully unroll over a 9-inch pie plate.
5. Fit gently into bottom and side of plate. Use kitchen shears to trim dough to a 1-inch overhang; fold under, and seal to form a rim.
6. Crimp rim with fingertips and knuckle. Repeat with remaining dough; wrap each with plastic, stack, and freeze.

Try these make these make ahead holiday dishes to save you time… and energy!

For more Thanksgiving ideas on Stagetecture, click here.

 

Whether you are just learning you have to move, or you’re helping a friend or loved one move suddenly, there are ways to prepare yourself, without being traumatized by moving homes. While the list of ‘to-do’ items may seem daunting, today my Guest Blogger gives tips for preparing when you weren’t planning to move.

Image courtesy of Fun 140

___________________

Unplanned moving situations can occur in life due to a variety of situations like divorce, loss of job, sudden death or foreclosure. These unexpected events build a mental pressure on the householders as they have to work on a very short notice to take care of packing, calling utilities and looking for the best Removals in Sydney.

While relocating to another place you need to do a lot of things, for instance, notifying people, preparing documents, and packing. All these things are really time taking. Ideally one should start preparing for the move at least three months prior to the moving date.

But some things happen so suddenly, even if you hate them but you have to bear its repercussions. There is an old saying- Haste makes waste. But following points are surely going to benefit you in conducting a sudden move in a safe way.

Do not panic

Do a breathing exercise to shun any kind of panic. If you are mentally relaxed you would do things rightly and in in lesser time. Eleventh hour move is it is nerve-racking indeed but a little calm is required to take a bird-view of the moving procedure and then working accordingly.

Look for professional movers

Call a friend or anybody known to you who has had a relocation experience recently. He is the best person to tell you about the industry rates. Do not contact a lot of moving companies to get moving quotes, as it is a time taking process. IF your friend had a good experience with the removalists that he hired, you can give the moving contract to them. You will be able to save a lot of time and money by hiring movers for conducting your sudden move.

Ask movers to be on time

Since you have a shortage of time, you must convey it to the moving company that they should be on time. Usually moving company takes weeks to set your moving estimate. But if you are running short of time, ask them to provide a written quote for packing and moving services that they would be providing.

Take care of children and pets

Make your children feel comfortable during this period. Ignoring them would lead to other problems. They should not feel alone and rejected in the hustle and bustle of the relocation process. Similarly, if you have a pet animal or bird, do not forget to feed him. If your kids are school going, you must answers all their questions in a positive manner.

Talk to your neighbors

If there is no time to give a farewell party, do find time to talk to them. Make sure that you inform them about your new address. If you are living in a rented home, you would have to take care of end of tenancy cleaning services as well. But if it is your own home, you would need to sell or off in the near future. Your neighbors may help you in finding a suitable buyer or tenant for your home in your absence.

By taking care of above mentioned things, your unplanned move may become a little hassle-free.

Author has been associated with removalist in Sydney and packing services Sydney from a long time. Presently with his vast experience, He is helping people in choosing the best service provider for them for their safe and hassle free move.

For more moving tips on Stagetecture, click here.

With summer in full swing, it’s no wonder congregating around the pool and entertaining family and friends is exciting around this time of year. Today, my Guest Blogger gives tips for hosting the perfect pool party this season.

_________________

As the warm weather approaches the pool parties will be beginning. Looking to throw a great pool party? There are a few things to take into account. Being a host to a pool party is work but it is not as hard as many imagine.

Be sure to remind guests to bring their swimsuits as well as towels.

Having your guests bring their own towels will give you a break in not having to worry about if you have enough towels and the problem of washing them after the party. Also, for those parties that will begin earlier in the day sunscreen is a must. No one wants to leave a pool party suffering from sunburn.

Preplan your menu and keep the food light.

Partygoers will be swimming so the menu doesn’t need to be big. Salads, veggies and dip as well as fruits are great choices. This keeps things easy and there is no worry about a huge menu to prepare and serve. For others that want to serve more food a barbecue is a good option

When throwing a pool party and planning to serve alcoholic beverages be sure no one goes overboard. Although having alcohol is acceptable the last thing you need is a fight or someone getting hurt near or in the pool.

Music is always a must for a pool party.

