

Splitter Creek Veneer
High Quality Veneer Stone
INSTALLATION
Including Cleaned and Untreated Concrete, Masonry, or Concrete Stucco
Step 1: Calculating Materials
Before you can begin the installation project, you will need to calculate the proper amount of material for your thin stone veneer project.
How Much Stone Do You Need?
Begin by figuring the square footage of the area you plan to cover with stone (length x height). If your project includes cornerstones, deduct 0.5-0.8 square foot for each linear foot of corners that you will utilize.
Measure all doors and windows (length x height) and subtract this amount from the area you plan to cover
Example:
If Your project is 10 feet long and 10 Feet high (10X10=100 Square feet (SF) ) You have a window that is 5 feet wide and 4 feet high (5X4=25 Sf) The total square feet of stone needed is 75Sf (100-25= 75 sf)
For outside corners we supply corners on a linear foot bases. Simply Measure the corner from top to bottom
Note: 1 Linear foot of corners is equivalent to 0.5-0.8 sf of flats
Splitter Creek always recommends ordering 5-7% extra for Waste and cuts
Not Sure? Message Splitter Creek and we can help calculate your stone needs.
Mortar Joint Size
One aspect to consider when calculating your materials is the size of the mortar joint between the pieces of stone. Most stone is packaged assuming a 1/2" mortar joint. If your joint will vary (such as a dry-stack or over grout application) adjust your estimates accordingly.
Step 2: Surface preparation
Stone veneer can be installed directly to these surfaces if clean and absent of any paint or debris. Be sure to inspect new concrete to insure there is no release agents (form oil) on the surface. If release agents are present, etch the surface of the concrete with etching agent. Surfaces that have been painted must be sandblasted or otherwise stripped of paint. Surface must be free of paint, dust, or dirt. If cleaning of surface is too difficult, metal lath may be affixed to the surface with concrete nails. In accordance with local building codes. Stop metal lath 1" from finished edges. Be sure to wrap all corners, overlapping the metal lath at least 6" It is also recommended to install lath if cracks or spalling of base materials is present.
We have tried to be as descriptive as possible with our instructions. At first glance they may come across as mind boggling, complicated and simply impossible for some. However, you could not be further from the truth. While installing veneer stone can be hard work, it is also very rewarding and will be something that you can be proud to say, "I did that !". One rule that we were taught when we were learning to be a bricklayer was, 'What looks complicated is almost always simple.' Follow our steps and you will have success. Please remember you will always be able to talk to us if you need assistance.
Now that you have purchased our stone it is time to install it !

Step 3: Preparing Your Stone for Installation
To achieve the best results, there are a few things you should take care of before starting your stone veneer installation.
Plan Your Layout:
Before applying the stone, it is a good idea to lay the stone out flat to determine the sizing and colors of each individual piece, how they will be laid out for your project, and if any trimming is necessary. Attempt to keep joints a consistent height and width. Normally vertical and horizontal joints should be staggered to prevent long, unbroken lines that may draw the eye to a particular area.
Trimming the Stone:
If cutting the stone is necessary, a Skill saw, grinder or tile saw with either a dry or wet cut diamond or masonry blade will work. You may also want to use a masonry hammer to break the stone, giving it a more natural appearance. A nipper can also be used to trim small amounts off the stone.
Clean the Stone:
Be certain that the surface of the stone is free of dust, dirt, or any loose particles. If necessary, wash the stone completely.
Step 4: Installing the Stone Veneer
You will be affixing the stone veneer to the Block concrete or brick using a stone veneer mortar. Below are the steps involved.
Mixing the Mortar:
Use our pre-blended, polymer fortified spec mix mortar and water known as SVM (Stone Veneer Mortar). Message Splitter Creek for available products and tips. Mix according to manufacturer's directions.
Installing the Stone:
It is recommended to install all corner pieces first before installing the field. It is also recommended to work your way from the bottom to top.
Use a masonry brush or sponge to dampen the back of the stone, but do not saturate it. This prevents the stone from pulling moisture away from the mortar allowing it to dry naturally and with a stronger bond.
To lay the stone, use a masonry trowel to butter the back of the stone with 1/2" to 1" layer of mortar. Using your trowel, create a ridge around the outside back of the stone. This will create suction when putting the stone in place, which will help to hold the stone until the mortar sets up. Lay the stone against the wall, pressing and rotating slightly, forcing some of the mortar to squeeze out freely.
Step 5: Grouting and Tooling
Once the stone has been affixed to the surface using mortar, the joints, or gaps between the stone, will be filled with grout.
Filling the Joints:
Use Pre-blended Type S mortar. Using a grout bag, cut a hole approximately 1/2" in the tip of the bag (if hole is not already provided). Fill your grout bag about half full with your grout mixture. Twist the top end of the bag and squirt a small amount into a bucket to prevent air pockets. Fill all the joints between the stones with about a 1/2" layer of mortar (more or less depending on the desired effect and joint size.)
Tooling the Joints:
As the grout stiffens thumbprint dry, tool to the desired depth using a joint tool. Brush the joints with a whisk broom to smooth them out and clean away any loose mortar. Grout is ready for finishing when it crumbles away like sand when brushed. If the grout smears or falls away in large chunks, it is still too wet for brushing or striking. Finally use a soft bristled brush to sweep the dust off the stone. If there is any white smudges on the stone or surrounding area us a 50/50 mix of vinegar and water and a soft cloth or brush to clean up
BRICKLAYER'S TIP
ALWAYS DRAW FROM 4 OR 5 BOXES OF STONE TO ENSURE UNIFORM COLOUR DISTRIBUTION





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