Many homeowners struggle with plain, uninspiring walls that lack character. Stone cladding offers a stunning solution to transform ordinary surfaces into impressive focal points with natural texture and timeless appeal. This guide walks you through every step of applying stone cladding onto walls yourself, saving thousands in contractor costs while achieving professional results. Read on to discover how this weekend project can dramatically enhance your home’s value and aesthetic appeal.

What You’ll Find in This Stone Cladding Installation Guide

• Understanding Stone Cladding
• Materials and Tools Needed
• Planning Your Stone Cladding Project
• Step-by-Step Application Guide
• Finishing Touches and Sealing
• Maintenance Tips
• Troubleshooting Common Issues
• FAQs About Applying Stone Cladding

Understanding Stone Cladding

Stone cladding refers to thin layers of stone applied to walls for decorative purposes. Unlike structural stone walls, cladding is primarily aesthetic, creating the appearance of solid stone construction without the structural requirements.

Types of Stone Cladding Available

Stone cladding comes in various forms, each with distinct installation methods:

• Natural Stone Veneer: Cut from actual stone, typically 1-2 inches thick
• Manufactured Stone Veneer: Made from cement products, lighter and often easier to install
• Stone Panels: Pre-fabricated panels with multiple stones attached to backing
• Stone Tiles: Regular-shaped, thin stone pieces installed similar to ceramic tiles
• Ledgestone: Horizontal layers of varying length stones
• Fieldstone: Rounded, irregular stones with rustic appearance

Benefits of Wall Stone Cladding

Adding stone cladding to your walls offers numerous advantages:

• Creates dramatic visual impact and architectural interest
• Increases property value
• Provides additional insulation
• Protects underlying wall structure
• Requires minimal maintenance once installed
• Works in both interior and exterior applications
• Offers exceptional durability compared to paint or wallpaper

Materials and Tools Needed

Essential Materials for Stone Cladding Application

Material	Purpose	Estimated Quantity
Stone cladding/veneer	Main decorative element	Calculate square footage + 10% extra
Cement mortar mix	Adhesive for stones	50 lb bag per 25-30 sq ft
Metal lath	Creates textured surface for adhesion	Wall square footage
Vapor barrier/house wrap	Moisture protection for exterior applications	Wall square footage + 10%
Staples	Securing lath	1 box per 100 sq ft
Masonry screws	For attaching lath to difficult surfaces	As needed
Cement board (optional)	Alternative backing for some applications	Wall square footage
Corner pieces	For clean edges around corners	Linear footage of corners
Concrete sealer	To protect finished surface	1 gallon per 200-300 sq ft

Required Tools for Stone Cladding Installation

• Tape measure and pencil
• Level
• Safety glasses and gloves
• Dust mask
• Utility knife
• Staple gun
• Hammer and masonry chisel
• Wet saw or angle grinder with masonry blade
• Notched trowel
• Pointing trowel
• Grout bag
• Joint tool or wooden stick
• Stiff brush
• Mixing bucket
• Drill with mixing paddle
• Wheelbarrow for mixing larger batches

Planning Your Stone Cladding Project

Assessing Your Wall Surface

Before applying stone cladding onto your wall, assess the existing surface:

• Brick, Block, or Concrete: Usually provides excellent base with minimal preparation
• Drywall/Gypsum Board: Requires additional reinforcement
• Wood or Metal Stud Walls: Need proper backing and moisture barriers
• Painted Surfaces: Must be scored or stripped for proper adhesion

Calculating Materials Needed

To determine how much stone cladding to purchase:

1. Measure the wall height and width in feet
2. Multiply to get square footage
3. Subtract area of any windows or doors
4. Add 10% extra for cuts and waste
5. For corners, measure the linear feet and order appropriate corner pieces

Pre-Installation Planning

1. Check Local Building Codes: Some areas require permits for stone cladding installation
2. Consider Weight: Ensure your wall can support the additional weight (especially important for drywall)
3. Plan Your Pattern: Lay out some stones on the floor to experiment with patterns
4. Create a Working Timeline: Most projects require 2-4 days including drying time
5. Weather Considerations: For exterior projects, check forecast for dry conditions

