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Condensed Stone Veneer Installation Guide
Professional Guide for Residential and Commercial Projects
Created: January 2025 | Revised: October 2025 | Doc ID: STY-IG-DSVG
Document Name: Condensed_Stone_Veneer_Installation Guide_v2025-10-12
TL;DR — Quick Reference (1 Page)
Purpose
Install Stoneyard natural thin stone veneer correctly the first time using the LATICRETE MVIS system.
Working Conditions
Install between 40–90 °F. Protect from rain, frost, and direct sunlight until cured.
Core Steps
- Plan stone color, pattern, and joint style. Build a mockup.
- Measure square footage and add 10–15% waste.
- Identify surface type: masonry, framed, interior, or exterior.
- Apply waterproofing where required.
- Blend from multiple pallets for color consistency.
- Dry-lay starter course and corners.
- Trim stones using Hardie, Chipper, or Hammer.
- Mix MVIS Hi-Bond Mortar to creamy, non-sag texture.
- Back-butter stones and test bond coverage.
- Set from the bottom up, starting with corners.
- Fill and tool joints with MVIS Pointing Mortar.
- Wait 7 days before cleaning with Vana Trol or water.
- Seal only if needed, using breathable sealers.
- Control temperature and curing during extreme weather.
- Inspect for uniform joints, tight bonds, and clean faces.
- Correct loose stones, haze, or efflorescence promptly.
Common Pitfalls
Skipping waterproofing, weak mortar coverage, poor blending, and leaving acid residue.
Key Products
MVIS Air & Water Barrier, MVIS Hi-Bond Mortar, Prosoco Vana Trol, Stoneyard shaping tools, and HCA-approved stone.
0. Scope and Preparation
This guide covers installing Stoneyard natural thin stone veneer on walls, fireplaces, columns, and foundations.
Use for both residential and commercial applications.
Tools Needed
Hardie splitter, carbide chipper, thin stone hammer, notched and margin trowels, buckets, brushes, and safety gear.
Note: Use LATICRETE MVIS mortars and waterproofing for system compatibility. Reference ASTM C1780 for professional standards.
[Insert Diagram: Wall section showing veneer, mortar, waterproofing, and substrate layers]1. Design Decisions
Select the stone color, pattern, and joint style that fits the design.
Build a 3 ft × 3 ft mockup with the actual mortar color to confirm the final appearance.
Pro Tip: Order corners first. They define realism and are not interchangeable with flats.
Warning: Joint style affects coverage and waste. Finalize before ordering.
[Insert Photo: Three mockups — Tight Joint, Standard Joint, Over-Grout]2. Material Takeoff
Measure total wall area and subtract openings.
Add 10–15% extra for trimming and waste.
Order flats by square foot and corners by linear foot.
Note: Tight joints require more trimming and waste.
3. Jobsite Conditions
Determine whether the installation is interior or exterior.
Exterior and wet-area projects require waterproofing and proper drainage.
Use HCA-rated stone for freeze-thaw or coastal conditions.
Pro Tip: In extreme temperatures, use tents or heaters to maintain stable conditions.
[Insert Photo: Enclosed cold-weather installation setup]4. Substrate Preparation
- Concrete or CMU: Clean, sound, and flat. Apply two coats of MVIS Air & Water Barrier.
- Brick: Remove paint, repair cracks, flatten with Hi-Bond Mortar if needed.
- Cement Board: Fasten to framing, tape seams, apply two coats of MVIS Air & Water Barrier.
Warning: Never bond veneer directly to plywood, gypsum, or OSB.
Pro Tip: Use a wet-film gauge to confirm 15–22 mils thickness per coat.
[Insert Diagram: Substrate build-up layers labeled with materials and thicknesses]5. Layout and Blending
Open multiple pallets to blend colors and sizes evenly.
Dry-lay a starter course to confirm joint spacing and fit.
Alternate long and short corners for a natural pattern.
Pro Tip: Keep long stones horizontal and step back often to check the overall layout.
[Insert Photo: Installer blending stones from multiple pallets]6. Trimming and Fitting
Score, split, and chip stones using a Hardie splitter, carbide chipper, and stone hammer.
Back-cut thicker pieces for tighter joints.
Wear eye and hearing protection.
Note: More trimming produces a tighter joint look but increases waste.
