Stone That Speaks, The Stratton Stone Blog
Simply. Stone.
What to know about stone veneer
Stone veneer is one of the more approachable major home improvement projects, but walking in without any preparation can lead to costly mistakes. Before the first piece goes up, there are a few key things every homeowner should understand: proper substrate preparation, moisture management, and the importance of working with an experienced installer who has handled manufactured stone before. Not all contractors are equally comfortable with the product, and the difference in finished quality can be significant.
On the practical side, make sure your wall surface is properly primed with a weather-resistant barrier and metal lath if required by the manufacturer's specs. Mortar consistency and joint depth are two of the biggest factors that determine whether a finished installation looks professional or amateur. It's also worth planning your layout on the ground before anything is set — arranging pieces by size and color to ensure a natural, varied look is something skilled installers do automatically but first-timers often skip. Taking the time to prep correctly will save you headaches and give you a result you'll be happy to look at for decades.
