Superior Stone’s manufactured stone veneer is lightweight and designed for straightforward installation over most structurally sound surfaces. Whether you are an experienced DIYer tackling an interior accent wall or a contractor wrapping a home exterior, following proper installation techniques ensures a beautiful, lasting finish backed by our 50-year warranty.
If you have questions during your project, feel free to call us at (425) 268-6978. We’re happy to guide you through your DIY project.
1. Surface Preparation
The preparation required depends on the surface you are applying the stone to. Proper surface prep is the most critical step for a successful installation.
Over Clean Concrete, Masonry, or Stucco
If the surface is unpainted, untreated, and clean, no special preparation is required. You can apply the mortar and stone directly to the surface. If the surface is painted or sealed, it must be sandblasted or power-washed back to the raw material, or you must attach metal lath before applying mortar.
Over Wood Framing, Plywood, OSB, or Drywall
- Weather Barrier: For exterior applications, install two layers of a weather-resistant barrier (WRB), such as asphalt-saturated felt or building paper, starting from the bottom and overlapping horizontally by at least 2 inches.
- Metal Lath: Install a galvanized expanded metal lath (minimum 2.5 lbs/sq yd) over the WRB. Overlap the lath at least 1 inch at the seams and wrap it around corners. Secure it tightly to the wall studs using galvanized roofing nails or staples every 6 inches vertically.
- Scratch Coat: Apply a 1/2-inch to 3/4-inch thick layer of Type N or Type S mortar over the entire lath, ensuring the lath is completely embedded. Before it dries, use a scarifier or a piece of lath to scratch horizontal grooves into the mortar. Allow the scratch coat to cure for at least 24 to 48 hours before applying stone.
2. Planning Your Layout
Before mixing mortar for the stones, it is highly recommended to lay out your stones on the ground.
- Open multiple boxes at once and mix the stones. This ensures an even distribution of sizes, shapes, and colors across the wall.
- Plan your layout to avoid long, unbroken horizontal or vertical joints.
- Keep a masonry saw, angle grinder, or tile nippers handy to cut stones to fit edges and gaps. Always wear safety glasses and a dust mask when cutting stone.
3. Applying the Stone
- Start with the Corners: If your project includes outside corners, install the corner pieces first. Alternate the long and short returns of the corner pieces as you work your way up the wall to create a natural interlocking look.
- Work Top to Bottom (Optional but Recommended): Installing from the top down prevents wet mortar from dripping onto stones you have already placed below.
- Back-Butter the Stone: Dampen the back of the stone slightly with a sponge or spray bottle (especially in hot or dry weather) to prevent it from pulling moisture out of the mortar too quickly. Apply a 1/2-inch even layer of mortar to the entire back of the stone.
- Press and Wiggle: Press the stone firmly against the scratch coat wall, wiggling it slightly side-to-side until mortar squeezes out around the edges. This ensures a solid bond and eliminates air pockets behind the stone.
4. Grouting the Joints
(Note: If you are installing a dry-stack profile like our NW Stacked Stone or Quick-Fit, you will install the stones tightly against each other and skip this step.)
- Fill the Joints: Once the stones are set and the mortar behind them has stiffened, use a grout bag to fill the joints between the stones with mortar. Be careful not to smear mortar onto the face of the stone. If mortar does get on the stone, let it dry until it is crumbly, then brush it off with a dry whisk broom. Never use a wet sponge or wire brush to clean wet mortar off the stone face, as this will stain the stone.
- Tool the Joints: Once the grout has become “thumbprint hard” (firm but still pliable), use a striking tool or a piece of wood to press the grout into the joints, smoothing and sealing the edges around the stones.
- Clean Up: Sweep the finished joints with a soft bristle brush to remove loose mortar and smooth the final appearance.
5. Sealing (Optional)
Superior Stone products do not require sealing. However, if your stone is installed in an area prone to staining (such as a kitchen backsplash, outdoor kitchen, or near a water feature), you may choose to apply a breathable, non-film-forming silane/siloxane masonry sealer. Always test the sealer on a spare piece of stone first, as it may slightly alter the color or sheen.
Disclaimer: This guide provides general best practices. Always adhere to local building codes and consult with a structural engineer or professional mason if you have concerns about your specific application.
Prefer to Leave It to the Pros?
Superior Stone offers professional installation services throughout the Puget Sound area. Our team knows our products inside and out, ensuring a flawless finish backed by our 50-year warranty. Start a project or call us at (425) 268-6978 to get a quote.