Our backyard patio project

We wanted too add a maintenance free welcome feature to our backyard so my husband and I decided on a stone patio and matching walkway. Excited about our new project, I understood that building a stone walkway doesn't exactly take tip-top handyman skills. The natural stone's free form design gives you room to be creative. You don't have to cut and fit precise pieces.  Our design goal was to have a patio sitting area to enjoy with our friends, family and neighbors.

I knew that this project was going to take a devoted amount of time and energy so we cleared our schedule for the next few weekends. Luckily, my husband recruited an ambitious crew of teenage children and friends to start removing grass, dirt and gravel. If not, it probably would have taken us all winter.

During the week, I called multiple businesses to search for natural stone choices.  I knew that I wanted to use natural stone because of it's durability. Natural stone has been tried and tested throughout history.  Multiple neighbors, family and friends suggested natural thin stone veneer so after close consideration, I decided to search for natural thin stone veneer. Why, you ask? There were many reasons. It's as durable as the other stone options, long-lasting, abundant in quantity and design friendly.

The cost was also significantly less for thin stone veneer while all the other quality and design factors remained the same. So, why would I have payed more when I could pay less?  There are multiple natural hues and colors and different design patterns including like Chateau, Sonoma and Tuscany. You don't have to worry about cutting and fitting lots of pieces so I decided on a color and style I love, white Chateau.

White Chateau Pattern

My friend had told me about Salado Quarry.  It is an award winning stone supplier located in Salado,Texas with great prices and quality stone so I decided to visit.  Salado Quarry was so helpful.   They have been a large player in their local community so I was able to see some of their previous stone projects which helped my make my final design choices. Even better, I was impressed by their business organization, packaging and presentation.

Salado Quarry delivered our beautiful stone in perfect time and in excellent condition.  We could not be happier with out outdoor patio and walkway.  We inspired the kids to be more proactive and creative. We taught them a little about real estate investing and the importance of communication and research.  We were able to spend quality time with them and complete a family project that will live in our hearts even after they are grown.

How to install stone veneer

This process could be easy. Just be sure to make sure you get your area prepped properly before starting.

Natural thin stone veneer is a great way to enhance any area of your home, garden or landscape area. It can even be done inside your own home in the kitchen or around the fireplace. It way make the room or any garden have that extra wow factor and increase your home in value in return.

List of tools you will need

• Brick Hammer
• Masonry Brush
• Trowels (Brick, Notched, & Flat)
• Grout Bag
• Masonry Saw (Diamond Blade)
• Masonry Sponge
• Joint Tool

Let's review a few tips before you get started

• Keep your hands clean during the entire project. This goes for the stone veneer too - keep it clean and dry. Do not wet any of the bricks prior to installation
• Let the mortar to dry on the face of the stone - this is really important. Use a stiff brush when going threw the instructions. and apply clean water on your stone to remove the dull residue.
• Do not install the brick in the rain. This will not keep it dry!
• Keep any and all local building codes in mind! Do not use filtered water - water that has gone threw water softener.
• Stone should be at least 3" above grade level. This will prevent water from from saturating behind stone and causing damage.

First Step  - is calculating the materials

Before you get started - find out how much material you need.  When buying stone you want to get the entire batch of stone from the same vendor to ensure consistency to the stone color, size and weight.

Here is your calculation to figure out your measurement.

(Height)  x  (Length) = sq ft area.
Example :: 9 ft high x 10 long = 90 sq feet area

For the morter you can read on the side of the package how much will cover an area. Keep in mind that you will have 1/2 mortar joints.

Second Step - Prepping the area

Frame the area why plywood paneling and wall sheathing or flush metal siding

Prepping the surface:
Cover with weather resistant barrier. Be sure to overlap the joints to the stone veneer according to building code. Also wrap the corner to ensure that it is weather proofed.

Third Step - Scratch the surface

Place down the wire mesh with nails or a nail gun. 

Scratch the Coat with mixing material.
One part type s Masonry cement TO 2.5 part sand. Dry mix the sand and cement together and avoid clumps. Slowly add the water and continue to mix it evenly to ensure consistency. Continue to mix untill there is paste like form. Make sure not to add too much water.
Apply the mix to the mesh wall and take the trowel and scratch the surface to give it that ridged look.

Fourth Step - Get Stone Ready to apply

Now that the mortar is mixed get the stone veneer one by one and place them in the area you have designated them to be. Make any necessary trimming to the stone. This is best done before the mortar is mixed.
Place the stones on the scratched mortar. Push and wiggle the stone gently to ensure that is 'sticks' to the wall. This will create a 'suction' that will allow the stone to stick to the wall. Be sure to lay the stone about 1/2 from other lined bricks.

Fith Step and Last Step - setting the grout

Use pre-blended grout. Ensure you get the color you want - most popular one is a dark gray. Fill all the joints between the stone veneers.
Have your tooling ready to catch access grout. Brush any joints to brush the grout smooth.


Take a look at the video below. To get veneer stone in Texas one company comes to mind is Salado Quarry. Go to their facebook page

Remodeling your home with Thin Stone Veneer

Starting a new home renovation project. Have you thought about using Thin Stone veneer for your pathway or your fireplace. These are quick and easy ways to spruce up your home with out it hurting your pocket book too much.

Natural Thin Stone veneer comes in all sorts of colors and styles. Most importantly it will last a life time and beyond. After all it is stone. Be sure not to be fooled by getting the cheaper faux stone - this will not last and will not keep as long as you expect.

Even placing stone on the exterior of your home Natural Stone Thin Veneer will give it a welcoming look and be sure to turn heads. It will bring more value to your home and make you home look updated and almost new.