Do I need cement board for stone veneer?

Like any tile or stone installation, it is important to get to know both the material and the substrate you are installing it on. Natural stone veneer is heavy and should not be installed over drywall; cement backerboard or masonry applications are recommended.

What do you put under stone veneer?

Almost all stone veneer installations start with a layer or two of building paper, covered by properly installed dimpled and galvanized wire lath. The next step is to cover the lath with a 1/2 in. layer of Type S mortar, which is “scratched” while it’s still wet to allow the stone to cling better.

What type of mortar is used for stone veneer?

Type N or Type S mortars are generally used for installing stone veneer. Basic characteristics include: Type N: General all-purpose mortar with good bonding capabilities and workability; 28-day compressive strength of 750 psi.

What’s the best way to install stone veneer?

Arrange the stones in a pattern you like on a flat surface. Mix stones from different boxes and alternate sizes to break up vertical seams. Next, scrape off any bumps on the backs or sides of the stone veneer with a putty knife. Check that the surface where you’ll be installing veneer — such as the floor, countertop or moulding — is level.

Can you use stone veneer on brick foundation?

Stone veneer can be applied to any masonry surface such as concrete, existing brick, or foundation cinder block. If you’re working with wood or any other non-masonry surface, you can create an appropriate surface by surrounding the non-masonry surface with a water barrier.

What is lath used for in stone veneer installation?

Lath represents the skeleton of the adhered stone veneer system in much the same way framing is the skeleton of stick-built construction. For greater details on using lath in faux stone installation, refer to “Expanded Metal Lath Installation for the Application of Portland Cement Stucco: The Eight Deadly Sins.” Lath installation is critical.

How do you calculate square feet for veneer stone?

Simply multiply the width of the surface you’ll be veneering with its height. Then, subtract the square-foot surface area of any windows, doors or corner pieces contained within that desired surface. To be safe, add an additional five to 10 percent square feet to your order.