How to Install Stone Veneer Siding: A Quick Guide | Bordner

Adding stone siding to your home can be one of the best ways to make it look better while increasing its value. With modern technology making the process simpler, stone siding installation now comes with various options you can consider for different situations, needs, and budgets. 

But if you’re unfamiliar with how to install stone siding and don’t know where to start when approaching stone veneer siding installation, even considering the project can seem like an overwhelming task.

What is Stone Veneer Siding?

Stone siding is an increasingly popular way to decorate a home's exterior and sometimes even interior. It looks great and has many unique benefits, making it a smart choice for your next home improvement project. Other types of siding such as wood could deteriorate over time and lead to a costly wood rot repair bill. Yikes!

In essence, stone siding is a decoration that makes the exterior of the building look like stone. Natural stone can sometimes be used for siding, but in most cases, installing stone veneer panels is more practical, as they are lighter, more affordable, and easy to cut. 

Veneer stone is an engineered stone that’s made to look like a natural stone. This type of product is constructed using cement and various aggregates, creating an almost uncanny similarity to natural stone, without the drawbacks such as the added weight, difficulty to cut, and higher cost.

Even though veneer stone is not suitable for construction because it can’t hold much weight, it’s ideal for decorating your home. It will provide much more flexibility and ensure the veneer stone siding looks perfect throughout your house.

There are many benefits to using veneer for stone siding installation. These include:

• Long Lasting - When installing stone veneer siding, one of the main things you want to ensure is that it will last you for a long time. The project can be complicated and time-consuming, so you will enjoy the result to last for many years. The good news is that stone veneer is durable and can withstand harsh outdoor conditions. High-quality stone veneer can have a warranty of around 80 years, so you can realistically expect it to last even longer.
• Versatile - Another significant advantage of stone veneer is its versatility. It’s light and easy to cut and work with, making it an excellent material for complex siding projects requiring precision and customization.
• Cost - Finally, price is something most people consider when choosing a material. With stone veneer, you can enjoy a much more affordable alternative to natural stone, especially when you factor in that the installation is usually simpler because stone veneer is easier to handle.
  

Average Cost of Stone Siding Installation:

It’s impossible to begin the process of stone siding installation without clearly understanding the costs of the process. And just as with any type of construction work, it’s impossible to provide averages that will apply to every situation. That’s because each project is simply too different, with unique client preferences and varying challenges that will need to be overcome.

That being said, some rough estimates and averages can be used to at least understand how much you might need to spend to complete a veneer siding project in your home today.

For starters, it’s essential to know that the cost calculations will begin on a per-square-foot basis. That usually means that if you have a larger home, you will have more square footage to cover, which will form the primary variable in the cost of your project.

Today, you can expect to pay anywhere from around $30 to $50 per square foot of veneer siding on your home. If we do the math and calculate how much it would cost to add stone siding that costs $45 per month on a 2,000-square-foot home, we’d get a rough estimate of around $90,000. However, for a larger house of approximately 3,000 square feet, the price would rise to $125,000. 

If you’re keen on reducing the costs of stone siding installation, there are other compromises you might want to consider besides the quality of the materials. For instance, you could go for a partial project, which means you would only install stone veneer on one part of your home, serving as an exterior accent or as decoration for the bottom half of the house.

How to Install Stone Veneer Siding

There are many reasons to consider stone siding installation in your home. Whether you want to improve the appearance of your siding or repair and cover up some of the damage that has developed over the years, using stone veneer can significantly boost your home’s value.

The good news is that getting it done is possible in almost any situation. Let’s go over the main steps you should be aware of below.

Prepare the Materials

Before getting started, make sure you prepare the necessary tools, such as a cut-off grinder and a trowel. You’ll also need the materials to install the stone sliding, including mortar, masonry nails, and the stone veneer itself. It’s important to carefully evaluate how much materials you will need and the challenges you will face. However, if you don’t have prior experience with stone siding installation, figuring out how to install stone veneer panels can be a complicated process that might not go smoothly the first time.

Remove Old Siding

If any old siding is present on your exterior, you will need to thoroughly remove it before you can begin adding the new one. Although old siding can be left in some situations, it will almost always be better to start work on a clean and even surface. Doing this will prolong the lifespan and durability of the new siding, which you’ll appreciate in the long run.

Apply Building Paper

You’ll need to install some sort of moisture barrier to protect your house and the siding. You can use building paper, but consider using thicker types of paper to ensure that it offers adequate protection from moisture.

Install Metal Lath and Mortar

Lath serves as a base for plaster, providing more stability and ruggedness to your stone siding installation. Therefore, you’ll need to measure, cut, and install it over the building paper, securing it with screws. Then, you can apply mortar on the wire lath, allowing a coat to dry before moving on to the next step.

Start Adding the Stone Veneer

At this point, you’ll be ready to add stone veneer to your home's prepared exterior. Apply some mortar to the back of your stones and place the stone on the surface, holding it until it sticks in place.

Repeat the process, adding the stones until you fill the entire area.

Consider Opting for Professionals

As you can see, the process of figuring out how to install stone siding on your house is complicated and requires specialized tools, training, and experience. Without them, you can find yourself making crucial mistakes that could worsen the appearance of your home.

The good news is that you don’t have to take on the project alone. Today, it’s easier than ever to find a competent and available professional willing to come to your home and take care of everything. You can avoid doing all the work, take advantage of their expertise, and discover what would work best in your situation.

Turn to Bordner for Your Stone Siding Installation Needs

Stone siding installation can be one of the best ways to instantly revitalize your home’s exterior, significantly increasing the home’s appearance and value. But the process also involves many important decisions and complicated steps, which means those without experience might find it a bit too challenging.

Bordner Home Improvement can provide you with premium siding installation services, guiding you through the process from start to finish. Schedule a free consultation by calling (816)737-8619 or get a free quote today!