Step-by-Step Application Guide

Preparing Your Wall for Stone Cladding

Proper wall preparation ensures your stone cladding adheres correctly and lasts for decades:

1. Clean the Surface: Remove dirt, dust, and loose particles using a stiff brush
2. Repair Damages: Fill any cracks or holes in the base wall
3. Install Moisture Barrier: For exterior applications, apply house wrap or builder’s paper
4. Apply Metal Lath:
   • Attach galvanized metal lath with staples every 6 inches
   • Overlap seams by at least 1 inch
   • Ensure the rough side faces outward
   • For corners, bend lath rather than cutting
5. Apply Scratch Coat:
   • Mix mortar according to package instructions
   • Apply ½-inch layer of mortar over the lath
   • Score horizontal lines across the surface while still wet
   • Allow to cure for 24-48 hours

How to Apply Stone Cladding: Main Installation Process

Once your scratch coat has cured, you’re ready to apply the stone cladding:

1. Plan Stone Layout:
   • Work from corners inward
   • Mix stones from different boxes for color variation
   • Aim for balanced distribution of sizes and shapes
2. Start with Corners (if applicable):
   • Install corner pieces first, alternating long and short sides
   • Work from bottom to top for best structural support
3. Prepare Mortar:
   • Mix to consistency of peanut butter
   • Only prepare what you can use within 30-45 minutes
4. Apply Mortar to Stones:
   • Cover the back of each stone with ½-inch layer of mortar
   • Use the “butter” technique – apply mortar with pointing trowel
   • Create small ridges in the mortar for better adhesion
5. Press Stones into Place:
   • Push firmly against the scratch coat
   • Wiggle slightly to ensure good contact
   • Allow mortar to squeeze out around edges
   • Keep joints consistent (typically ½-inch apart)
6. Trim as Needed:
   • Use wet saw or angle grinder to cut stones for edges or outlets
   • Always wear safety equipment when cutting
   • Make cuts before applying mortar to stones
7. Continue Pattern:
   • Work in small sections (about 10 sq ft at a time)
   • Maintain level courses if using horizontal patterns
   • Step back occasionally to check overall appearance
8. Allow Initial Set:
   • Let mortar set for 30-60 minutes before filling joints
   • Remove any large mortar drips with trowel

Creating and Filling Joints Between Stones

After the stones have set but before mortar fully hardens:

1. Prepare Jointing Mortar:
   • Mix to slightly wetter consistency than setting mortar
   • Consider adding colorant if desired
2. Fill Grout Bag:
   • Transfer mortar to grout bag (similar to piping bag)
   • Twist top closed and squeeze to remove air bubbles
3. Apply Mortar to Joints:
   • Squeeze mortar into gaps between stones
   • Fill joints completely but avoid excessive overflow
4. Tool the Joints:
   • Wait until mortar becomes thumbprint-hard (30-60 minutes)
   • Use joint tool or wooden stick to compress and shape
   • Create consistent joint style (concave, flush, or raked)
5. Clean Stone Surfaces:
   • Use whisk broom to remove loose mortar
   • Wait 1-2 hours, then clean stone faces with damp sponge
   • Avoid getting mortar joints too wet

Finishing Touches and Sealing

Cleaning the Completed Stone Cladding

After your mortar has fully set (24-48 hours):

1. Remove Any Haze:
   • Wipe down with clean water and soft brush
   • For stubborn residue, use manufacturer-recommended cleaner
   • Rinse thoroughly to remove all cleaning agents
2. Allow Complete Drying:
   • Let wall dry completely (3-7 days depending on conditions)
   • Ensure no moisture remains before sealing

Sealing Your Stone Cladding

While optional for some interior applications, sealing helps protect your stone cladding:

1. Choose Appropriate Sealer:
   • Penetrating silane/siloxane sealer for exterior applications
   • Acrylic sealers for interior applications
   • Always choose products specifically designed for stone
2. Application Process:
   • Use sprayer, roller, or brush as recommended by manufacturer
   • Apply thin, even coat
   • For most sealers, two coats provide optimal protection
   • Allow recommended drying time between coats (typically 2-4 hours)
3. Test Results:
   • Water should bead on properly sealed surface
   • Reapply sealer every 2-5 years, depending on exposure

