Systematic procedure on laying a patio using thin stone veneer.

Material and tools needed.

You will need a hammer, stiff brush, joint tool, masonry brush, selected stone, brick trowel, scraper, flat trowel, grout bag as well as sand and cement.

The procedure.

Any masonry surface qualifies for the application of natural thin stone veneer. If you intend to apply it to painted surfaces, you must sandblast the paint or strip it out. Paint removal where the surface is from construction could prove hard at times. You can, however, remove it successfully as follows. Nail metal lath to wall securely, 6 inch on centre. (For exterior surfaces, vapour barrier first, then metal lath). Then, apply scratch coat (2:1 washed sand: Portland cement) to the lath. Make sure the lath gets covered entirely with a thin layer (1/2 3/4&quot thick). After that, use a metallic scraper or small scrap of lath to rake horizontal groves in the scratch coat. Give the scratch coat some time to set up/cure. You are then supposed to follow the procedures explained below.

• Prepare a rich mortar (2:1 washed sand: Portland cement). Mix it for a minimum of five times into a creamy nature similar to that of mashed potatoes.
• Make a decision on whether the stones require trimming, or they will get layered on the surface as they are.
• Wash off dirt, loose particles and sand from the working surface. At times, it is better if you wash the stones too. In cases where the surface is dry, dampen with the help of a masonry brush taking care not to make the place soggy. By doing so, you will prevent the wall from absorbing moisture from the mortar. Hence, the mortar sets up naturally with a strident bond. To avoid messy work, start from the top moving towards the bottom of the wall.
• Trowel rich mortar onto the wall (approximately 1/2 thick).
• Take a clean stone and dampen the backside. It reduces the amount of dust of the stone and consequently reduces absorption from the mortar.
• Apply a thin coat of rich mortar on the backside of the stones picked. It fills in holes and rises in the stone making an even surface that bond better with the wall.
• Press the stone onto the mortar with slight rotations. Some mortar squeezes out freely in the process. Remove any of the mortar that gets forced out beyond the finished joint with a trowel, brush or joint tool, before the mortar sets up.
• Use grout bag/trowels to fill all the joints. As the mortar hardens, tool desired depths and wipe of any excesses.
• Finally, clean and seal all joints.

Why Buying Stone Directly From The Quarry Is The Best Value

No matter what your home project is, if you are using stone veneer or thin stone veneer, then you should definitely buy it directly from the quarry. What you have to remember is that the middle man always wants something. They don’t buy products and sell them for no reason, they do it because they make a profit from it. This basic principle holds true for just about anything that you can buy and sell, and stone veneer is no exception. By going directly to the quarry you can avoid the middle man, and by doing this you will avoid someone extra profiting because of your purchase. What you have to remember is that when you pay more than you have to by buying your stone veneer from a third party you are essentially throwing your money away.

Using stone to decorate your home is a great decision for many different reasons. Stone veneer is not only beautiful, it is very durable and long lasting. Unlike wood, or vinyl laminate, or carpet, it won’t wear out quickly over time and need to be replaced. Not only is stone a stunning way to decorate and accent your home, it is extremely long lasting and durable. If you are concerned that stone can be more costly to install, just keep in mind how long it will last. In 10 years you may have to replace carpeting up to two times, and during that time your stone veneer will still look great. So instead of simply thinking in flat terms of up front cost, try instead to think about the longevity of stone, and how over time it will be well worth the investment.

So what types of projects around your home should you use stone for? You can use it for a deck, or you can put it down as flooring in your home. In fact you can use stone in so many different ways that it can work for just about any type of at home project. Stone counter tops are beautiful and long lasting. Stone floors are the same. If you are looking to add a touch of class to your home then stone is definitely the way to go.

Now that you probably see what a great investment stone veneer can be for your home the next thing you need to do is plan out how to purchase it. So why exactly should you go directly to the quarry to make your purchase? There are a number of reasons including one of the most important one, it saves you money. When you buy directly from the quarry you save money for a number of reasons. Retailers have expenses. They have to pay for rent and utilities. They also have to pay to have product shipped to them, and pay for employees, insurance, and benefits. On top of that they still need to turn a profit. This means more money for you, which isn’t good if you are working on a budget.

