How to Install a Cultured Stone With Mastic

Cover your installation area with wire mesh prior to installing the cultured stone. Cut the mesh to fit using the tin snips, and attach it to the wall with the hammer tacker. Place your staples at least every 4 inches across the entire wire mesh area to ensure that the mesh is securely fastened to the installation surface.

Spread a layer of mastic over the entire surface of the wire meshed area. Apply significant pressure as you spread the mastic over the wire mesh to ensure that the mastic goes through the mesh and bonds with the installation surface beneath the wire mesh, as well as covers all of the voids in, around and behind the wire mesh. Smooth the surface with the flat trowel when you are finished.

Install your cultured stone on top of the meshed installation area. Start at the bottom and work your way up row by row. Use the margin trowel to apply mastic to the back of each individual piece of cultured stone before placing it onto the meshed installation area. Press each piece firmly onto your installation area.

Stagger each subsequent row so that the vertical joints do not line up. Outside corners will be covered with the specially fabricated pieces that came with your cultured stone upon purchase, and are meant to wrap around outside edges. Make all of your inside cuts on the tile wet saw. Alternate your horizontal rows as you see fit, based upon your personal preference for vertical joints.