Can You Install Stone Veneer Over Brick?
Can You Install Stone Veneer Over Brick?
Installing stone veneer is an affordable option for those seeking a natural stone-like appearance, but looking to cut down on costs. Stone veneer mimics stone quite well, with the only downside being that it’s not a renewable resource nor is it meant to last forever the way natural stone is. For homeowners looking to improve their homes, adding a fresh wall facade through stone or stone-like materials is one of the easiest ways to elevate its appearance. Stone veneer is commonly applied on the exterior of the home, and for homes made of brick, can be a huge upgrade. However, the question stands: can you install stone veneer over brick? Read on to learn more about stone veneer, and see how you can install it on your property.
What Is Stone Veneer?
Stone veneer is a building material that resembles natural stone. This faux stone is a man-made material, designed to perfectly replicate the look of natural stone. Even those with the most observant eyes find it difficult to tell the difference between stone veneer and natural stone.
How Is Stone Veneer Made?
Stone veneer has been manufactured since the late 19th century. It is made of Portland cement, lightweight natural aggregates, and iron oxide, the last of which is used as a pigment for coloration. It actually has a slightly similar composition to sanded grout, with both incorporating Portland cement. The mixture is then poured into cast molds for a natural rough and unique texture like regular stone.
How Is Stone Veneer Installed?
Veneer is very versatile and lightweight, allowing it to be used in more places than normal stone. Normal stone is quite heavy and may require structural adjustments before installation depending on the project. The stone veneer installation process is quite simple. All it takes is prepping the desired surface for strength, applying a mortar mixture (which acts as glue), and then pressing on veneer. Stone veneer can be installed over wood-framed walls, metal-framed walls, CMU block, brick, and even concrete. Afterward, it will need to have its joints filled with grout for extra stability and a clean-looking surface.
Can Veneer Be Installed Over Brick?
As mentioned above, veneer can certainly be installed over brick. However, it’s easiest to trowel mortar onto the brick and then apply the veneer. Veneer requires a good surface to stick to. A scratch coat is usually applied over the brick, which has a firm yet porous surface for veneer attachment. The exception to this is with painted brick. Painted brick cannot have a wet scratch coat applied directly to it, which is because paint isn’t porous the way bricks are. Similarly, brick that is sanded smooth or very crumbly won’t provide a strong enough surface for either the scratch coat or the veneer.
How to Prep Brick Surfaces
For brick surfaces that don’t seem ideal for veneer applications, you do have a few options. The first is attempting to repair the brick itself by power-washing it to create a fresh, porous surface free of paint, oil, or crumbling pieces. Other options include installing metal lath or cement boards. Both give your framework stability and act as a new underlayment for the veneer.
Impression’s Stone Materials
At Impression, our stone materials include marble, limestone, and reclaimed terracotta. Unfortunately, we do not offer stone veneer at this time, simply because we love natural stone materials! Natural stone lasts longer, is an eco-friendly option, and will last for centuries if properly cared for. If you’d like to skip the veneer and instead choose natural stone, get in contact with Impression today! We’ve made hundreds of houses into dream homes, and yours could be next!