On top of saving money the other big reason you should go directly to a quarry to buy your stone is the selection you will have. When you go to a retailer to buy stone you have limits to what you can get. When you go directly to the quarry you can tell them what type of stone you want, what color you want, and the thickness and shape you want. This type of customization is well worth the extra effort it will take you to go directly to the quarry. The bottom line is to the quarry gives you better options, and it saves you money.

Best Ways to Use ‘Natural Thin Stone Veneer’ On Your Home or Commercial Project

Thin stone veneers are very beautiful and offer a unique option in construction and finishing in both residential and commercial buildings. There are so many ways you can use thin stone veneers in your home or commercial property all depends on your imagination and needs. Whether you are constructing right from scratch or you are doing renovations, the choices in color for stone thin veneer is indeed limitless. However, in case you are wondering how best you can take advantage of thin stone veneers, there are some ideas that you can consider. The good news is, these ideas are universal and can apply to both residential and commercial spaces. These include:

Enhance the Look of Exterior Walls

If you are planning to do a renovation or a complete remodeling of your home or commercial space, you may want to consider using thin stone veneers for the external walls. The truth is one of the major visible aspects of any building that can determine how beautiful and unique a structured look is how the external walls are designed. Although there are a number of ways you can explore in finishing the exterior walls, using thin stone veneers offers a unique and beautiful option for any homeowner. Besides, there are different colors and patterns you can pick so that your external walls look beautiful in line with your preferences.

The Fireplace

If you are looking to completely transform the interior design of your home, putting in some thin stone veneers at the fireplace can indeed work wonders. In most cases, a lot of people would prefer concrete bricks as part of their fireplaces but that really doesn’t always add up to the overall interior dcor of the entire house. In that case, try out thin stone veneers and you will be surprised. You don’t even need to put in a lot, just a few natural thin stone veneer Texas can have a very good impact on how the fireplace and the room in general look.

Patios and Outdoor Pathways

If you have a patio at home or in your commercial space, the best way to make it as beautiful and as natural as possible is through thin stone veneers. The same is also the case when it comes to outdoor pathways and pavements that can be floored with stone veneers. The great thing about having thin stone veneer Texas on patios is the simple fact that they transform the whole patio into a unique and breathtaking place where people can relax and enjoy the cool breeze or the amazing sunshine. Besides, thin stone veneers are quite resistant to weather extremes and offer the most practical option for outdoor pathways and patios.

Landscaping

It is also very important to note that thin stone veneers can also play a vital role in the overall landscaping whether its at home or at a commercial establishment. The great thing is, you can combine thin stone veneers with other landscaping ideas. For example, if you are planting grass you can consider putting in thin stone veneer pathways in between. Additionally, make sure the flower pots are embellished with thin veneer stone Texas on the exterior. Ultimately, these basic ideas will gel so well to offer you a breathtaking landscape.

Pools

If you have a pool at your home, you can do a number of things to make it part and parcel of your outdoor landscaping. Instead of having concrete on the sides of the pool, you can install thin stone veneers. This will not only transform how the pool looks but will go a long way in giving your landscape a whole new transformation that will amaze you. In addition to this, its far much cheaper to have thin stone veneers installed around the pool compared to pure concrete. In that case, you get quality and beautiful landscapes at very good stone veneer prices Texas.

The popularity of thin stone veneers is on the rise and a lot of residential and commercial properties are finding various applications for them. However, do not limit yourself. There is so much you can do with natural stone thin veneer Texas. As such, you are free to be as creative as possible.

Benefits of Purchasing Natural Thin Stone Veneer Construction

Natural Thin Stone Veneer

The real estates and contracting are lucrative and very competitive businesses. On that aspect one is required to come up with building which are not only affordable but also of quality and anesthetic appeal. This is where natural thin stone veneer comes in. These are manufactured or mined in quarry and have wide applications in construction. They replicate the appearance of natural mined stoned. It is common for them to be referred to artificial or faux. This material is used for various purposes in such as designs and styling of walls but still appear natural.;

When you having a building construction going on and intend to finish the walls using this decorative stone ;thin veneer , there are several factors that you need to put into considerations. These are

1. How to buy this stone veneers

2. Benefits of these stones being natural

3. Where to purchase them and

4. How to get the best quality

When looking to buy this stones there is need to undertake some research. There are various avenues that you may get information including building contractors or experts, the internet or from clients. The contractors are bent on having you so they may not give you accurate information. You may check the internet for client reviews. However this may also be sponsored by the veneer sales firms and may be inaccurate. You may request then for two former clients who may offer non biased details. They can refer you to the best sellers.; Here you may get quotations and purchase your goods from the best quality dealers offering affordable prices.

