Putting stone veneer over brick exterior is a process done to improve the appearance of interior or exterior walls that have become outdated. Over time, it has caught much attention and therefore most homeowners find it the best way to improve the exterior of their houses and it looks best when installed by stone veneer contractors. Let’s discuss how you can put stone veneer over brick exterior along with the types.

Preparing A Base For The Stone Veneer

Back in the day, people used to either paint or stain their interior brick walls to improve the looks. However, stone veneer in many ways is a better option. It not only gives the interior a more modern look but also increases the resale value.

Furthermore, the process does not require removing any bricks to install stone veneer. Even though you can purchase and install manufactured stone veneer over brick, but the process is not as easy as troweling mortar on the brick and applying the stone veneer. The reason is that the brick must provide a stable surface for the veneer layer.

There are two popular methods of doing that. First, you can apply a wet scratch coat before applying the veneer, or secondly, use a cement board instead. This process avoids the scratch coat.

How To Apply Stone Veneer To Brick With A Scratch Coat?

Keep in mind that the scratch coat should not be applied directly to painted brick. The reason is that the brick surface is not porous and the painted brick will not accept the scratch coat. However, that does not stand for all unpainted bricks. Even if you have smooth-surfaced bricks, you will need to prepare them first before applying veneer.

To apply the stone veneer, prepare the brick surface with sand or water blasting the oils, dirt, and paint so that you have a fresh, porous surface. Then, you should apply a corrosion-free 18-gauge metal lath using masonry fasteners to the brick.

Make sure that the lath cups are pointing upward. Next, the horizontal and vertical seams should be overlapped by 1-inch. The corners should also be covered with a lath to give the framework more stability.

Finally, trowel the scratch coat over the metal lath. The mortar should go through the lath holes. Next, the mortar’s top should be troweled smooth to accept the veneer stone.

How To Apply Stone Veneer To Brick With Cement Board?

The cement board method is typically for those who wish to perform the process on their own. Experts advise installing a cement board layer over the brick and then installing the veneer. The cement board should be hard and flat even before it is applied to the brick.

Next, the mortar should be flattened using a trowel and a scratch coat. The best thing about the cement board technique is that the installation is cleaner and veneering can be done immediately. Then, the cement board is either nailed or screwed to the brick. The cement board also helps remove any minor imperfections in the brick.

Finally, a layer of mortar is applied so that the manufactured stone veneer sticks to the cement board. Make sure that you press each stone firmly into the mortar to allow it to stick properly.

Types Of Stone Veneer You Can Use

Manufactured Stone Veneer

Manufactured stone veneer resembles a real stone due to Portland aggregates, cement, and iron oxide pigments used. This product is also called a cultured stone or artificial stone. Although manufactured stone is comparatively heavier and more substantial when compared to polymer faux but does not tend to be as heavy as real stone. It is sold in individual stones and you need to install and mortar them individually.

Faux Stone

Faux stone does not include stone products and is instead made from high-density polyurethane. Plus, these are sold in panels rather than individual stones. This allows quick installation. The biggest advantage of using faux stone is that they do not require lath or scratch coats. It can be easily applied to painted brick.

Final Word

As this article reaches its conclusion, we are sure to have shared everything you need to know about putting stone veneer brick exterior. Choose your materials wisely and follow the steps mentioned above or hire a masonry contractor to give your fireplace or exterior walls the look you have always wanted.