TO EXISTING WOOD FRAME CONSTRUCTION: Any existing wall surface of wood or wood-type products that provides a firm base for stone veneer must first be covered with 2.5 Diamond wire mesh on interior applications. use Tilath or same wire mesh backed with 15 lb. felt paper on exterior applications. Felt paper join overlaps require 2" on horizontal joins . . . 6" on vertical joints. Diamond-type, woven wire metal lath is then nailed every 6" on centers into the studs as in step 1. Stone veneer is installed following steps 2 through 5.

TO MASONRY: Stone veneer may be applied directly to a masonry wall provided the wall's surface is clean, steps 3 through 5 should then be followed. Painted or sealed masonry must be cleaned by sand blasting or covered with metal lath (using 1" masonry nails) before stone veneer can be installed.
 

TO METAL STUDS: Stone veneer can be applied to metal studs (18 gauge min.). Diamond-type metal lath, backed with 15 lb paper, is then secured to the studs with no. 8 self-tapping metal screws spaced 6" on centers. Screws should penetrate studs no less than ¼". Stone veneer can then be installed using 'scratch coat' method as in steps 2 through 5.

1

2

3

4

5

1 INSTALL METAL LATH. (Diamond-type/27" wide, 96"long/18 gauge, 1" woven wire stucco mesh/3.4 or 2.5 lbs per yd./corrosion resistant) Install lath sheet horizontally across wall. Wire diamonds in lath form pockets which must be turned up to catch and hold the cement. Run your hand down the lath from top to bottom. It should feel fairly smooth going down and very rough coming up. Nail the lath to plywood, drywall, etc. Use ¼" galvanized roofing nails, making sure they go through wall surface and into studs at least 1". Studs are usually placed 16" apart. nails should be driven every 6" down each stud. Keep lath flat against the wall...no sags or bulges. Trim away excess lath with wire snips.

 2 APPLY "SCRATCH COAT". Mix one bag of Portland-type cement or Type S mortar with 15 gallons of clean sand. Add water and blend to a creamy, paste-like mixture (enough to install 80 sq. ft of stone). If lath is loose in spots, use a trowel and spread a thin layer of this mixture to completely cover the lath. After drying, this will provide a rigid backing and assure firm bonding of the stone veneer.

3 POSITION THE STONES If an outside corner is involved in your job, it should be installed first. Then work away from the corner using regular stones, mixing large stones with small ones for the most pleasing effect. To set the stones, prepare the cement exactly as in step 2. Now, take a stone and apply the cement to its back...about ½" thick, so it "cones up" in the center. Press the stone firmly against the wall and wiggle it from side to side. This will set the stone. If the cement is the right consistency, the stone will stay in place. Adjust the mix if necessary. As you install other stones, keep a ¼" space (joint) between them. If needed, cut or trim the stones with a trowel, masonry saw, nippers or hatchet. Use a clean, wet sponge to wipe any excess cement from face of stone.

4 MIX GROUT AND FILL JOINTS.To make the grouting compound, use 1 bag of masonry mix and 15 gallons of clean sand. Add enough water to yield a creamy paste. If desired, add color (iron oxides) to the grout following instructions on color box. Fill your grout bag with about 2 quarts of the paste. Take a twist on the large end of the bag and insert the small end in the joint area between the stones. Apply firm, even pressure and the grout will flow from the bag into the joint. Move the bag down the joint until it's filled, then proceed to the next joint. Keep grout off the face of the stone. If dripping occurs, clean the stone with a clean, wet sponge. NEVER USE ACID FOR CLEANING.

5 FINISH OR "STRIKE" THE JOINTS. As grout begins to firm, use a wooden stick (flattened on one end) to "strike" or level the grout in the joints. Be sure to fill all holes, gaps or openings. Finally, sweep all joints and stones with a stiff bristle brush to eliminate loose sand particles. Wire brushes are not permissible.

SEALING (OPTIONAL AND UNNECESSARY ON MOST JOBS) Sealing can be accomplished with a good grade masonry sealer. Allow the stone veneer wall to dry, then follow manufacturer's instructions. Check with your Centurion representative to determine if sealing is necessary on your particular job.