Installing stacked stone can seem daunting for any DIYer, but with the right planning and preparation, it is quite manageable as a weekend project. Stacked stone adds beautiful texture and dimension to any interior or exterior space when installed properly. Here is what you need to know about working with this versatile natural stone material.
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What is stacked stone?
Stacked stone refers to stone veneer products made from thin panels of natural or faux stone. The panels are typically 0.5 to 1.5 inches thick and feature irregular edges that give the appearance of authentic full-thickness stone when installed. Stacked stone goes by many names, including ledgestone, fieldstone, and rubble stone.
Natural stacked stone is cut from quarries and then shaped and split into varied sizes and thicknesses. The natural stone colors and textures vary widely, from slate grays to tan limestone. Manufactured stacked stone replicates these aesthetics using cement, aggregates, and color pigments.
Benefits of stacked stone
There are many reasons stacked stone is a popular choice for home interiors and exteriors alike:
- Beautiful, natural appearance – Stacked stone looks like you used full slabs, with chiseled edges and varied shapes, sizes, colors and depths. It brings organic texture to spaces.
- Lower cost – Since it uses thin veneer panels, stacked stone is much more affordable than full natural stone slabs.
- Lightweight – Each stone panel is easy to handle and install. Total weight is lower than full slabs.
- Versatile – Use stacked stone on fireplace facades, kitchen backsplashes, wall accents, pillars, foundations, outdoor living spaces, and more. It’s suitable for contemporary to rustic aesthetics.
- Easy installation – Stacked stone uses a mortarless application over existing surfaces. No footings or heavy lifting required.
- Low maintenance – Stacked stone resists moisture and needs little ongoing care. It won’t degradation or warp like wood or other materials.
With so many positive attributes, it’s easy to see why stacked stone is a budget-friendly update that adds natural flair to many interiors and outdoor spaces.
Types of stacked stone
There are a few terms to know when selecting your stacked stone products:
- Ledgestone – Panels feature chunky, angular rock shapes. The ledgestone look has bold textural appeal.
- Fieldstone – Panels have smoother, rounded contours for a more subtle blended effect.
- Rubble stone – Rubble stone panels combine small and large pieces for a patched, timeworn appearance.
- Ashlar – Ashlar panels have square-cut, machine-cut faces similar to bricks. Ashlar has a neat, orderly look.
- Drystack – Drystack panels combine ledgestone and fieldstone looks but with significantly variable depths between pieces.
Choosing between natural and faux stacked stone comes down to budget, application (interior vs. exterior) and aesthetic preferences. Talk with your local stone supplier about product types, sizes, colors and textures available.
How to install stacked stone
One of the advantages of stacked stone is the simple installation. Follow these basic steps:
- Plan the layout – Map out the stone placement on your walls. Mix up stone sizes, colors and depths. Balance cut edges and high/low areas. Leave a 1/4 inch gap between panels.
- Prepare the surface – Surface must be flat, plumb, clean and free of old coatings. Apply weather barrier if needed.
- Apply mortar pads – Dab cement mortar thickly (at least 1/2-inch) to form pads where stone corners will adhere. Let it cure overnight.
- Apply corner stones – Adhere larger corner pieces first. Use spacers to leave proper gaps.
- Fill in center stones – Work horizontally from corners to fill in the field with a random pattern. Press pieces firmly into mortar pads.
- Let mortar cure – Leave the stone undisturbed for 24-48 hours. Mist occasionally to slow drying.
- Grout the gaps – Sweep away excess mortar. Pack grout tightly into the stone gaps. Wipe away excess grout. Let cure fully.
- Seal and protect (exterior only) – Apply stone sealer following manufacturer’s directions. Reseal every few years.
With some planning and prep work, the installation moves along quickly. The stone pieces themselves require no cutting or complex tools. Just take care to keep the stone edges aligned and gaps consistent. The end result will transform your space with beautiful stacked stone aesthetics.
Tips for easy installation
Use these pro tips and tricks for a smoother stacked stone project:
- Layout pattern rows with spacers on floor first to visualize final design.
- Number stone pieces on back to map placement; sketch larger layout for reference.
- Cut drainage mats or weed barrier to size and use between stone and wall surface for easier cleanup.
- Use wider grout lines (1/2 inch) on exterior applications for greater durability.