There are several benefits of this stone thin veneer than manufactured; one of the most important is how cost effective stone veeneer prices and beautiful alternative they are. The installation cost is less also as compared to the others. Thin veneers are around an inch thick and are made from natural fieldstone. This design makes them easy to install and transport as they are not as bulky. They are of different shapes colors and varying sizes. They replicate the usual stone but they are stylish easy to fit and cheaper. Apart from that is that they have wide applications of finishing both the exterior parts of a church, kitchen office, homes and many more.

There are various dealers that that deal with selling of natural stone veneers to contractor’s architects or even home owners. When you look over the internet you will find widespread firms both locally and internationally that sell this products. You can also make your orders online or through phone reservations to some of these companies. Some of them will offer home delivery as an after sale service for free. Payments are done once the goods are delivered at your doorstep. These conveniences enhance the trust between you and the dealer. Ensure to get the quotes prior to making payments.

Many dealers promote their products with sophisticated and appealing language. However words alone cannot determine quality. That is where you may require the services of professionals to analyses the quality of the stones. It is possible that you may have dealt with the stones before or have seen them but only expert can discern the real deal from the fake ones. It is common for dealers to deliver goods made of low quality instead of the one that were ordered. This one’s do not last long and may result toy incurring losses. That is why you need to get a warranty on every purchase you make.

Why Engineered Stone Veneer is Perfectly Safe to Use

 

Modern stone veneer is an inexpensive and immaculate way to decorate your patio and give it that impressive lasting look. Even though there have been fears of cultured thin veneer stone being unstable as a building material, it has proven to be the opposite and more masons and DIY guys are considering it for the home dcor. If you are hanging on the fence whether to install or not install stone veneer, here are some good facts to make or break your decision.

For years, stone veneer was used to add that ageless aesthetic touch to homes, offices or private businesses. The same style and glam can be on your patio and thin stone veneer is the best way to do it. It cost less compared to full stone veneer plus the installation is pretty fast if you follow all the instructions right.

Though it is factory engineered, thin stone veneer is pre-treated to make it strong and tough for any home application. If you mix and apply the mortar foundation and lay the tiles right, there wont be any cause to worry about cracking. With the right spacing between the thin stone veneer tiles, they will have enough expanding space when its hot or cold thus preserving their full form.

You can take real stone veneer and thin stone veneer, place them side by side and you wont see a difference. Just because they are man-made there is the common myth they will have that plastic look even when used. This is however false, thin veneer tiles have the same look and level of aesthetics and when installed they will bear the same stone veneer look.

Furthermore, it is way easier working with thin stone veneer, especially if you are a DIY guy. Even for your first time stone veneer installation, thin veneer tiles are lighter, easy to lift and cut into any shape you want before laying them. You only need a scraper, flat trowel, brick trowel, stiff brush, grout bag, joint tool, masonry brush, the thin stone veneer, cement and some stand to have your patio look timelessly elegant.

The myth about engineered stone veneer being low quality is absolutely false. You just need to buy the best product from a recommended supplier because there are lots of low quality products in the market. Make sure you follow the installation instructions provided by the manufacture and you will have no problem while you enjoy your thin stone veneer patio.

How to Properly Install Natural Stone Thin Veneer Texas

Natural stone thin veneer Texas creates a pristine unique look to any home or commercial building it is used in. Thin veneer stone Texas is tough, compatible with all kinds of building materials, flexible in application, and is available in different shapes/sizes leaving you with a lot of freedom on how to install it. However, the best way to enjoy the benefits of thin stone veneer Texas is to ensure the product is bought from a trusted supplier and installed by the best contractor in town.

