Thinking about adding stone veneer to your home? Smart move! But if you've never been through a stone installation project before, you probably have questions about what actually happens, how long it takes, and what you need to do to prepare.

Let me walk you through the entire stone veneer installation process, step by step, so you know exactly what to expect. No surprises, no confusion—just a clear picture of how your project will unfold from that first conversation to the final reveal.

Initial Consultation

Everything starts with a conversation. During your consultation, we'll:

• Assess your space - Every home is different. We need to see your space, understand your vision, and assess what you're working with.
• Understand your goals - What look are you going for? Where do you want stone? Do you have specific materials in mind, or are you open to suggestions?
• Discuss timeline - When do you want this done? Are there any scheduling constraints we should know about?
• Educate and guide - We'll explain your options, discuss materials, and answer all your questions.

This consultation is free and no-obligation. It's a chance for you to learn, ask questions, and figure out if we're the right fit for your project.

Material Selection

Once you've decided to move forward, it's time to choose your stone. This is one of the most exciting parts!

• See actual samples - We'll show you actual stone samples, not just pictures. Stone looks different in person, and you need to see it in the lighting of your actual home.
• Match existing materials - If you're trying to coordinate with existing materials, we'll help you get the right match or complementary contrast.
• Select your pattern - Different stone patterns create different looks. We'll show you options and explain how each would work with your home's architecture.
• Calculate quantities - We'll measure carefully and calculate exactly how much stone you'll need, including a bit extra for cuts and potential waste.

Pre-Installation Planning

Before we can start swinging hammers, there's some important prep work:

• Detailed proposal - You'll receive a written proposal outlining the scope of work, materials, timeline, and investment. Everything's in writing so there's no confusion.
• Permits and inspections - Depending on your location and scope of work, permits might be required. We handle pulling permits and scheduling inspections where needed.
• Schedule confirmation - We'll nail down specific dates for when we'll start and our expected completion timeframe. We coordinate around your schedule as much as possible.
• Material ordering - Once everything's confirmed, we order your materials with enough lead time to ensure they arrive before we're scheduled to start.

The Installation Process

Now let's get into what actually happens during installation.

Site Preparation

Before any stone goes up, we prepare properly.

• Protect your property - We lay down drop cloths, put up protective barriers, and make sure your landscaping, existing siding, and surroundings stay safe.
• Stage materials - Stone, mortar, tools, and equipment get staged in a location that's convenient for the crew but out of your way.
• Set up access equipment - If we're working on upper stories, we'll set up scaffolding or lifts. Safety is paramount, and proper access equipment ensures quality work.
• Check weather conditions - We monitor weather conditions closely. Stone installation requires the right temperature and dry conditions for proper adhesion and curing.

Surface Preparation

The surface receiving your stone needs proper prep—this is foundational to a successful installation.

• Clean existing surfaces - Existing surfaces get thoroughly cleaned to remove dirt, oil, or anything that would interfere with adhesion.
• Inspect substrate - We verify that the substrate is sound, level, and able to support the stone veneer. Any issues get addressed before proceeding.
• Install moisture barrier - A water-resistive barrier goes up to protect your home from moisture infiltration. This is critical and non-negotiable.
• Attach metal lath - In most cases, metal lath (a wire mesh) gets installed over the moisture barrier. This gives the mortar something to grip.
• Apply scratch coat - A base coat of mortar gets applied over the lath and allowed to cure. This creates the surface the stone will adhere to.

This prep work isn't glamorous, but it's what ensures your stone stays put and performs well for decades.

Layout Planning

Smart installers don't just start slapping stone on the wall. There's planning involved.

• Dry layout - We lay out the pattern, mixing stone from different boxes to ensure good color variation and avoid obvious repeats.
• Plan cuts - We identify where custom cuts will be needed—around windows, doors, corners, and edges.
• Determine starting point - Installations usually start from a corner or bottom edge and work outward/upward, but the specific starting point depends on your particular project.
• Preview - Sometimes we'll dry-fit a section first to show you exactly how it will look before permanently installing everything.

