Filling Gaps in Stacked Stone Veneer without Cutting Slivers of Stone
Stacked stone veneer has become a popular choice for both interior and exterior design elements, adding a touch of natural elegance to walls, fireplaces, and features. While the stacked design creates a beautiful visual impact, it can also introduce gaps and seams between individual stones. Filling these gaps can be a frustrating and messy process, particularly when cutting slivers of stone to fit. But fear not! In this article, we’ll show you a simple and innovative way to fill gaps in stacked stone veneer without cutting slivers of stone.
The Problem: Cutting Slivers of Stone
When filling gaps between stones, it’s easy to become frustrated with cutting small pieces of stone that fit precisely into the available space. This process is time-consuming, and the resulting fragments can be hard to clean up. Cutting slivers of stone not only takes up a significant amount of time but can also lead to errors in measurement and fit. For those with limited experience, it can be challenging to achieve the desired level of accuracy without compromising the appearance of the veneer.
The Solution: Epoxy Grout and a Spacing System
To overcome these challenges, we recommend using a two-part epoxy grout specifically designed for gap filling between natural stone elements. This type of grout is formulated to bond with the stone’s surface, creating a seamless and durable joint.
A spacing system, which usually consists of thin plastic shims or spacers, is another essential component for filling gaps without cutting stone slivers. These shims fit between the stones, ensuring a uniform spacing and eliminating the need to cut and fit small stone pieces.
The Technique: Step-by-Step Guide
To fill a gap in stacked stone veneer using epoxy grout and a spacing system:
- Prepare the Area: Clean the gaps between stones thoroughly to ensure a strong bond between the grout and the stone.
- Place the Spacers: Fit the spacing system (e.g., plastic shims) into the gaps to maintain even spacing between stones.
- Apply the Epoxy Grout: Mix the two-part epoxy grout according to the manufacturer’s instructions and fill the gaps using a trowel. Make sure to fill each gap individually to prevent overflowing.
- Allow the Grout to Cure: Follow the manufacturer’s recommended curing time for the epoxy grout. During this time, the mixture will bond with the stone and become hard to touch.
- Final Touches: Remove any excess grout or haze using a damp cloth, and your gap-filling process is complete!
Benefits of Using Epoxy Grout and Spacers
By filling gaps in stacked stone veneer using epoxy grout and a spacing system, you’ll enjoy several benefits, including:
- Reduced work time and effort
- Improved accuracy and precision when filling gaps
- Fewer waste materials (i.e., no small, cut pieces of stone to dispose of)
- Easier cleaning and finishing, as epoxy grout won’t require sanding or polishing
Conclusion
Filling gaps in stacked stone veneer can be a time-consuming and potentially frustrating process, but by using a two-part epoxy grout and a spacing system, you can complete the task efficiently and with precision. This method reduces waste, minimizes labor, and ensures a uniform, seamless finish that’s both visually appealing and structurally sound. Next time you encounter gaps in stacked stone veneer, reach for epoxy grout and spacers to fill them without cutting slivers of stone!
As the title says. I have a small gap to fill and don’t have a wet saw to fill the gap. Should I use a grout/caulk combo? Or is there a better option?
The cheapest way would fill it with PU foam cut that level and put a layer of cement over that.
I suggest cleaning out the gap of any loose material, us foam backer-rod to fill the gap, apply a flexible mortar like ” FlexBond® Premium Crack Prevention Thin-set Mortar”
Just spitballin’ – but my first impression is you’re fixing the wrong side of the problem. Can you sister the white moulding on the right? Extend it to overlap the stone?
There are some caulk products that look like mortar.
BTW- oil based (or rust inhibiting) primer on hinges
I’d scribe a piece of wood to mate up with the uneven “stone” edge. Barring that, foam sealant with mortar over it is going to be the easiest solution.