Step1: Prepare the Surface
A. Apply exterior surfaces with a moisture barrier starting from the bottom upward, and put on a 3.4 diamond wire lath for the surfaces’ interior and exterior
B. The lath should be hung horizontally. The lath should be lapped over 2” on the vertical and 6” on the horizontal seams. Then, wrap the lath around the corners.
Step 2: Mixing the Cement
A. Scratch coat: 1 part Portland Cement. 2.5 parts sand.
B. Mortar: 1 part Portland, 2 parts sand.
C. Grout: 1 part Mason’s cement to 2 parts sand. Dry mix sand and cement together in a wheelbarrow or mud box. Continue mixing and add water slowly until you get a more pasty substance
Step 3: Scratch Coat
A. After the cement mix, use a masonry towel to apply an even layer over the entire wire lath, including the holes. Use a brush to roughen the scratch coat a little. Allow 24 hours for drying.
Step 4: Apply Stone
A. Put in the corners first and begin from the top working down. Apply 1/2 inch mortar layer to the stone’s back side, place it against the wall, and shake gently into place.
B. Cut stone with power saw.
C. Cut a half inch hole in the grout bag’s tip. Fill the bag with cement half full and twist it’s top. Squeeze some back into bucket to rid air pockets.
D. Squeeze grout in the stone, then let it dry. Make sure it is firm, but not very hard. Take and use a stick to wipe around the stone. Lastly, remove sand with a brush.
Quantities of material needed
1. How to determine the total project square footage
Multiply the length of the area covered times the height of each surface area to be covered. Then subtract the area of all opening such as, doors and windows. Add 10% for waste and cut.
2. How to determine the lineal footage of corners
Measure the lineal feet of the outside corner area to be covered, including any doorways and window that’s will have corners. Add 10% for waste and cut.
3. How to know and determine the square footage of flat stone required.
Divide the lineal footage of corner stones needed by half and subtract it from the total project square footage. This gives you the total square footage of flat stone required. However, acquiring extra pieces is recommended for trimming and tight fits.
How to prepare for different surfaces
Over Sheetrock, paneling, wallboard, plywood or other rigid wood related sheathing.
Wall surface needs o be covered with a weather resistive barrier. Barrier shall be equal to the U.B.C Standard No. 14-1 for Kraft waterproof building paper or asphalt-saturated rag felt. Building paper shall be applied horizontally with the upper layer over lapped the lower layer not less then 2 inches. If vertical joints occur, the paper shall be lapped not less then 6 inches. From there install a 2.5 lb diamond mesh expanded metal lath or a 18 gauge woven wire mesh.
Lath sides need to be overlap by no less than 3/8 inch and lath end by no more than 1 inch. The spacing for nails or staples should be 6 inches on center vertically and 16 inches on center horizontally, penetrating studs a minimum of 1 inch.