Stone Installation

This is where the magic happens.

• Mix mortar - We mix mortar to the proper consistency for your specific stone and conditions. This isn't one-size-fits-all; different stones and weather conditions require adjustments.
• Apply mortar - Mortar gets applied to both the wall and the back of the stone (called "buttering") to ensure full contact and strong adhesion.
• Place stones - Each stone is carefully placed, checked for level, and secured. Stones are often slightly wiggled into place to achieve good contact and squeeze out excess mortar.
• Maintain spacing - Depending on your desired look, stones might be tightly fitted or have visible grout joints. We maintain consistent spacing throughout.
• Monitor appearance - We continuously step back and assess the overall look, making adjustments to ensure even color distribution and natural appearance.
• Custom cutting - Custom cuts happen throughout the process for edges, corners, and around obstacles. Precision cutting is crucial for professional results.

Corner Details

Corners require special attention to look right.

• Mitered corners - Stones are carefully cut and fitted to meet cleanly.
• Corner pieces - Many stone styles come with pre-made corner pieces that wrap around edges. Where they don't, we create custom corners through careful cutting and fitting.
• Natural appearance - The goal is corners that look natural and integrated, not obviously "tacked on."

Grouting (If Applicable)

Not all stone installations require visible grout, but when they do:

• Mix grout - We mix grout to the specified color, which can match the stone, contrast with it, or blend somewhere in between.
• Apply grout - Grout is carefully applied between stones, filling joints completely.
• Tool joints - Joints are tooled (shaped) for a consistent, professional appearance and to ensure water sheds properly.
• Clean stone faces - Excess grout is removed from stone faces before it sets up hard.

Final Touches

As the installation nears completion:

• Clean all surfaces - All stone faces get cleaned to remove mortar residue, dust, and any other materials.
• Inspect joints - We inspect all joints to ensure they're properly filled and finished.
• Detail work - All edges, transitions, and terminations get final attention to ensure they're crisp and clean.
• Touch-ups - Any spots needing attention get addressed.

Sealing

The final step in most installations:

• Choose sealer - The right sealer depends on your stone type, location, and exposure.
• Application - Sealer gets evenly applied according to manufacturer specifications.
• Curing time - Sealer needs time to cure properly—usually the stone shouldn't get wet for 24-72 hours after sealing.
• Benefits - The sealer protects against staining, makes cleaning easier, and can enhance the stone's color.

Final Walkthrough & Cleanup

Before we consider the job complete:

• Project review - We walk through the completed project with you, showing you the work and addressing any questions.
• Complete cleanup - All materials, equipment, tools, and debris get removed. We leave your property clean.
• Disposal - Leftover materials and packaging get properly disposed of or recycled.
• Extra materials - We typically leave you with a bit of extra stone and touch-up materials for future needs.

Timeline: How Long Will This Take?

The million-dollar question: how long will this take? Here's what affects your timeline:

Small Projects (1-3 Days)

• Fireplace surrounds
• Entry accent walls
• Small accent features
• Foundation accents around front entry

Medium Projects (3-7 Days)

• Full fireplace wall, floor to ceiling
• Multiple accent walls
• Front facade of typical home
• Outdoor kitchen or fireplace

Large Projects (1-3 Weeks)

• Full exterior of home
• Multiple large walls
• Complex designs with lots of detail work
• Large commercial projects

Factors That Affect Timeline

• Weather - Rain or extreme cold can delay work. Mortar needs proper conditions to cure.
• Complexity - Intricate patterns, lots of windows and doors, or challenging access extends the timeline.
• Project size - Obviously, more area takes more time.
• Site conditions - Difficult access, extensive prep work, or unexpected issues can add time.
• Inspection requirements - If inspections are required, we might need to pause for inspector availability.