Nonetheless, you can still install your own stone thin veneer Texas by carefully following some simple guidelines. These guidelines require you to have basic masonry tools and some prior knowledge on how to lay stone. Doing it correctly will ensure your stone walls maintain its beauty for a longer period.

How to Install Thin Stone Veneer Texas

The first step is applying weather-resistant material on the surface where the stone is to be laid. Rigid sheathing can also work in the place of weather-resistant paper. The installation process takes a bottom up approach with weep creeds lining up the base. Ensure the layers have at least four inches of space between them before fastening the weather-proof material with metal laths.

The second step is to cover the weather-proof material with scratch coating. About half or three quarter inch of scratch coat is applied before you bring in the thin veneer stone Texas. Type S mortar is the commonly used scratch coating which can also be used for stone setting and grouting. Dry pre-mixed masonry mortar can also be used in the lace of Type S.

The third step is determining the natural thin stone veneer Texas arrangement before laying them. Because the stones come in different shapes and sizes, it is important to first arrange them on a flat working area to have a clear idea on how the stones will be laid on each other. A minimum of 25sq feet area is enough as a sample work space. This prior arrangement will also help you lay the stone in different styles, colors and textures to achieve a beautiful wall at the end.

Fourthly, lay the thin stone veneer Texas to your scratch coat. Before installing the stone veneer, sprinkle the scratch coat and stone veneer with water to ensure the bond is properly hydrated to aid adhesion when the stone is finally laid. If you are laying the stone in a horizontal direction, use a level to scratch where the stones will be placed and to ensure uniformity throughout the entire project. Start with the corner stones working your way in and from top to bottom to ensure no mortar comes to the stone surface (making a mess). Apply about half inch mortar to the entire area of the stone. When placing the stone, do so in a wiggle movement to feel if the adhesion between stone and scratch coating is strong enough. Once the stone is set, you cannot move it after as this may upset the entire pattern.

When every natural stone thin veneer Texas has been laid, your next step is to fill out the spaces in between with grout. A grout back is the best tool to fill with as it applies uniform layers throughout the stone joins. Grouting happens after the stones have been left to cure for a while. Insert the grout bag tip deep into the joints to evenly spread the grout. Be careful not to apply too much. Grouting will also help cover up cut or broken edges on the natural thin stone veneer Texas.

When the joints are firm with mortar, strike the mortar with a metal or wooden object to push it further into the existing voidsto permanently seal them. It is important to fill up every hole to prevent pests or water from seeping through and damaging your wall. Brushing over the mortar helps smooth it out and clean any existing loose mortar bits. Dont use water while brushing with a whisk broom as this will make your thin stone veneer Texas wall look murky.

With this step-by-step procedure, you will have your natural stone thin veneer Texas wall looking beautiful in no time. Be unique and experiment with different colors and textures make sure to shop around for different stone veneer prices Texas to get the best deals.

The advantages of thin stone veneer with a guide to getting the best.

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The natural stone thin veneer is unique and comparably cheap. If you intend to use the veneer on your fireplace, outdoor kitchen or pillars, you will find thin stone veneer easy to use. It also adds a natural, authentic touch to your work. Unlike the artificial version, natural stone veneer comes from real natural stone sawn and split to the desired thinness. The most common thinness is around one inch thick.

Buying thin stone veneer.

Natural thin stone veneer has many synonyms. You might, therefore, get confused when it comes to buying. Some commonly used names include stone façade, stone lining, stone sheeting, stone veneer, thin stone veneer, real stone veneer, stone cladding, stone facing, stone overlay, brick veneer or stone siding.

Benefits of using thin stone veneer.

Cost effectiveness: natural stone veneer is relatively cheap. Compared to the artificial version, you get quality for less. While the artificial version is not as good as the natural, version, they surprisingly go for around the same prices.

Ease of use: the natural thin stone veneer comes with pre-cut corners and full thickness. It also does not add any extra weight to the surface.

Stress-free installation: natural thin stone veneer installs with ease just like its artificial counterpart. Within no time, you will complete the installation process.

Flexibility: there are many options available for natural thin stone veneer. You can choose from the various colors, grains, types of stone/brick and textures available. You can also decide on one of the many face options available.