If you have a portable stereo it can be set up near where all of the guests will be sitting. Playing the music at a level where others can still talk and hear makes for a great time. If you ask what kind of music the partygoers like many will have music compact disks right in their vehicles. Be sure not to put the stereo too close to where the splashing water from the pool may wet it. Believe it or not this has happened at more than a few pool parties.

Utensils

Make sure you have a good supply of plates, cups, napkins and plastic eating utensils. Although most already know this, there are times when you run out. Having to use your own dishes makes for work after the party. Many discount dollar stores will have all of this plus plastic bowls to hold the chips and salads. At the end of the party the cleanup is very easy and takes no time at all.

Have extra tables handy.

By setting up one with food and the other with the beverages things will remain more organized. By having spare table you will have the room to put anything extra the guests may bring. And if the drinks happened to get spilled you can always move everything over quickly.

Have candles and lanterns ready for when it begins to get dark.

There are lanterns that can be hung from the trees and plugged in are a good investment if you will be having more parties over the summer. If having children at the party be vigilant about where lit candles are placed.

Having games ready to play makes for a super pool party.

“Sharks and Minnows” is a long time favorite pool game. Adults as well as children love this game. Small inexpensive prizes can even be purchased and handed out as gifts.

Pool parties allow friends, family and neighbors to get together for some food, drinks and a great time. Making sure everyone remains safe and happy will bring smiles to all.

What about hosting a party with long-lost classmates? Or friends in general? First, you need to do some people search for free to help you get started. I’m currently writing about that topic.

For outdoor pool shower ideas on Stagetecture, click here., click here!

One of the most affordable DIY (do it yourself) projects is painting. Whether you are painting walls, or furniture, painting is a relatively easy project to learn, as well as less time consuming than many other DIY projects that homeowners take on.

Today, our Guest Blogger, shows you how to prepare for a DIY painting project, to help save you money, time, and frustration!

_____________________

There are two things you need to consider before picking up your paintbrush to begin a new home painting project. The first is determining how much paint you will need to complete the project, and the second is deciding whether a primer is needed to get the correct coverage on your walls.

The easiest part is deciding how much paint you will need, while figuring out the primer situation is a little more involved. We will guide you through the steps so that you can get started quickly!

To begin calculating the quantity of paint needed, you will first need to measure all of the surfaces to be painted (height and width). Once you have the measurements written down, go to the paint calculator and enter in your wall measurements, the number of doors in the room, the number of windows in the room and the ceiling height. Then click on “compute” and you will see in the “output” section of the calculator the “wall gallons” amount. Now, armed with the amount of paint that you will need, you can next decide if you will need a primer applied to your walls before actually painting them with a color.

To find out if you need a primer, look at the condition of your walls. If they are new, unpainted drywall, you will always need to apply a coat of primer first – otherwise the paint won’t stick and/or look blotchy.

If you see a coat or two of previously applied paint on the walls, consider the new paint color that you are choosing to paint over the current color. If your new paint color is dramatically lighter or darker than the current paint color, then you will want a primer to cover up the existing paint first.

The primer application will actually save you money because it will allow you to use much less of your new colored paint (primer is usually cheaper than paint). The paint will also go on much smoother and the finish will look much more even when completed. You will need to purchase the same amount of primer gallons as your colored paint quantity.

The only thing left to determine before you go to buy paint and/or primer is to decide on the color of primer to purchase. This will also depend on your new paint color. As a rule of thumb, if your new paint is a light color, then purchase a regular white primer. If the new paint color is dark and saturated, have the primer tinted to blend with your new paint color (this won’t cost you anything, all you have to do is ask).

And if you need help choosing interior paint colors see this list of best paint colors for your home.

Watch Stagetecture’s You Tube Channel for more DIY ideas

Stone veneer is very popular in interior homes. From fireplaces and feature accent walls to backsplashes in the kitchen and bathroom. 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.

[ad#co-2]

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.

Need Stone Veneer Supplies?

Try getting your Stone Veneer Products and Supplies here, from Contractors Direct. They offer all of the products to help with a successful project!

Hammer
Tape measure
Angle grinder
Stapler
Notched trowel
Safety glasses
London trowel – shop for a variety of trowels
Steel trowel
Tin snips
Grout Bag
Gloves

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.

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