5 Helpful Tips for Installing Dry Stack Stone Veneer Panels

With faux stone veneer, you get the look of real stone without having to deal with the extensive and expensive process of installing traditional masonry.

Stone veneer panels look just like real stone, in color, pattern and feel and it is often difficult to tell the stone veneer panels apart from real stone. Faux stone panels have the advantages of being economical, lightweight, need no special supporting structure and are easy to install.

Perhaps the greatest benefit of installing faux stack stone veneer panels on your home is the installation process. Installing faux stone is much simpler than traditional masonry and anyone with basic carpentry skills and the necessary tools can easily create that dramatic look of stone provides.

Novik’s Novistone DS Dry Stack Stone is an excellent example of how replica stone veneer panels provide for a simple and quick installation that allows you enjoy the look of real stone in the matter of hours instead of weeks.

Like any other exterior home renovation project, the following the manufacturer’s installation instructions are crucial to the success of your project.  However, there are always key things to keep in mind during the whole installation process.  Here are 5 helpful tips to keep top of mind when installing Dry Stack Stone panels:

1.  Always Install Panels from Left to Right

Always make sure to begin at the lowest part of the structure, install the panels from left to right and always complete the initial install area before beginning a new one.

2.  Always Nail Through Installation Holes

These installation holes include a polymer film, which permits for precise centering of the nail, allowing the necessary expansion and contraction of the material.

Each complete panel must be nailed through the center hole and have a minimum of 3 nails in the nailing channel at maximal intervals of 16” (40.64 cm) or less and 1 nail in each lateral hole.

If the panels are installed on a wall with furrings, a furring strip is required behind each nail.  Always use non corrosive nails or screws that must be able to penetrate a minimum of 3/4” (1.91cm) into a solid surface.

3.  Never Hammer Nails In Completely

Always leave a gap of 1/16” (0.16 cm).  The stoppers located around the holes help to stop the hammer from driving the nails in too far, and provides the required gap.  Again, this gap is necessary for proper expansion and contraction of the stone veneer panels.

4.  Make Sure All Pieces Properly Join Together

For a professional looking, seamless finish, the panels must be fit together properly so it looks like a real stone wall.

5.  Leave a Space Between Inside Wall and Trim

When using trim (i.e. NoviTrim), leave a space of 1/4" (0.64 cm) between the inside wall of the trim and the siding.

Lastly, always make sure you obey all safety rules and recommendations provided by tool manufacturers and check with the appropriate authorities for all applicable building codes.

Replica stone panels can be applied to a variety of substrates including concrete walls, cinder block, brick, hard stucco, cement backer boards, oriented strand board, plywood, flat board siding, and drywall.

While the installation tips above provide a basic understanding of the initial processes involved in installing Novik DS Dry Stack Stone veneer panels, it is important to carefully review the detailed instruction guide for specific and detailed information on installation.  This guide provides step-by-step instruction and visual examples of how to install this product including dealing with corners, properly cutting the top row of panels and the finishing touches that go a long way to providing a complete and professional end result.

Not sure how to calculate how many replica stone panels you will need? Calculating the proper amount of materials to purchase will help you establish a budget and ensure you stay on track to complete the project within the amount of money you had initially planned to spend.  For an idea of how to properly measure out your project, review How to Calculate How Much Siding You Will Need blog post.