Natural Stone Veneer Installation Do’s and Don’ts

Fear no more!! images of a fake that you can spot a mile away are a thing of the past. To spot the modern version veneers you’ll need to take a second look. Today’s versions look so good that you’ll be hard-pressed to tell them from actual stone. Plus the manufactured stone is cheaper and lighter than the real thing and it’s a great DIY choice for any stone veneer project such as a stacked stone veneer fireplace.

With that in mind we have put together a list of Do’s and Don’ts to look out for when using veneer stone in your future projects.

Preparation is half the job! therefore start by washing all the stones, then lay out the pieces on a flat surface to test the layout. It’s a good idea to blend many boxes of veneer pieces together in order to ensure a random blend of colors and shapes. If you have the space, you can lay out the entire wall section. Otherwise, lay out small sections and apply them in stages.

It is important to do a thorough clean up job to ensure the lifetime of your veneer. Use a mixture of vinegar and water and a steel wire brush to brush away any excess dirt or mortar residue on the face of the veneer. It is important to clean stone veneer within 30 minutes, before mortar can fully dry on the face.

Seal the veneer stone following the manufacturer’s instructions. Re-seal the veneer every other year or following the manufacturers recommendations. Sealed stone may be easier to clean than unsealed stone, and certain sealers also repel stains.

Remember that brighter and more vibrant colors can clash harshly with stone if they’re not carefully selected. Exotic colors that are rarely used by other homeowners may help your structure stand out, but could negatively impact resale value. Bright, near-neon colors like pink should virtually always be avoided, though some lighter and rosier shades of red can work well.

NPC Building & Renovations Ltd. always recommends rinsing out the bag after every third bag full of grout. Otherwise sand builds up along the edge, clogs the tip and makes grouting difficult. Just fill the empty bag with water and rub it back and forth to dislodge the caked-on grout.