Maintenance Tips

Maintaining your stone cladding ensures its beauty and longevity:

Routine Care for Interior Stone Cladding

• Dust regularly with soft brush attachment
• Wipe with damp cloth for deeper cleaning
• Use pH-neutral cleaner for occasional deep cleaning
• Avoid acidic cleaners that can damage stone and mortar

Exterior Stone Cladding Maintenance

• Rinse with garden hose seasonally to remove dirt
• Check for loose stones or cracked mortar annually
• Reapply sealer every 2-5 years
• Keep vegetation trimmed away from stone surfaces
• Clean algae or moss growth with specialized stone cleaner

Signs Your Stone Cladding Needs Attention

• White powdery residue (efflorescence)
• Loose or missing stones
• Cracking mortar joints
• Water staining or persistent dampness
• Change in stone color or texture

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Common Problems When Applying Stone Cladding

Problem	Possible Causes	Solution
Stones falling off	Inadequate mortar application, poor wall preparation	Remove loose stones, clean back, reapply with fresh mortar
Uneven appearance	Insufficient planning, poor stone distribution	Plan layout before application, maintain consistent joint width
Mortar staining on faces	Delayed cleaning, incorrect mortar consistency	Clean promptly, use proper consistency, consider darker mortar
Efflorescence (white powder)	Moisture penetration, mineral deposits	Apply appropriate sealer, improve drainage around exterior walls
Cracking in mortar joints	Structural movement, improper mixing	Use flexible additives in mortar, repair cracks promptly
Water penetration	Poor sealing, gaps in application	Seal properly, ensure complete joint filling

How to Fix Damaged Areas in Stone Cladding

For minor repairs to your stone wall cladding:

1. Remove Damaged Stones:
   • Use chisel and hammer to carefully remove affected stones
   • Clean out old mortar completely
2. Repair Underlying Surface:
   • Check for moisture issues
   • Repair scratch coat if damaged
3. Install Replacement Stones:
   • Select stones similar to surrounding area
   • Apply fresh mortar using same technique as original installation
   • Match joint style and depth
4. Blend Repair Area:
   • Match mortar color to existing
   • Consider slight aging techniques to blend new and old areas

FAQs About Applying Stone Cladding

Q: How long does it take to apply stone cladding to a wall? A: For a standard 100 sq ft wall, expect 2-4 days total including preparation and drying time.

Q: Can I apply stone cladding to any type of wall? A: Most walls can accept stone cladding with proper preparation. Drywall requires additional support, while masonry walls need minimal preparation.

Q: Do I need special skills to apply stone cladding myself? A: Basic DIY skills are sufficient. The most important factors are careful planning and patience during application.

Q: How much does DIY stone cladding cost compared to professional installation? A: DIY installation typically costs 30-50% less than professional installation, with materials representing the majority of the expense.

Q: Can stone cladding be applied in bathrooms or near fireplaces? A: Yes, but these areas require special consideration for moisture and heat resistance. Use appropriate backing and sealers.

Q: How much weight will stone cladding add to my wall? A: Natural stone veneer adds approximately 15-20 pounds per square foot, while manufactured stone typically adds 8-12 pounds per square foot.

Q: Can I install stone cladding over existing tile or brick? A: Yes, provided the existing surface is sound and properly prepared with metal lath and scratch coat.

Q: What’s the difference between dry-stack and mortared joint installation? A: Dry-stack creates the appearance of stones without visible mortar joints, while mortared joints show defined mortar lines between stones. Dry-stack still requires mortar behind stones for adhesion.

Conclusion: Your Stone Cladding Success

Applying stone cladding to your walls transforms ordinary spaces into stunning showcases of natural beauty and texture. By following this comprehensive guide, you can successfully complete this project yourself, saving money while adding significant value to your home.

Remember these key points for success:

• Proper wall preparation creates the foundation for lasting results
• Quality materials make application easier and more durable
• Patient, methodical installation prevents common problems
• Regular maintenance preserves your stone cladding’s beauty

Whether you’re creating a dramatic accent wall indoors or enhancing your home’s curb appeal outside, stone cladding offers one of the most dramatic transformations possible for the DIY enthusiast. With these techniques, you’ll achieve professional results that will be admired for decades to come.