Installation & Assembly

8/20/2016
Installing Stone Design
Each product should be checked and made free of dirt, sand, or loose particles. When
necessary, wash them completely. If the back of the product is dry, dampen it first with a wet
sponge, but do not saturate. This prevents the stone from pulling the moisture from the
adhesive, allowing it to cure naturally and with a stronger bond.
The recommended type of polymer modified tile thin set mortar will meet or exceed ANSI 118.4
and 118.11 adhesion standards, and are generally available at any tile shop and most big box
home improvement stores. Tile thin sets are rated for both interior only and interior / exterior
work, so it is important to use a thin set meeting the requirements of your installation. Mix the
appropriate tile thin set to a creamy consistency for a minimum of 5 minutes or as per
manufacturer's instructions. When fixing Manufactured Stone Veneer tiles it is necessary to
start the bottom row on a level line to maintain a consistent level as you work up the wall. It is
also important that they rest on a secure base such as a concrete floor or footing to help carry
the weight and ensure the level stays consistent until the thin set sets up.
When installing Stone Design products use a generous amount of recommended polymer
modified tile thin set mortar and apply it to the back of each tile and to the wall. It is important
to notch the tile adhesive on to the wall as would normally be the application method used for
laying tiles. By applying the adhesive to the back of each tile and to the wall, this ensures the
maximum possible adhesion to your wall surface, as all the gaps, voids and cracks are filled. This
is a critical to ensure that a strong bond is formed with the wall. Press each rock panel into the
adhesive, rotating slightly, forcing some of the thin set to squeeze out freely. Any thin set
forced out beyond the finished joint or on the tile surface itself must be removed before it is
allowed to set. Remember tight joints will provide a neat appearance. Be sure not to allow any
thin set to harden on the face of the tiles as this will help in the cleanup process.
The installation pattern of the product should be strictly followed during installation. Panels
should be overlaid or offset so that a "continuous running bond" pattern starts to form, which
minimizes the appearance of vertical joint lines up the wall. The panels should not be "stacked"
one on top of the other in a single line up the wall.