- Apply painter’s tape along mortar lines to keep surfaces neat while completing work.
- Have mortar ingredients pre-mixed nearby in 5-gallon buckets for quick, consistent application.
- Use thicker 3/4-inch pads on uneven wall surfaces to compensate.
- Let mortar pads fully cure before adhering stone (1 day minimum).
- Go slowly and double-check levels often using a 4-foot level tool.
Patience and proper prep are key to achieving clean results. But the work itself is straight-forward for an avid DIYer. If you can build with brick, wood or other materials, stacked stone installation is very achievable.
Tools and materials needed
Installing stacked stone does not require specialized tools. You can complete the project with basic home improvement gear including:
- Mason’s trowel
- Grout float
- 4-foot level
- Tape measure
- Caulking gun
- Spacers
- Mixing paddle and 5-gallon bucket
- Margin trowel
- Multitool or circular saw with diamond blade for any cutoff work
- Grout cleaning sponge
- Work gloves and eye protection
For materials, you will need:
- Stacked stone panels
- Thinset mortar modified for stonework
- Polymer-modified grout
- Concrete sealant or epoxy (for wet areas)
- Stone sealer (exterior only)
- Backer board, weather barrier, or other underlying surface prep materials
Talk to your local stone supplier about mortar and grout options. They can recommend products to pair with your specific stacked stone selection. Allow an extra 10-15% for cuts and waste material.
Cost to install
Stacked stone pricing depends on the square footage, type of stone, and installation labor. According to HomeAdvisor’s True Cost Guide, expect to pay:
- Stacked stone panels: $5 – $20 per square foot
- Thinset mortar: $25 – $50 per 50-lb. bag
- Stone sealer: $75 per gallon
- Professional installation: $6 – $15 per square foot
For the average 200 square foot project, total costs range from $1,500 – $5,000. Natural stone tends to cost more than faux. Professionally installing the stone adds 35-45% over DIY costs. Installation on a two-story exterior or high indoor surfaces also increases costs when equipment is required.
Here is a sample breakdown for installing 100 square feet of mid-range stacked ledgestone on a kitchen backsplash:
| Natural ledgestone panels | $800 |
| Thinset mortar | $50 |
| Grout + sealant | $75 |
| Misc. supplies | $100 |
| Total DIY Cost | $1025 |
This project could be completed over a weekend with about $1,000 in materials. Hiring a professional would add $500-1000 for installation labor.
Hiring a pro
For those not keen to tackle a DIY stone project, hiring a professional installer is recommended in these situations:
- First time installing stone
- Two-story exterior requires scaffolding
- High interior spaces over 10 feet tall
- Limited time for DIY work
- Need to cut detailed stone shapes
- Want to ensure correct structural preparation
Find a stone mason or tile/stone contractor with expertise in thin stone veneer installation. Be sure they follow building codes for your area too. A pro should assess the site, accommodate electrical or plumbing, prepare the wall surface properly, and complete the precision stonework efficiently.
Even if hiring a pro, you can save money by removing any old wall materials yourself beforehand. Provide all the stacked stone materials for them to install. Get multiple bids and verify estimated timeline and total costs for your specific project.
Maintenance
The beauty of natural stone is its longevity and durability. Basic maintenance is required, however, to keep stacked stone looking its best:
- Reapply sealer – Both natural and manufactured stone should be resealed every 2-3 years when used outdoors. Resealing protects stone from weathering or stains.
- Watch for gaps – If any new gaps appear, re-grout the area to prevent moisture intrusion behind the stone.
- Clean periodically – Wash stone with mild soap and water to prevent dirt buildup. Avoid harsh chemicals.
- Inspect for damage – Immediately repair any cracked, chipped or broken stone pieces and repoint mortar.
With proper installation and ongoing maintenance, stacked stone can last for decades of beauty on a home’s interior or exterior.
Conclusion
Creating a stacked stone feature brings natural beauty to any room or outdoor living area. While it requires careful planning and physical work, installing stacked stone panels is very doable for an experienced DIYer. Follow essential techniques like preparing the surface, using proper mortar and spacers, completing the intricate stone layout, and thoroughly grouting the gaps between pieces.
Patience is required, as working slowly with stone allows you to monitor alignments and levels. But the handsome stacked stone look is an investment that will add artful, timeless appeal. With the right tools, materials, and know-how, you can stack stone successfully.