Are You Thinking of Installing Man-Made Stone Veneer? - Consider Your Options For Grouting Methods
When planning your stone veneer project take the time to ask your local supplier to show you samples of different grout options.
The look you are trying to achieve can be changed drastically with each technique.
The grout technique that is chosen plays a huge factor in the finished outcome of your project.
The first and most common grout choice is the raked joint.
This is when the mortar is recessed enough to accent each individual stone.
The key to this is allowing the mortar to dry long enough, but not too long before dressing the joints.
If you do it too early after grouting the mortar will stain the stone.
If you wait too long the mortar joint will be very uneven.
Always remember the weather plays a big factor in the drying time of the mortar! The next most popular technique is the dry stack look.
This method requires a bit more skill and patience of all methods.
When fitting the stone I highly recommend using a small 4" grinder with a diamond blade to help you with fitting each stone.
Do not forget your safety glasses, ear protection, and dust masks! Also use an acrylic bonding agent in your mortar as you install the stone simply because you do not have grout between each stone to help bond each stone to your substrate.
Another option is the over grouting method.
This is achieved by placing the mortar with your grout bag (which looks like a large pastry decorating bag!) all the way to the outer edge of each stone.
You will want to finish the joints earlier than you would with the raked method because staining the stones will be less noticed.
You can use a burlap bag to finish the joints flush with the each stone.
The goal is to achieve the "Rustic" or "Old World" look.
This option is great for a homeowner that chooses to install the stone.
It is the most forgiving of all methods.
The look you are trying to achieve can be changed drastically with each technique.
The grout technique that is chosen plays a huge factor in the finished outcome of your project.
The first and most common grout choice is the raked joint.
This is when the mortar is recessed enough to accent each individual stone.
The key to this is allowing the mortar to dry long enough, but not too long before dressing the joints.
If you do it too early after grouting the mortar will stain the stone.
If you wait too long the mortar joint will be very uneven.
Always remember the weather plays a big factor in the drying time of the mortar! The next most popular technique is the dry stack look.
This method requires a bit more skill and patience of all methods.
When fitting the stone I highly recommend using a small 4" grinder with a diamond blade to help you with fitting each stone.
Do not forget your safety glasses, ear protection, and dust masks! Also use an acrylic bonding agent in your mortar as you install the stone simply because you do not have grout between each stone to help bond each stone to your substrate.
Another option is the over grouting method.
This is achieved by placing the mortar with your grout bag (which looks like a large pastry decorating bag!) all the way to the outer edge of each stone.
You will want to finish the joints earlier than you would with the raked method because staining the stones will be less noticed.
You can use a burlap bag to finish the joints flush with the each stone.
The goal is to achieve the "Rustic" or "Old World" look.
This option is great for a homeowner that chooses to install the stone.
It is the most forgiving of all methods.
