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Granite Facade With Bluestone Accent Dean and Derek transform a plain house front into an distinctive facade with stone-cold appeal. From "Rock Solid" episode DROC-307

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Wall Ties

As you build the stone up the wall, add wall ties. Wall ties are thin strips of metal that attach to the wall and are embedded in the mortar to give additional strength to the veneer work. Screw wall ties directly into the wall, spacing them about three to four feet apart (figures E and F). Using this technique, once everything dries, the stonework will be solid and nothing will pull away from the wall.

Figure E

Figure F

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Cutting Stone

As you set stone, you'll need to cut some pieces to keep the joint size consistent and maintain an attractive pattern. To cut the granite, use a carbide chisel and set and a stone hammer. Remember to wear your safety glasses. Mark the stone using a chisel where you want to make a cut. Using the chisel, score a line all the way around (figure G), then use your set, a thicker heavier tool, to make your cuts (figure H).

Figure G

Figure H

	Figure I
	Figure J

Setting Stone

• Check your stones as you set them to make sure they are plumb and that you maintain the depth at six inches form the house to the face of the stone. You may need to use shims to hold stones in place. For shims, you can use the chips of stone that come off when you cut (figure I), or you can use dry pieces of mortar.

• One of the great things about working with granite is that you can create many different looks because the stone is relatively easy to cut. Dean and Derek create a random rustic design. To create this look, they use many different sizes of stone, and many of the stones do not have straight lines. The joints also vary in size, from thick to thin. They also mix up the colors and use a seam face next to a split face (figure J). The seam face has a lot of color in it, while the split face is grayer in tone.

• Create a look that you like varying the color, size and texture of the stones. Cutting a stone can also change its character, so if you don't find something you need in the palette you can try to create it.

• Mix more mortar if necessary. The larger your area, the more mortar you'll need.

• Rock Solid Pro Tip: When you work with a partner on stonework, it's a good idea to switch sides because each person has a certain way of setting stone. If you switch sides then the stonework will be more uniform in style.
  
  
  

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  ALSO IN THIS EPISODE:
  	Granite Facade With Bluestone Accent