Prepare the Surface Apply a water resistive barrier to exterior surfaces from the bottom up, and 2.5 lb/ sq yd or 3.4 lb / sq yd corrosion resistant lath to interior and exterior surfaces. Hang the lath horizontally. Overlap the lath 6 inch on the vertical and 2 inch on the horizontal seams. Wrap the lath around corners.
Mortar Mixture Scratch coat: 1 part Portland or Type S cement to 2 parts sand. Setting bed: 1 part Portland or Type S cement to 2 parts sand. 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 acheive an applesauce-like consistency.
Scratch Coat Use a masonry trowel to spread an even layer of cement over and into the holes of the wire lath. Use a medium-bristled brush to lightly rough up the scratch coat. Drying time will range from 2 to 24 hours.
Applying Stone Install corners first, working from the top down. Note: When working with stackable patterns, work from bottom up. Thoroughly wet the scratch coat prior to applying setting bed of mortar and stone. The back of each stone should be evenly buttered to a nominal 3/8" thickness. Firmly work the stone onto the scratch coat with a slight back and forth or rotating motion. Mortar should ooze out around the stone during the setting process. Cut the stone using any power saw with masonry blade. Be sure to wear safety glasses and a dust mask.
Applying Brick Course out the brick using a chalk line. Install every other row and then come back to fill in the adjacent rows. Install corners first, working from the top down. The back of each brick should be evenly buttered to a nominal 3/8" thickness. Firmly work the brick onto the scratch coat with a slight back and forth or rotating motion. Mortar should ooze out around the brick during the setting process. Cut the brick using any power saw with a masonry blade. Be sure to wear safety glasses and a dust mask.
Applying the Grout Cut a 1/2 inch hole in the tip of your grout bag. Fill the bag approximately half full with grout, then twist the top end of the bag closed. Squeeze a small amount of grout back into the bucket to eliminate air pockets. Gently squeeze the grout into the joints. Let grout dry until it is firm, but not solid, and use a hardwood stick to strike the grout to achieve the desired effect by scraping along the joints to give the project a clean, finished look. Finally, sweep the dust off the stone using a medium bristled brush.