Preparing Your Home

Make your project go smoothly by:

• Clear the work area - Remove furniture, decorations, and items near the work zone. The more clear the space, the more efficiently we can work.
• Protect valuables - Move anything you're concerned about to a completely different area.
• Plan for dust - Even with precautions, construction creates dust. Seal off adjacent rooms if needed.
• Communicate special needs - Let us know about any pets, special access needs, or concerns before we start.
• Be available - Especially on day one, being available for questions helps ensure we're on the same page.
• Provide access - Our crew and equipment need parking access close to the work area.

What to Expect During Installation

Daily Routine

• Arrival times - Crews typically arrive in the early morning (we'll give you specific times).
• Noise levels - There will be noise from cutting tools, though we try to keep it reasonable.
• Dust management - Some dust is inevitable, especially during cutting. We use dust control measures but can't eliminate it entirely.
• Access restrictions - Depending on where we're working, certain areas might be off-limits during installation.
• End of day - We clean up at the end of each day, but things will look like a construction zone while work is ongoing.

Living Through Construction

• Access to your home - We make sure you can still access your home normally—we work around your life, not the other way around.
• Break times - Crews take lunch and breaks. Sometimes that's a good time for you to check in if you'd like.
• Communication - Good contractors keep you informed about progress and any issues that arise.

Common Questions

• Can I watch? - Absolutely! Many homeowners enjoy watching the process. Just stay at a safe distance and wear closed-toe shoes near the work area.
• What if I want to change something? - Small adjustments are usually fine. Major changes might affect timeline and investment, so it's best to nail down decisions beforehand.
• What if you find problems? - Sometimes we uncover issues with existing structures during prep work. We'll discuss options and how to proceed.
• What about weather delays? - Weather delays happen. We'll keep you informed and reschedule as needed.
• Do I need to be home? - Not necessarily, once work begins. As long as we have access, we can work while you're at work or out.

After Installation

Immediate Care

• Curing time - Mortar needs time to cure. Avoid touching or disturbing the stone during this time.
• Moisture protection - Keep the stone dry during initial curing. No watering plants near it, no washing it yet.
• Traffic avoidance - If stone was installed near walkways or high-traffic areas, limit use for a day or two.

Long-Term Care

• Initial cleaning - After a few weeks, you can do a thorough cleaning if needed.
• Regular maintenance - Occasional hosing or gentle cleaning keeps things looking fresh.
• Periodic resealing - Depending on the stone and exposure, plan to reseal every few years.
• Inspection - Periodically check joints and stone for any issues that might need attention.

What Makes a Quality Installation?

Not all stone installations are created equal. Quality work includes:

• Proper prep - Adequate substrate preparation and moisture barriers
• Consistent appearance - Even color distribution, natural-looking pattern
• Clean joints - Uniform, well-tooled joints where applicable
• Tight cuts - Custom cuts around obstacles fit precisely
• No visible mortar errors - No smears, stains, or sloppy excess mortar
• Solid adhesion - Stones firmly attached with full mortar contact
• Level installation - Courses run level, patterns align properly
• Professional corners - Clean, natural-looking corners and edges

Why Professional Installation Matters

Could you DIY stone veneer? Maybe. Should you? That's a different question.

Professional installation ensures:

• Proper moisture management to protect your home
• Compliance with building codes
• Techniques that ensure long-term adhesion
• Professional-looking cuts and details
• Efficient timeline
• Problem-solving when issues arise
• Warranty and guarantee on workmanship

Stone veneer installation looks simpler than it is. The difference between amateur and professional work is obvious and permanent.

Ready to Get Started?

Now you know what to expect from start to finish. No mysteries, no surprises—just a clear process that results in beautiful stone veneer you'll love.

Throughout Newnan, Peachtree City, Fayetteville, and the greater Atlanta metro area, we guide home owners through this process every day. We believe informed clients are happy clients, and we're here to answer questions every step of the way.

Let's talk about your project: Request a free consultation or call us at [phone number]. We'll walk you through the process specific to your situation and help you understand exactly what to expect.

‍

Hearn Masonry provides professional stone veneer installation throughout Newnan, GA, and the Atlanta metro area. From initial consultation through final cleanup, we're committed to quality work, clear communication, and creating beautiful results that last.

‍