Everyone loves the idea of natural stone, but achieving that look can be quite expensive and sometimes just not feasible. That’s why a stone veneer is so popular and a great idea, especially if you’re taking on a DIY project.
You can put stone veneer over plywood quite easily if you prepare in advance and prepare your tools ahead of time. You’ll need to determine how much material will be necessary, install a metal lath, and apply a scratch coat.
Stone veneer can be just as beautiful as natural stone, but more cost-effective and easier to install. You can fool everyone around you into thinking you’ve upgraded your home to real stone without all the complications and difficulties actually doing so would involve.
Should You Put Stone Veneer Over Plywood?
It may sound like a silly idea to put a stone veneer over plywood, but as long as you prepare the plywood properly, it’s not only possible but often seen as a brilliant idea.
You can put a stone veneer over plywood without any difficulties if you do it right. You need to apply a weather-proof barrier and install a metal lath before applying a scratch coat, your stone veneer will look awesome.
What Tools Do You Need to Put Stone Veneer Over Plywood?
You will need the right tools to make sure that your stone veneer looks as good as possible and make the project easier for yourself.
There are several tools you’ll have to get ready for your stone veneer project. You’ll need a mason’s trowel, a grout bag, a weather-proof barrier, a level, and several other tools.
Here’s a list of the tools you need to have ready:
- Measuring tape
- Level
- Mason’s trowel
- Grout bag
- Whisk broom
- Weather-proof barrier
What Preparations Do You Need to Put Stone Veneer Over Plywood?
Putting stone veneer on plywood requires good planning so the project can be completed without too much hassle.
You will need to get all your tools ready and prepare the mortar that you’ll use for your scratch coat. Also, get the stones you want to use ready so you can just place them on the mortar without needing to cut them while working.
Keep in mind that you have to install a metal lath to give the project structure and you shouldn’t install the stones directly on top of the plywood. Doing that will risk the stones falling off or the mortar not setting properly thanks to lack of structure.
How to Put Stone Veneer Over Plywood
Putting stone veneer over plywood isn’t at all tricky or complicated, but you will have to make sure you get the right amount of materials so you don’t run out. You’ll also need to measure the surface you need to cover before starting the project.
To put a stone veneer over plywood, you should calculate the area you’ll cover, get all the tools ready and apply a weather barrier. Then you need to install a metal lath before applying a scratch coat.
It may sound very complicated, but once you get started, the installation will be fairly simple. Here’s how to put a stone veneer over plywood step by step:
Step 1
First, you need to calculate how much material you’ll need. You should calculate the surface of the plywood you want to cover by measuring the length and multiplying it by the height. If in doubt, buy more material than you think necessary to avoid running out of what you need.
Step 2
Next, you need to prepare your tools and get them close so they’re not out of reach when you need them. You’ll need a level, sheet metal cutter, measuring tape, and so on.
Step 3
You need to prepare your plywood surface by applying a weather-proof barrier. You should use two layers for extra assurance.
Step 4
Now you have to install a galvanized metal lath over the weather-proof barriers. It’s best to use a metal lath of at least two pounds, but heavier is better. Attach this metal lath with the small cups pointing upward.
Step 5
Next, apply a half an inch coat of mortar over the metal lath. Let it dry completely, which will take between one full day and two days. This is your scratch coat.
Step 6
Now it is time to get the stones that you will be using ready. Lay them out so you can choose which ones to apply over the scratch coat. Select colors and sizes that work well together, and vary the shapes for an interesting look.
Copyright protected content owner: ReadyToDIY.com and was initially posted on December 30, 2022.
Step 7
You will now apply the stones and need to gently wet your scratch coat. Use a mason’s trowel and apply an even layer of mortar to the back of the stone you’ll be placing. About half an inch should be thick enough.
Step 8
You should install the cornerstones first to make the overall installation easier. It’s best to work from the top down. Press the stones firmly into their respective places on the wall. Be sure to squeeze the mortar out around all the edges.
Step 9
The next step should be done gently but firmly. You need to wiggle the stones while you press them into the mortar to make sure they aren’t going to fall off. This will ensure a good bond as well.
Step 10
If you need to cut or shape any of the stones, you can use a mason’s trowel edge or wide-mouth nippers. For straight cuts, you can use a diamond saw blade.
Step 11
If you’re installing your veneer stone in a hot or dry climate (or onto a very dry surface), you should wet the stones and the surface. Doing so will prevent excess absorption of moisture from your mortar.
Copyright article owner is ReadyToDiy.com for this article. This post was first published on December 30, 2022.
You can brush water on the stone and surface, spray the water onto it, or dip the stones into a container filled with water. Let the excess surface water dry off for a few minutes before you place the stones.
Step 12
Once you’ve placed the stone, you will have to fill a grout bag with mortar and then fill the joints with the mortar. Make sure to force the grout into any voids that you’ve formed, but be careful that you don’t smear any of it onto the stone itself.
Step 13
If any grout does end up on the stones, you should let it set and brush it off with a whisk broom once it’s dry.
Step 14
Once the mortar joints have become firm after about half an hour to an hour, you should use a striking tool made of wood or metal to rake out the excess mortar. You should also force the mortar into the joints to make sure all the stone edges are sealed.
Step 15
Make sure all the stones are placed as you’ve planned them to be and let them set. That’s all there is to this! If you need to clean mortar spots off the stones, don’t use wet sponges or brushes because this will lead to smears and stains. Use a whisk broom once it’s dry instead.
ReadyToDIY is the owner of this article. This post was published on December 30, 2022.