How To Install Natural Stone Stacked and Split Face Ledgestone

​Natural stone stacked ledgestone and split face stone cladding are popular wall covering options for many applications, including fireplaces and feature walls.
The success of any installation depends on the job preparation and ledgestone requires several techniques which differ from a regular tile installation, because of the weight and thickness of the stone. So, to ensure the success of your ledgestone installation, make sure to follow these tips!

First, natural stone ledgestone is heavy and the extra weight on the building assembly needs to be accounted for.  Use a calculation of ~15lbs per sqft to give you an idea how much extra load your wall, supporting floor and joist structure will have to handle.  It's recommended that you consult an engineer to ensure the added weight will be OK for your building. 
Likewise, installation over 10ft in height should also be approved by an engineer.  The engineer may require a ledger strip and or anchors will be used when installing ledgestone above 10ft. Always consult and follow local building codes before beginning your project.

Once your substrate has been approved for weight, you need to prepare the surface. There are two ways to prepare the wall substrate.

Option 1

Attach 1/2” thick cement board panels to the wall. 
Fasten the boards using “cement board screws” to studwork 16” on center. 
Place a fastener every 6“ along the studs, penetrating at minimum 1” into the wood.
Tape the cement board seams with alkali resistant fibermesh tape
Mud the cement board seams with tiling thinset and let cure. 
*Refer to TTMAC for further cement board installation tips.

Option 2

Attach steel diamond lath to the wall sheeting. Use roofing nails to fasten the lath to the substrate. The nail head must be large enough to secure at least three strands of lath.
Place fasteners every 6“ on centre along the studs, penetrating at minimum 1” into the wood. 
Over the lath, spread a “scratch coat”,  of thinset mortar.
Use a wall rated modified thinset with high bond strength.
Using the flat side of a trowel, spread thinset over the lath to a smooth even thin layer, covering the entire lath and then let cure.
*Refer to local building code for further lath installation guidelines.

​Once the substrate is prepared, you can install the ledgestone.
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Using a large notched trowel (ie: 3/4” U-Notch), comb a layer of thinset to the wall, spreading horizontally.  Using the flat side of your trowel, “backbutter” a layer of thinset onto the back of your ledgestone. This ensures that the ledgestone is receiving full mortar contact.

With the thinset still wet / fresh, press the ledgestone firmly into the wet mortar. Make sure to offset the seams as you install more pieces, for a staggered effect. If the thinset skims over before you can install the piece, remove the thinset and apply fresh thinset. 
Once you have finished installing the stone, wait for it to cure according to the manufacturer's guidelines. And you're done! 
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Enjoy your beautiful natural stone! ​

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