[Insert Photo: Stone being split with Hardie tool and hammer]7. Mixing MVIS Hi-Bond Mortar
Add clean water per bag instructions. Mix to a creamy, non-slump texture.
Allow to rest for five minutes, then remix without adding water.
Note: Use within 30 minutes. Discard if stiff or skinned over.
Warning: Do not use Type S or unmodified mortars. Only MVIS Hi-Bond provides proper bond strength.
[Insert Diagram: Proper mortar consistency shown on trowel]8. Scratch Coat (If Needed)
Apply a 1/4–1/2 inch leveling coat to uneven surfaces.
Score horizontally before setting stones.
Pro Tip: A flat wall reduces squeeze-out and speeds installation.
9. Back-Butter and Bond Test
Apply mortar to both the wall and back of each stone.
Press firmly and slide slightly to ensure full contact.
Remove one test stone per batch to confirm 95% mortar coverage.
Pro Tip: Keep a margin trowel handy for adjusting stones on the wall.
Warning: Dust, paint, or moisture on the substrate can weaken adhesion.
[Insert Photo: Installer back-buttering stone before installation]10. Setting Stones
Start at the corners, then work upward and inward.
Maintain consistent joint width and spacing.
Use spacers if needed for jointed designs.
Do not tap or hammer stones into place—press evenly instead.
Note: Step back regularly to confirm the pattern and blend are balanced.
[Insert Photo: Corner-first installation showing alternating long and short pieces]11. Grouting and Pointing
After the stones have set, fill joints with MVIS Pointing Mortar.
Pack joints firmly and tool to the desired profile.
Lightly brush before final set to remove crumbs and soften edges.
Pro Tip: Recessed joints add depth and shadow; over-grout gives a traditional look.
[Insert Photo: Installer pointing and brushing stone joints]12. Cleaning
Allow at least seven days of curing before cleaning.
Pre-wet the surface, apply Prosoco Vana Trol diluted per label, scrub gently, and rinse several times with clean water.
Warning: Never apply cleaner to a dry surface. Always pre-wet and rinse thoroughly.
Note: For interiors, use Safety Klean or water with a soft brush.
[Insert Photo: Technician cleaning wall with soft brush and rinse hose]13. Sealing (Optional)
Natural stone does not require sealing.
If sealing is desired, use a breathable silane/siloxane sealer.
Always test on a sample board first.
Pro Tip: Avoid sealing in freeze-thaw regions unless you plan to maintain it over time.
[Insert Photo: Sealed vs. unsealed stone comparison samples]14. Cold or Hot Weather Adjustments
In cold weather, warm materials to about 70 °F and use heated enclosures.
In hot weather, dampen the substrate and provide shade.
Maintain stable conditions for at least seven days after installation.
Note: Rapid drying or freezing weakens mortar bonds. Control temperature and humidity as needed.
[Insert Diagram: Heated winter tent installation setup]15. Final Inspection
Check for consistent joints, pattern alignment, and color blending.
Remove excess mortar before it hardens.
Confirm corners and transitions are secure.
Photograph the finished wall for documentation and approval.
Pro Tip: Walk the project with the homeowner or GC before final cleanup for sign-off.
[Insert Photo: Completed stone wall showing consistent joints and color]16. Typical Issues and Corrections
Even well-done installations can show minor issues as they cure. Address them early.
Loose or Hollow Stones
Usually from poor mortar coverage or dusty surfaces. Remove and re-set using fresh Hi-Bond Mortar with full back-butter coverage.
White Haze or Surface Film
Occurs when cleaning residue remains. Rewash with clean water and a soft brush until clear.
Efflorescence (White Crystals)
Caused by moisture movement through the wall. Brush off when dry and improve drainage or flashing if it returns.
Uneven Joints or Misalignment
Often from skipping layout lines. Snap guides and check alignment every few feet.
Color Variation or Patchy Blend
Happens when working from a single pallet. Always blend from multiple pallets.
Mortar Smears or Stains
Appear when mortar is left to dry on the stone surface. Brush gently before full set. Never use metal brushes.
Freeze-Thaw Damage
Results from trapped water behind veneer. Check waterproofing, flashing, and drainage. Replace damaged pieces as needed.
Pro Tip: Keep a short daily inspection checklist. Small fixes now prevent costly rework later.
[Insert Photo: Example of efflorescence and correction cleaning process]###END###`