How To Install Stone Veneer Panels Exterior

How to Install Manufactured Rock Veneer Siding

Manufactured rock veneer (MSV) has the expect and experience of existent stone. Withal, this material offers an culling that'due south highly customizable and much more affordable. Equally an experienced DIYer, y'all can even install this veneer yourself. Discover how it can give your home a touch on of elegance, and learn how to install manufactured stone veneer both indoors and outdoors.

How to install manufactured stone veneer

Manufactured Stone Veneer Basics

For centuries, stone has been a versatile siding material for both stately and modest homes. While most older homes accept natural stone siding, this textile started to fall out of favor in the mid-20th century due to its high cost, heavy weight, and increasing rarity. Though the appeal of stone never faded, the costs and logistics involved with installing this heavy material have made natural stone a less attractive choice for many homeowners.

During the mid-20th century, manufactured stone veneer began to gain popularity. This is due to its natural expect and ease of use both indoors and outdoors. Though it looks remarkably similar to natural rock, MSV is fabricated from a physical mix with the texture and color of real stone.

Footstep-by-Step Guide to Install Manufactured Rock Veneer

Image via Flickr by BradPerkins — Epitome via Flickr by BradPerkins

If you've ever wanted to acquire how to install manufactured stone siding, y'all might exist surprised to know that information technology's relatively easy to put up. Experienced DIYers can typically install this artificial stone siding in a few short days, depending on the size and scope of the project.

Step i: Start past applying a layer of building paper evenly across the entire installation area.
Step two: Measure the spaceand cut wire lath to size. For a cleaner cut, position the uncut wire lath over two sawhorses, and staple to hold it in place while cutting.
Step iii: Place the cut lath over the layer of building paper and secure it in identify.
Step 4: Cover the wire board with a one-half-inch layer of Type S mortar. Texturize or scratch the mortar earlier it dries to create a surface with amend adhesion properties.
Step 5: Let the scratch coat to dry for about 12 hours or overnight.
Footstep vi: Utilize Type S mortar to each manufactured rock veneer and put the MSV in place, one at a fourth dimension.
Step vii: If necessary, apply grout between the stones. If your design calls for the stones to touch, essentially giving the installation a dry stacked expect, you won't need grout. If you've left space between the stones, nonetheless, fill each joint with grout. Don't get out joints partially filled, or the grout will fall out before long.

Pros and Cons of MSV

Manufactured stone veneer is a popular choice for interior and exterior siding for several reasons, but it's not necessarily the all-time option in all cases. Let's have a await at the primary pros and cons of MSV.

Pros

Easier installation than natural stone. Not all homeowners would consider MSV installation to be piece of cake, but when compared to natural stone, installation is a breeze. The average homeowner tin can't typically install natural stone, but installing MSV is a reasonable DIY project.
Long lifespan. When information technology comes to siding, MSV is one of the longest lasting options. Manufacturers typically offering 50-year warranties, which means MSV tin can last for a lifetime.
Piffling maintenance. Similar natural stone, MSV doesn't require all-encompassing maintenance in order to expect great while protecting your dwelling house. Use a soft brush to remove clay periodically, and use water and a mild detergent to remove grime when necessary.
Depression toll. MSV typically costs one-half or even a third of the price of natural stone siding.
Numerous colors. Natural rock tends to have limited color options. In contrast, MSV is available in countless natural tones, shapes, and styles.
Versatile uses. MSV works well both indoors and outdoors, giving homeowners endless installation and design options.

Cons

Information technology'due south a challenging DIY project for a beginner. Installing MSV is entirely achievable for most experienced DIYers, merely information technology'south not the best pick for a first-time DIY projection. If yous're non accustomed to taking on major home comeback projects of this scale, consider hiring a local contractor to assist.
Physically demanding installation. MSV might not be almost every bit heavy every bit natural stone, simply this bogus rock siding still holds some weight. Since each veneer is installed every bit an individual component, you'll need to flex some serious musculus throughout the projection.
Time–sensitive steps. If you're pressed for time, easily distracted, or accept a hundred other DIY projects going on at the same fourth dimension, give this ane some serious idea before jumping in. Since you'll be dealing with a compound that dries relatively rapidly, yous'll need to maintain focus throughout the project in lodge to complete the steps in a timely manner.

MSV Dos and Don'ts

One time you brainstorm to install manufactured rock veneer, you'll become the hang of it quickly. Fix yourself with these best practices.

Do: Spread the Type S mortar quickly by using 2 trowels. Since the mortar won't stay moisture and pliable for long, moving quickly is important.
Do: Use Type South mortar. Though information technology's possible to mix your own mortar from scratch, Type S mortar is designed to work with MSV. Simply add h2o to the ready-made mix, and y'all'll be installing your rock veneer siding in no fourth dimension.
Do: Apply a tile trowel to texturize the mortar. Keep in heed that MSV won't stick to smoothen mortar very easily, so you'll need to scratch or texturize it prior to putting the stone veneer in identify. A tile trowel is an easy and time-efficient tool for adding texture.

Don't: Forgo the safe spectacles. From cutting the wire lath to applying the mortar to placing the stones, installing MSV is a projection that requires safety spectacles.
Don't: Place dry stone veneer on the texturized mortar. Instead, employ a layer of mortar to each stone before putting it in place. Be sure to wipe abroad excess mortar from the edges so this substance doesn't compromise the final wait or the grouting procedure.
Don't: Forget to consider the color of the mortar. Type Due south mortar will appear as an bawdy gray colour when information technology dries, which might not be an platonic friction match for the stone veneer you've chosen. If you lot prefer a dissimilar tone, dye the mortar prior to awarding.

Tips and Tricks for Working with MSV

M Rock Install-With-Screws Manufactured Stone - Ledge Stone, available at BuildDirect.com

MSV has nigh limitless possibilities. On your dwelling'south outside, apply it to call attention to an architectural chemical element or add a annotation of elegance. Indoors, install it on an emphasis wall in order to add visual intrigue.

If yous programme to install manufactured stone veneer outdoors, brand sure you understand what your local building code requires in terms of flashing and waterproofing. Flashing, a blazon of h2o barrier, typically goes in corners and at intersections with windows, doors, or electrical outlets. This material helps divert water away from the wall and prevent information technology from seeping through seams or causing water damage. If installing outdoors, you lot'll about certainly need to add flashing prior to applying mortar.

Whether y'all work with MSV indoors or outdoors, don't allow unsightly stones ruin the complete look of your installation. Instead, hide precipitous stones by trimming off the ends or by installing them at a unlike angle.

Endeavour not to let small-scale mistakes become major ones. If yous've practical too much mortar between 2 stones, for case, don't wipe it abroad while information technology'due south wet. Instead, allow it to gear up, then utilise a trowel to remove the hardened mortar without leaving a mess.

At the end of each day, be certain to clean up the newly installed MSV then it will continue to expect its best. Whether y'all've practical some grout exterior the lines or you've made a mess of the mortar, use a stiff brush to clean off the stones when you wrap up for the solar day.

If you desire the await of natural stone merely adopt greater design flexibility and lower cost, manufactured stone veneer is a smart choice. If yous're an intermediate or experienced DIYer, you can even take on this projection yourself over a long weekend and give your installation a personal touch.