How to Install a Limestone Veneer Wall

Sand the entire wall surface where the limestone veneer will be installed, using a low grit sandpaper. Find and mark all relevant studs within the area of the limestone wall installation. Drill holes in these studs every 12 inches, and every 6 inches along the edges of the wall area onto which limestone veneer will be installed. Drill holes in a 12-inch grid in the center of any areas larger than 2 feet square that are empty of studs, and set drywall anchors in the holes.

Spread the lath out horizontally on the wall in the longest possible sheets. Stretch it out tightly and secure it in place with 3-inch galvanized wood screws that have been passed through plastic disk washers and screwed into each pilot hole. Overlap any seams from different lath sections by at least 6 inches and secure these sections in place by drilling additional holes every 12 inches along the seams.

Cover the lath with mortar. Use a trowel to get mortar in all the holes and completely cover the lath from view. Add mortar until there's at least a 1/4-inch evenly spread mortar layer on top of the lath.

Let the mortar dry for three hours. Scrape the mortar surface with a forked tool, such as a garden fork, pitchfork or metal rake. Scrape the surfaces horizontally and vertically to prepare them for the attachment of the veneers. Let the mortar dry for 2 days. Prepare waterproof material with which to cover the wall if it begins raining.

Put 1/4 inch of mortar on the back of each limestone piece. Start at the top of the wall and push the limestone in place for 30 seconds. Set the next piece, using the big pieces first, right next to the first piece to make an even and orderly wall. Continue to affix the pieces together as tightly as possible to make an unbroken wall.

Apply a thin layer of grout between the limestone sections if desired and if it's possible with the limestone sections so closely spaced together. Make sure the limestone doesn't get wet for another two days.