Installing Stone Veneer Over Brick is an affordable way to add a new look to your fireplace or accent wall without removing existing brick features. Manufactured stone veneers are available in a wide variety of colors and textures that allow you to create an entirely new visual effect. Whether you choose natural or manufactured stone, the process for installing it over a brick surface is relatively simple.

First, the existing brick needs to be cleaned thoroughly. This step is important because it helps ensure that the mortar used to build the new layer adheres properly. It’s also a good opportunity to examine the surface for damage, cracking or other problems that need to be repaired before continuing with the project.

How to Install Stone Veneer on Existing Brick Surfaces

Next, a scratch coat of mortar should be applied to the surface where the new stone veneer will be installed. This layer will provide a rough texture that enhances the strength of the bond between the brick and the veneer. It’s also important to apply this scratch coat in warm weather since mortar sets more slowly in cold temperatures.

Once the new layer of mortar has been applied, it’s time to install the thin stone veneer. Masons may use cement board or the more traditional metal lath and scratch coat technique to overlay the existing brick. In either case, the overlay material should be fastened to the brick with the appropriate masonry fasteners. In addition, the new mortar layer should be backbuttered with a layer of thinset to help guarantee that the stone veneer adheres correctly.