Vast uses: when it comes to uses, you will love what the natural version can do. It easily blends in with many surfaces. You can install it on wood structures, drywall, on top of brick surfaces, concrete blocks, and stucco. Whether outdoor or indoor, it will still blend in.

Where to purchase thin stone veneer.

With the many technological advancements, you can now comfortably buy thin stone veneer online. There are many stores available for thin stone veneer sale. Browse through this stores to see if any of them has what you have in mind. You can also go through reviews from the customers and experts. It helps when it comes to making a decision. The suppliers also have teams of experts who can advise you accordingly. Feel free to call them, share your ideas, and they will deliver just what you need.

Thin stone veneer prices vary from one supplier to the other. Go through various sites to determine the cheapest. Take note that the sellers have different delivery times. Some will deliver your product within one business day while some might even take a week. Therefore, it is good that you consult them on this in case you need your thin stone delivered soonest possible. There are also some ‘offline’ shops that sell thin stone veneer. They too are found online. The majority have websites through which you can get contact details and directions.

Selecting the best thin stone veneer.

The best thin veneer stone ;should be one that is design friendly. Regardless of the nature of your project, the thin stone veneer should fit in perfectly. It should also be eco-friendly. A natural thin stone veneer that does not change with time and with regards to changes in the weather best matches the ‘eco-friendly’ tag. It should further not tamper with the surroundings. The best way to determine if the thin stone veneer goes by the above criteria is to read widely. Read customer reviews online as well as expert reviews on the thin stone veneer you choose.;

Natural Thin Stone Veneer: The Benefits, Where to Buy and How to Choose

Many people to do their projects, whether complete construction or home improvement, using natural thin stone veneer and there is good reason it has proven to be a great, affordable alternative finish that has a natural look. It can be used for all kinds of projects including walls, sidewalks, interiors, terraces and even paving walkways. As a homeowner, you will be choosing one of the best and longest lasting finishes if you choose to use thin veneer stone. Let us look at some of the benefits in detail:

It is long lasting. If you think that brick will last longer you are wrong. Thin veneer lasts just as long and requires little or no maintenance over the years.

It is very light. This means that it is easy to deliver at the construction site, it is easy to work with and best of all, contractors tend to complete their projects faster because the material is easy to install.

It is natural looking. Many people want their homes to look natural both on the outside and the inside and natural thin stone veneer is a good way to achieve this. The other great thing is that it doesnt discolor with age.

It is highly affordable. If you are having a problem affording full size bricks then you should know that natural thin stone veneer costs far less sometimes as much as 3 times less. It also helps you cut overall labor costs because your project is finished faster.

The stone is veneered by the vendor so you dont have to bother with any special equipment.

As it is light, this is the perfect finish when there are load concerns on walls. It can be added without altering much in terms of weight.

It can be used with a variety of other finishes. The beauty of thin stone veneer is that since it is natural it can be made to look great with almost anything. If you want to improve the look of one of the walls in your home, for instance, you dont have to touch the finishing on the rest of the walls just install thin stone veneer and you have a brand new and much improved look.

Where should you buy natural thin stone veneer?

It is important that you find a vendor who will give you a good deal. Since there are many of them around you may have to narrow the list down by talking to them and looking at their products. The important thing to ensure is that your thin stone veneer will be delivered at your construction site without much fuss and that the vendor sends along people to get it off the truck and into your storage area. Depending on the size of your project you may also want to find a vendor who can give you reasonable discounts. You should also look for a vendor who is close to your site as this reduces transportation costs.

What should you look for when buying natural thin stone veneer?

This finish is natural so there isnt much that you should watch out for. That said, the vendor should ensure that his veneers are cleaned up a little without losing their natural look. This allows for direct installation without builders having to chip and shape the veneers.

Using Natural Thin Stone Veneer for a Great Finish for Your Texas Project

Whether you are constructing a commercial or residential building, one of the most important things to do is install a great looking finish that will last. Natural thin stone veneer is a good choice. It is made, as the name suggests, from natural stone. The stone is sliced into veneers using diamond bladed saws. There are many natural thin stone veneer Texas companies that supply this finish. If you are not sure whether it is the right material for your project, consider that it comes with the following advantages:

Most people choose it because it is more affordable than full stone veneers. Construction projects are never cheap and project managers are looking to cut costs where they can. This finish comes at a price that many can afford without compromising quality. Whether installed inside or outside, it can last for decades without losing its good looks.

