GENERAL STONE INSTALLATION
Our handcrafted stone is easy to install, even for the most inexperienced do-it-yourselfer. Using our handcrafted stone, two people can easily install 200 to 400 square feet of stone per day (depending on stone type and complexity of installation).
Our stone requires no wall ties, footings, or structural support due to its light weight and subsequent minimal shearing force. This, coupled with the low cost and fast installation of our stone, makes installation more economically feasible than ever before.
Our handcrafted stone can beautify virtually any interior or exterior structure regardless of age, size, or application. It can be easily applied to any structurally sound surface including wood, metal or metal siding, concrete, brick, or masonry. No special tools or expertise are required for complete installation of our stone.
PREPARE THE SURFACE
1. Unpainted or untreated brick, concrete block, or masonry surface: Install the stone directly to the surface.
2. Painted or treated brick, concrete block, or masonry surface: Use a concrete bonding agent or wire lath.
3. On metal surfaces: Attach the lath with self tapping screws every 16 inches.
4. On wood surfaces: Building paper should be applied on outside surfaces prior to lath.
Attach the lath by nailing or stapling on centers every 6 inches, hitting studs whenever possible. Always attach lath right side up with small cups pointing upward.
TOOLS REQUIRED FOR STONE INSTALLATION
* Shovel * Nippers - wide mouth
* Hocking Trowel * Hatchet
* Plaster Trowel * Saw Blade - skill saw
* Wheelbarrow * Whisk Broom
* Hoe/Mixer * Water Hose
* String Line
MORTAR MIXING
* 1 Bag Type "N" Masonry Cement
* 18 Average size shovels masonry sand
* Approximately 5 gallons of water
* 1 to 5 pounds of dye
** Note Type "N" Masonry Cement is highly recommended due to its resistance to cracking as it remains slightly flexible after curing.
HAVE MIXER RUNNING!
1. Put about 4 gallons of water in mixer.
2. Put nine (9) shovels of sand in mixer.
3. Put in dye (1 to 5 pounds).
4. Add masonry cement.
5. Put in nine (9) shovels of sand.
6. Put in rest of water as needed.
APPLY MORTAR
Apply a coat of thin mortar. Mix mortar with just enough water for a workable consistency. Lay out stones randomly near your work area. After choosing a stone, apply a 1/2 inch thick layer or mortar evenly on the wall or back of stone.
APPLY STONE
ALWAYS install corner stones FIRST.
Press stone firmly into place with a gentle wiggling motion to promote bonding. The mortar on back of stone should squeeze out and surround the stone. Apply remaining stones by working from the bottom up or top down. Mortar joints between stones should be as tight and uniform as possible.
FOR QUICKFIT STONE ONLY - Be extra careful to keep your horizontal lines straight and level when installing QuickFit stone. For QuickFit stone we recommend the use of a level string line every 4 to 6 rows for visual reference.
DRESS STONE
When mortar joints are firm, use a wooden or metal striking tool and remove excess mortar. At the same time, firmly press mortar into the joints so edges are thoroughly sealed. Using a whisk broom, brush mortar joints until smooth and all loose mortar has been brushed away. Brush off any loose mortar on face of stones. NEVER LET MORTAR SET OVERNIGHT BEFORE BRUSHING MORTAR JOINTS.
COMPLETION
Clean any remaining grout off stone with a damp wire brush. You may wish to apply a waterproof sealer such as Thoroclear or Chemstop to the surface of the stone, as sealed surfaces provide ease in cleaning.
RECOMMENDATIONS
FOR KITCHEN INSTALLATION, it is highly recommended you seal the stone with a waterproof sealer. Regardless of the stone type (whether natural stone or cultured stone), all stones are porous to some extent and can be stained by grease splatter. Sealing any kitchen stone after installation will help prevent staining and make cleanup easy.
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