Installing a stone cladding is a nice way to improve the interior and / or exterior of your home or any structure. It is versatile and requires little maintenance and can be done by virtually anyone with a few tools and a minimum of know-how. Virtually every stone cladding is made of the same materials and the installation process is the same. Here are some guidelines for you to learn how to install one.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Preparation and Laying of the Coat
Step 1. Prepare the surface
Stone veneer can be applied to any masonry surface such as concrete, exposed brick or foundations. If you are working on wood or other non-masonry surface then you can create a suitable surface by covering everything with a waterproof barrier.
Step 2. Apply a waterproof coating if you work outdoors
Moisture and vapor barriers are generally sold with self-sealing membranes. Remove the outer side to expose the part that you are simply going to glue to the surface.
- Be careful to put the membrane only where you want it. The surface is extremely sticky, if it sticks where you don't want it you will have a hard time removing it.
- If you work indoors you should not need a waterproof barrier unless you are installing pyre veneer on wood such as plywood.
Step 3. Create a barrier with a metal rod after putting the barrier on
Use 3 5 cm nails and about 15 cm spacers.
Step 4. Make a coat with mortar
You can make the mortar by mixing 2 or 3 parts of sand with 1 part of cement and adding water according to the factory instructions. Use a trowel to cover the entire surface with a layer of about 2 cm. the metal splint must not come out of the coat.
the instructions for mixing the mortar change. Follow the factory instructions, but above all be consistent with what you choose. If you decide for a 2: 1 sand to cement ratio, stick with this 2: 1 ratio every time you use mortar elsewhere
Step 5. Make horizontal grooves before the coat dries
Use a scraper or other tool. Let the coat settle according to the factory instructions. You are now ready to apply the stone veneer.
Part 2 of 3: Install the Stone
Step 1. Mix the mortar with the same ratio you used for the coat
Mix for up to 5 minutes, until it is thick enough. If it is too wet it will lose strength. Too dry it will dry out too soon.
Step 2. Decide on the arrangement of the stones
It's okay to give it a try and think about what the stone will look like on the wall. Spending a little extra time deciding their placement will save you the headache of subsequent adjustments.
If it helps, test the floor instead of trying to keep the stones on the wall. the basic arrangement of the stones should then be the same
Step 3. Use a hammer, the edge of a trowel or other sharp tool to adjust the shape of the stones
The stones should be easy to work with, you will hide the parts worked later using the plaster, so don't worry if the edges are not perfect.
Step 4. Wash the stones until all traces of sand and debris are removed
The plaster adheres better to perfectly clean surfaces.
Step 5. Dry the stones
If necessary, use a masonry brush to dampen the stone but not too much. Thus the stones will not remove moisture from the mortar and the result will be a stronger bond.
Step 6. Spread the mortar on the stones one by one
Try to keep a layer about 1.2 cm thick. If you happen to drop some plaster on the outside of the stone, remove it immediately before it dries.
Step 7. Start placing the stones starting from the bottom corners
Turn the trimmed edges up or down, away from the focal point. Press the stones onto the plaster, turning them slightly to remove excess parts and strengthen the bond. Use a trowel or a brush or other tool to remove excess plaster that has been pushed out or onto the surface of the stone itself.
Keep everything uniform for a more beautiful result. The joints you will probably want are between 2.5 and 7.5 cm long
Step 8. Continue plastering and putting the stones down until the entire wall is covered
Take breaks - take a step back and check your work. If you are installing the veneer on several walls, consider the idea of taking corner stones. Many manufacturers make them and add a certain naturalness to the project.
Part 3 of 3: Finishing the Job
Step 1. When finished, fill the joints with putty
The best results are achieved by using putty. During this stage, cover the edges. Use a tool to spread while the plaster hardens.
Step 2. Wipe off any excess with water and a broom
Make sure you remove excess grout on the stones within 30 minutes - it will be impossible to remove after 24 hours.
Use a brush to clean the joints before the grout dries. Do this especially if you work indoors so that you have a nicer finished look
Step 3. Apply a sealant following the factory instructions
The sealed stone will be easier to clean and maintain, and some sealants keep stains out. Reapply the sealant periodically to maximize the effect. Warning: some sealants change the color of the stone and give a shiny wet look.
Advice
- Offset the stones to your liking to avoid solid lines of mortar.
- Every now and then go away to check the work and maybe insert stones of different colors to create greater effect
Warnings
- For outdoors: make sure you install the right flashing to prevent water from penetrating excessively
- For outdoors: install the stone veneer in hot and dry conditions.
