How to Apply Stone Veneer to an Outdoor Cabinet
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Highlights:
- Step 1: Wrap the Seams
- Step 2: Mix the Mortar in Small Amounts
- Step 3: Cover the Tape With Mortar
- Step 4: Place the Shims
- Step 5: Spread Mortar on a Stone and the Backer Board
- Step 6: Position the Stone
- Step 7: Pace and Repeat
- Step 8: Create a Lintel
- Step 9: Switch Mortar to Apply Stone to a Fire Pit
- Step 10: Use Shims as Spacers
- Step 11: Let Mortar Cure
Step 1: Wrap the Seams
Before applying thin-set mortar to the cabinet exteriors, wrap the seams and corners of the cabinet unit with fiberglass mesh tape (Image 1). Similar in function to tape used on drywall, the fiberglass mesh improves adhesion and makes it easier to achieve a good transition at the corners. Cut away any excess tape using a razor knife (Image 2).
Step 2: Mix the Mortar in Small Amounts
Attach the stone veneer with thin-set mortar. The epoxy-based mortar should be mixed with a regular mortar to achieve the consistency of cake frosting. Since this mortar sets up quickly, mix up only enough to set one or two stones at a time. Begin with enough to cover the fiberglass mesh tape.
Step 3: Cover the Tape With Mortar
Now cover the fiberglass tape with a layer of thin-set mortar. Make sure you get good coverage. Repeat this process on all of the corner joints and seams.
Step 4: Place the Shims
Before placing the stone, place 1/2" wooden blocks along the perimeter of the cabinet. The shim blocks help keep the stone in place as the mortar sets, and provide the 1/2" gap that will form the grout line.
Step 5: Spread Mortar on a Stone and the Backer Board
Spread a thin layer of mortar over the entire back surface of the stone and the portion of the counter wall where the stone will be placed.
Step 6: Position the Stone
Once the mortar is applied, carefully lift the stone into position. Once it's in position, move the stone back and forth slightly to solidify the mortar seal. Then check the final position.
Step 7: Pace and Repeat
Applying stone veneer is not difficult. Just remember to work on just one or two stones at a time. In that way, you can plan and custom cut the stones needed as you work. It also will prevent excess mortar from setting up too early.
Step 8: Create a Lintel
Because spacers can't be used to position the pieces of stone that run along the top of the cabinet unit, you'll need to create a lintel to hold the upper stone in place. We created ours out of a sheet of aluminum. Using deck screws, fasten the aluminum lintel around the cabinet openings. This will provide a ledge for the stone to rest on.
Step 9: Switch Mortar to Apply Stone to a Fire Pit
Applying stone veneer to the fire pit in our project is done following the same basic techniques that were used to apply the stone to the counter — except for the mortar used. Since these stones are applied directly to brick (rather than backer board), use standard brick mortar not thin-set mortar and apply it loosely to the stones.
Step 10: Use Shims as Spacers
Once the mortar is applied, position the bluestone sections in place, using wood shims as spacers as was done earlier. It's not necessary to spread mortar onto the fireplace surface; it's sufficient simply to apply it to the stone.
Step 11: Let Mortar Cure
After applying the stones to both the counter and fire pit, leave the shims in place and allow the mortar to cure for 24 hours. Then apply grout.
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