Natural stone possesses a beauty that any other material cannot match. Since the dawn of time, people have been using various types of stone as a practical and aesthetic surface in their dwellings. Alterations in preferences, aesthetics, and manufacturing techniques inevitably lead to variations in the variety of stone employed and how it is set in place.

Adding Natural Stone Veneer

• Stone is a porous and heavy material, and its color and composition are consistent all the way through. Whether it is a panel or tile, natural stone is notably different from other materials. These differences are valid regardless of the form that the natural stone takes.
• Stone has a natural tendency to differ in color and texture from one piece to the next and from one side of the same piece. It is also possible for it to vary significantly in-depth and size; as a result, you should perform a dry design of the product before beginning any installation.
• Take fragments of stone from different boxes simultaneously to achieve a balanced distribution of hues. Arrange the components on a level surface with the exact dimensions and form of the location where you would be installing them. At this point in the process, it is essential to focus on the size and color to get a consistent blend throughout the installation.
• It is vital to be attentive to the design and the sort of stone that you are installing. Some varieties intended to be used in panels needs the stones to be butted quite closely against each other.
• Make all the required cuts to ensure that everything will fit together correctly. It is advised to use a wet saw with a diamond blade edge when cutting stones.

Establishing the Foundation

• When installing stone, you must always use the appropriate underlayment. If you place it in a bathroom, you must utilize a cement backer board designated for use in damp locations. It is possible to put the stone on other stable surfaces such as concrete blocks, masonry, or brick; however, a skim mortar coating may be necessary to smooth out the surface before installing the stone. Installing stone directly over the painted surface or drywall should be avoided.
• When installing light-colored stone, always utilize white mortar to prevent the stone from becoming discolored once the installation process is complete.
• When installing stone veneer, lippage can occur when the surface is not flat, and the stone is excessively large to fit the wall.

Considerations

• The phrase “stone” or “stone veneer” could refer to various diverse materials, such as the kind of stone, the application procedure, and finishing.
• Always refer to the exact instructions provided by the manufacturer, especially for panels, patterns, and stone materials that come in a variety of shapes.
• When certain kinds of stones are cut, they can produce a significant amount of dust. Always cut stones outside, and wipe them off to eliminate excess dust before installing them.
• If you are going to place it in a moist region, you need to ensure that the components are grouted correctly.  If the stones are not previously sealed, you may require an impregnating sealer to make cleanup easier.