How To Install Southern Ledge Stones
On Columns And Archways.
There are two big names in the
manufactured stone veneer business.
The first one
is undoubtedly Owens Corning and the
second one is Eldorado stone.
Both companies
manufacture ledge stones in many
color variations. However, Southern
ledge cultured stone made by Owens
Corning is perhaps the most popular
member of the manufactured stone
family. In this article I am going
to unfold the steps it took to
create two arched doorways in
Parkland, Fl using Southern Ledge
stones. This is the same house
where we
remodeled a fireplace using dressed
fieldstone. The owners liked how
the fireplace turned out and asked
us if we can create two arched
columns around the doors adjacent to
the fireplace.
I agreed and
placed the order at Brick America.
Before you order cultured stones you
have to take a few measurements,
such as the height and the width of
the area you wish to cover with
cultured stone.
If the area
includes corners it needs to be
ordered in linear feet. For more
detailed description of how to
calculate the square-footage needed,
check out our cultured stone
installation instructions page.
Upon arrival of
the cultured stones we inspected the
material and sorted out the content
of the boxes on the floor. This way
we had a better oversight of the
stones, which allowed us to pick the
right size and color for the wall. A
quick tip. If you install Southern
ledge stones on your own make a
decision on how you want the joints
look. Tight fitted or with a ½-an
inch mortar joint. In our present
example we installed the ledge
stones tightly fitted. First we
applied bonding agent on the area
where the stones needed to be
installed.
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Another tip to ensure
the best bond to the
wall is to wet the
stones and apply
thin-set mortar both on
the back of the cultured
stone and on the area it
will be installed. This
will ensure that the
cultured stone will
adhere to the wall
properly and actually
stay there for years to
come. |
However,
besides bonding agent and wet,
dustless surface it is crucial to
use the proper consistency of
mortar. As shown on the image above,
if too dry mortar was used the stone
will simply pop off of the wall
because there is not enough suction
created by the mortar. When the
mortar is in the right consistency
after pressing the stones lightly
onto the wall the pressure will
create a small vacuum between the
stone and the surface of the wall.
It is much like when your boots get
sucked off of your feet when you
stuck in mud.
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So back to the
installation. First we
needed to install the
ledge stones on both
sides of the door. It
was fairly easy however;
it required us to make
many cuts. The stones
extended to about twelve
inches on both sides. If
you venture out to
install your own stones
try to alternate both
the joints and the sizes
of the stones. Being
aware of the right color
variations of the
cultured stones is also
a good idea. Time to
time stand back and look
at the work you have
completed. If something
doesn’t feel right
change it, but if the
installation looks
pleasing to the eyes
just keep working. |
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After completion of the side
columns we needed to tackle
with the not too easy job of
building the frames for the
arches. Unfortunately I
don’t have a picture of the
frames but hopefully I can
paint the picture. We cut
some 2”x4” woods and some ½”
plywood. We made series of
1/8” cuts on the plywood so
it easily bent to the
curve of the arches.
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After securing the frames
with the 2x4 woods we
started the installation of
the ledge stones. The stones
started out to be in about a
45 degree angle and as the
way towards the center of
the arch they were installed
straight. If you install
stone in an archway always
know the center of the arch.
This will not only allow you
to finish with your center
piece keystone on the right
spot but you will know the
right angle of the stones. |
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This installation is
fairly complicated,
tedious and time
consuming. I would
recommend calling a
pro stone installer
if you never installed
cultured stone on your
own before.
Does it have a price?
At this point you are
probably wondering
how much this cultured
ledge stone installation
cost. Well I
can tell you exactly how
much if you click the
link above↑.
Wish to do it on your
own?
Go to our
detailed guide on how to
install manufactured
stone veneer and
cultured stones
page. At this page you
will find how to tips,
time and money saving
recommendations and
entertaining videos on
how to install any type
of stone veneer.
Not a DIY?
Don’t feel to install
cultured stones on your
own? Fear not, if your
project is located in
our Florida service area
just send us an email
and we will give you a
free price quote
on any sized job. |
Read on to find out how our Miami cultured
stone installers can help you save
money on your next cultured stone project↓
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If you are in search
of a talented and
affordable
cultured stone installer
or someone who can help you in your
cultured stone installation project, we at Miamistoneinstallers are trained to assist you in installing
any types of manufactured stones for
your home or business. We will
provide you with the quality you
expect on a reasonable price. We
will complete the work in the
shortest time possible.
You will
know the whole upfront cost before
we start the job. No surprises later! |
Related articles and pages:
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learn more about our company please
check out our about us page.
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what services we provide please
click here to check out what
other type of construction projects
we can help you with. Professional
cultured stone installation in
Florida.
