Mastering Efficiency and Authenticity: Essential Guidelines for Stone Veneer Installation

Learn skills on efficiency and authenticity when installing Stone Veneer

By Jeff Tew, Westlake Royal Building Products

I didn’t pick this trade, to be honest, and I wouldn’t say it picked me either. At the start of my career, I had other plans entirely. When those plans didn’t work out, the manufactured stone industry was there for me. Installing MSV paid the bills, taught me a valuable trade, and even gave me an excuse to buy a pickup truck.

Fast forward 20 years and I wouldn’t change a thing! I love being a part of the building and construction industry. More specifically, I love being part of the growth of manufactured stone veneer as an industry subcategory that keeps adapting to stay relevant to new construction styles and buyers.

As the quality of methods and building science drive improvement, our knowledge and installation process for MSV also need to improve and grow, especially when it comes to mastering the art of crafting the most authentic looking project with the utmost efficiency.

Comprehensive Planning: The Bedrock of Success

A cornerstone of an efficient and cost-effective installation is a comprehensive plan. Before arriving at a jobsite, it's essential for every member of your team to have a clear understanding of their roles and responsibilities– Who is responsible for which tasks? What point in the installation process do they need to be doing those tasks? Is the project using lath or cement board? Are you prepared with the proper tools and safety equipment for that application method?

Whether working with a crew of seasoned pros or not, it was the well-thought-out plan that set the stage for the smoothest, most efficient execution.

Embracing Cement Boards for Speed and Quality

It’s hard to believe, but manufactured stone has been around for over 60 years. (I know some of you reading can remember the look and feel of 1970s Driftstone!) Fortunately, for those of us who make a living by enhancing buildings with this beautiful and versatile product, the industry has continued to grow and change to keep up with construction trends, styles, and methods. Although these changes have allowed MSV to remain in high demand, it also demands that we installers not only stay familiar with new textures and colors, but also adapt to new installation methods.

While traditional installations often involve lath and scratch coat application, we’re seeing a growing industry-wide acceptance of cement boards due to the efficiency and quality. A modified mortar meeting ANSI A118.5 and/or ANSI A118.15 is required to adhere stones to cement boards. Despite the initial preparation involved, such as taping the seams, and covering the anchors, the advantage lies in the reduced preparation time. Once treated with modified mortar, you’re ready for installation in just half an hour to an hours’ time!

Cutting down on the time typically spent applying and waiting for the scratch coat to cure can expedite a project’s completion, allowing you to get on to the next project site sooner!

Optimizing Material Layout for Streamlined Installation

There truly is nothing worse than interrupting your workflow to dig through multiple boxes, attempting to hunt down the right size or shape that you’re after. Consequently, the time spent repeatedly searching for the right stone adds up quick.

Thankfully, jobsite efficiency can be further enhanced by strategically laying out materials on-site. Laying out 30 to 40 square feet of material minimizes the time spent searching for specific sizes, shapes, or colors.

For instance, when working with rectangular stones like Ledgestone or Limestone, we would go as far as arranging stacks of stones based on height– piles of 4, 6, and 8 inches– making it easier to find the necessary height and length for the next stone to go on the wall.

Strategic Installation Techniques for Realism

I was fortunate to have been trained and mentored by a few talented, detailed and experienced masons. They were true craftsmen of brick, block and stone. Like many other young pros, I moved material and mixed batches of mortar by hand long before I was allowed “on the wall.” I mixed what felt like millions of wheelbarrows of mortar and grew to understand the importance of following direction and proper mix consistency. Then, when I eventually got on the wall, there was even more to learn.

Amongst some of the most impactful techniques I learned is installation of the corners first. Working from the bottom up and from one side to another establishes a natural flow, mirroring the construction of traditional stone walls.

Additionally, careful consideration should be given to the placement of cut stones to conceal rough edges and minimize visual discrepancies. This can best be done by making sure the stone selected to be cut was small enough to be hidden by a larger stone, concealing the raw edge. If the cut stone is going to be grouted, placing a small amount of mortar on the edge to hide the aggregate makes all the difference. Unfinished edges are a dead giveaway that it’s a veneer product, defeating its ultimate purpose.

These purposeful techniques ensure consistency and authenticity in the finished product and promise the best, longest lasting results for customers.

Balancing Quality and Cost with Premium Veneer Products

It’s true that an exterior facelift to the front or rear of a home will vastly improve curb appeal, often at a fraction of the cost and a higher return of investment compared to other home renovation projects. So, now that we’ve optimized our processes, time allocations and resources– let’s talk money. Which product investments are going to deliver the greatest bang for the buck?

Contrary to misconceptions, products from cost-effective stone veneer brands like StoneCraft and Dutch Quality Stone do not compromise on quality. In fact, these products undergo rigorous testing to meet building codes and standards, ensuring durability and longevity.

Ultimately, the choice between premium and budget-friendly veneers hinges on aesthetic preferences rather than quality concerns. While slight variations in manufacturing processes may exist regarding depth of color and tinting processes, the quality of the final product remains uncompromised.

When it’s all said and done, the key to achieving the best, most realistic look in manufactured stone veneer installation lies in a combination of meticulous planning, innovative techniques, and quality materials. By adhering to best practices, masons can streamline their processes, maximize efficiency, and deliver exceptional results that stand the test of time.

About Jeff Tew

As the Director of Technical and Training, Jeff Tew is an invaluable thought leader and resource for trade professionals. With more than 25 years of career experience in Manufactured Stone Veneer (MSV), he works with masons, builders, architects, and others in the construction industry to help design and build beautiful projects. As a firm believer in MSV as one of the industry's most efficient and resilient materials, Jeff knows it can be used to define unique and captivating spaces and buildings through proper planning, detailing and testing. Drawing on his experiences as a contractor during trainings and consultations, Jeff focuses on helping pros build healthy wall systems using MSV while meeting building code requirements and working safely on residential and commercial job sites all across North America