It weights a lot less than thin stone veneers and this has 3 benefits. The first is that a thin stone veneer Texas company is not a big deal they are not worried as it doesnt take a lot of labor to load on and off the truck and it also costs them less. The second is that it is easier to work with. Although some may imagine that because it is thin it is harder to install, the thinness actually makes it easier to work with. The third benefit of this finish being light is that it is delivered faster you can do two loads in the time it takes to do one of full stone.

You can shave off a big chunk of time on your construction project if you choose thin veneer stone. As it is easier to work with, contractors tend to finish working with it bin half the time that it takes them to finish installing other finishes.

If your construction is comprised of several storeis then weight is an issue. One way of reducing the load on your walls is to contact a natural thin stone veneer Texas company and buy their finish. Because this finish is light it tends to add very little to the overall load of the wall.

It is a great finish for small rooms because it doesnt take up much space. While thicker materials can be up to 6 inches deep, natural thin stone veneer is usually between .75 inches and 2 inches deep.

You get a natural looking finish which is more than can be said for some of the other finishing materials that are available in the market.

How best to work with thin stone veneers

Natural thin veneer is not suitable for all projects, it is up to your contractor to advice on whether it can be used on your particular project. That said, the exclusions are very few and it is suitable for most residential and commercial buildings. Before you call a natural thin stone veneer Texas company to deliver, take the following into account:

Your contractor may be opposed to the idea of having to do the veneers on site. If this is the case you should look for a thin veneer stone Texas company that does the veneers themselves and delivers a ready-to-use product.

Some areas of the construction, such as corners, keystones, lintels and more require heavier masonry. Your contractor can use full stone veneers for these.

The walls where veneers will be installed cannot be repaired later so by the time the veneers are installed all repairs should have been done. They should also be framed properly.

How do you whether natural thin veneer is right for you?

If you are not an expert in finishing you may be wondering whether you should instead choose thick stone veneers for your project. The truth is that only a professional can help you decide. If you have doubts start by talking with your contractor. The experts at the thin stone veneer Texas shop are also in a position to advice. If your worry is the cost then you should ask them to provide you with stone veneer prices in Texas. That said, choosing thin stone veneers is a good idea because they are cheaper than most other finishes and they last just as long as thick stone veneers.

Visit us on Houzz for more home Thin Stone Veneer projects. You can also see our listing on Mantra.

How to Install Thin Stone Veneer on a Retaining Wall

Thin stone veneer is one of the most commonly installed finishes on retaining walls it is beautiful and it is also long lasting. For those who love DIY projects, you will be happy to know that you can install stone veneer walls yourself with just a little guidance. It doesn’t take that long and if you do it as directed the result will be just as good as a professionally done job.

Get started by calculating how much material you will need. You don’t want to run out and have to buy additional supplies in the middle of your project. It is always better to have a little left over than to run short. Calculate the square footage of the wall so that you can know how many thin veneer bricks you will need and also how much mortar will go into it. After that, follow the following steps:

1. Start by cleaning the wall completely. You must get rid of old paint, debris and basically anything else that may get in the way of the bricks adhering to the wall. Depending on the condition of the surface you may need to use a sandblaster over it a little.

2. The next step is to mix the mortar. The best kind is called Type S because it is per-blended. You can buy it at the same place where you bought the thin stone veneers. There are manufacturer instructions on the packaging that tell you how much water you should use.

3. Make sure that the bricks are also clean of debris. If you want to shape them this is the time to do it. Arrange all your stones and see if they form that pattern that you want.

4. Now it is time to install the bricks starting at the corners. Dampen the back of each stone and then apply a layer of mortar on it. Between one and two inches of mortar is enough depending on the thickness of the veneers. Press the stone into the retaining wall and make sure that it is in the desired position. After you do this on the whole wall you then have to fill the gaps with grout. Clean away any bits that may stick to the bricks so that you have a clean looking wall in the end.

Installing thin stone veneers is one of the easiest DIY projects you can do in your home. If you are not very sure of yourself start with a small portion of retaining wall and see if you like the results.