Tell Me About Stacked Stone!

If you're looking to elevate the aesthetic of your home, consider incorporating stack stone manufactured stone veneer. This versatile and durable material offers the rustic charm of natural stone at a fraction of the cost, making it a popular choice among homeowners and builders alike. In this blog post, we'll explore the benefits, applications, and installation process of stack stone manufactured stone veneer, helping you make an informed decision for your next home improvement project.

What is stack stone?

Stack stone manufactured stone veneer is a type of cladding made from a blend of natural aggregates, Portland cement, and iron oxide pigments. Unlike natural stone, which is quarried and cut, manufactured stone is produced in molds that replicate the look and texture of real stone. The result is a lightweight, cost-effective product that mimics the appearance of stacked stone while offering numerous practical advantages.

Benefits of stack stone

1. Aesthetic appeal: stack stone veneer provides a timeless, elegant look that can enhance the exterior and interior of any home. With a variety of colors and textures available, you can easily find a style that complements your design preferences and adds visual interest to your space.

2. Cost-effective: one of the most significant advantages of manufactured stone veneer is its affordability. It costs significantly less than natural stone, making it an excellent option for budget-conscious homeowners who still want to achieve a high-end look.

3. Lightweight and easy to install: manufactured stone veneer is much lighter than natural stone, making it easier to handle and install. This can reduce labor costs and shorten the installation time, allowing you to enjoy your new look sooner.

4. Durability: despite its lightweight nature, stack stone manufactured stone veneer is incredibly durable and can withstand various weather conditions. It's resistant to chipping, fading, and cracking, ensuring that your investment will last for years to come. 

Applications of stack stone

Stack stone veneer can be used in a variety of applications, both indoors and outdoors. Some popular uses include:

1. Exterior facades: enhance your home's curb appeal by cladding your exterior walls with stack stone veneer. It can be used to create striking accent walls, cover entire facades, or add texture to chimneys and columns.

2. Fireplaces: transform your fireplace into a stunning focal point by covering it with stack stone veneer. The natural look of stone adds warmth and character to any living space.

3. Accent walls: add depth and visual interest to your interior walls with stack stone veneer. Whether you want to create a feature wall in your living room, bedroom, or kitchen, this versatile material can help you achieve your design goals.

4. Outdoor living spaces: upgrade your outdoor living areas by incorporating stack stone veneer into your patio, outdoor kitchen, or garden walls. It can withstand the elements and add a touch of elegance to your outdoor spaces.

Installation stack stone

Installing stack stone manufactured stone veneer is a straightforward process that can be completed by DIY enthusiasts or professional installers. Here are the basic steps involved:

1. Preparation: start by preparing the surface where the veneer will be installed. Ensure that it is clean, dry, and free of any debris. Apply a water-resistant barrier and a metal lath to create a suitable substrate for the veneer.

2. Applying mortar: mix the mortar according to the manufacturer's instructions and apply a thick layer to the prepared surface. Use a notched trowel to create grooves in the mortar, which will help the veneer adhere more effectively. We recommend our stone veneer and brick veneer be installed with Type S mortar. Mortar is recommended for installation opposed to an adhesive as mortar is cheaper than adhesive, and when installing with an adhesive you must hold the stone in place until the adhesive sets which really slows down installation time, whereas mortar instantly holds.

3. Installing the veneer: begin at the bottom of the wall and work your way up, pressing each piece of veneer firmly into the mortar. Use a level to ensure that each row is straight and even. If necessary, trim the veneer pieces with a wet saw to fit around corners and edges.

4. Grouting: once the veneer is in place, fill the gaps between the stones with grout. Use a grout bag to apply the grout, and then use a pointing tool to smooth and shape it. Wipe away any excess grout with a damp sponge.

5. Sealing: after the grout has cured, apply a stone sealer to protect the veneer from moisture and stains. This step is optional but recommended for outdoor installations. A concrete sealer is not required, however, sealing with a concrete sealer will add protection especially over the mortar joints. Please keep in mind that different concrete sealers will affect the appearance of the stone veneer. A matte (or flat) finish will have little to know impact to the finished look of the stone veneer whereas a gloss finish will darken the stone veneer and have a wet look. We recommend testing your concrete sealer on a piece of stone veneer that has not been installed to ensure you are happy with the finished appearance after applying concrete sealer. 

Tell me about stacked stone

Stack stone manufactured stone veneer is a versatile, cost-effective, and aesthetically pleasing option for enhancing your home's interior and exterior. With its wide range of applications and relatively easy installation process, it's no wonder that this material has become a favorite among homeowners and builders. Whether you're looking to boost your home's curb appeal, create a stunning fireplace, or add texture to your interior walls, stack stone veneer can help you achieve your design goals with style and durability.

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