Stone and stucco are two of man’s oldest building materials. Stucco dates to 500 B.C. and has been used in ancient Greece. It has been especially well known in California, Florida and areas with Spanish tradition and was used in America. It is a cement-based substance that closely resembles the”scratch” coat used as a foundation for stonework installed on wood-sheathed walls, therefore it is a suitable backing for stone veneer. Check local building codes before starting a stone veneer endeavor.
Clean your stucco wall of debris or any dirt, and patch any cracks or spots with stucco repair. Eliminate other items or any door or window trim, and put in metal flashing if they are not already fully flashed. Fasten a metal angle iron with lag bolts into the bottom plate of the wall to provide water barrier and a base.
Mix mortar in a container, with a mix that is ready. Check the stone provider’s recommendations for the specific mortar type to use. Until it has a creamy consistency, smooth enough to spread readily stir the mortar mix but firm enough to stand on its own. Make small quantities, so the mortar does not dry until it is applied. Discard mortar if it will become dry or crumbles while you’re working.
Place in an angled hand-held container. It is possible to purchase the container by nailing two planks at a 90-degree 24, or you may create one. Spread 1/2 into 3/4 inch of mortar on the rear of the first stone, and press it firmly. Butter the back of another stone, and set it with the first, using a gap about 3/8 inch broad between them.
Set stones one at a time along and up the wall. Work in a triangular routine — put several stones at the bottom of the wall, then place some up the corner, then fill out the gap. Set stones in fashion or within a pattern if you’re using stones cut to shapes that are formal. Vary the size of these stones in any style that pleases you. Step back occasionally to confirm the appearance of the wall. Before the mortar sets, you can pull off and alter stones.
Cut stones when necessary to match using a circular saw with a mason along with a masonry blade’s moist saw. Some veneer stones can also be scored using a chisel and snapped in two. Set the cut borders. Pause once you get to within a row or two and also adjust the size of stone to match the space. Cut the tops of the stones with a saw.
Wait about an hour, before utilize, and the mortar has started to set a convex steel masonry finishing a round dowel pole or tool to push against mortar in place in all joints between stones. Wipe off. Use a wire brush to remove.
Grout the mortar joints after about 24 hours. Mix grout and set it and fill the mortar joints between stones. Squeeze the bag out of the back to force grout to the joint out of the tip. Work from the bottom of the wall towards the top until all joints are sealed with grout.
