Installing our stone veneer is simple
Due to the modular format of Norstone ROCKPANELS™, it’s possible to cover a large wall quite rapidly. Except for LYNIA™ Tiles where grouting is required, once ROCKPANELS™, AKSENT 3D™ Panels or PLANC™ are installed the job is finished.
This guide is intended as a reference. For any installation, certified technical advice must be sought from qualified professionals such as licensed contractors, builders or engineers where necessary.
Hassle-Free InstallationRequired Tools
- ?Notched trowel (square or U-notch)
- ?Quality wet / tile saw
- ?Angle grinder (for curves & pipes)
- ?Spirit level (min 1.2m / 4ft)
- ?Steel trowel & scraper
- ?Large absorbent sponge
- ?Polymer-modified tile thinset
Installation Process
Prepare the substrate
Norstone products can be applied over any prepared cementitious surface: cement board, concrete block, brick, or lathe & scratch coat. Do not install over drywall or sheetrock. Painted surfaces must be sandblasted. Installed weight varies significantly by range — from approximately 13–15kg/m² for AKSENT 3D up to approximately 55–60kg/m² for XL Rockpanels and MONAROSTONE — so the wall must be structurally sound and rated for the specific product being installed. Always check the weight and substrate requirements on the relevant product page before installation.
Mix the adhesive
Use a polymer-modified tile thinset meeting ANSI 118.4 and 118.11 adhesion standards. Mix to a smooth, creamy consistency for a minimum of 5 minutes. Do not use Type S mortars, medium-bed adhesives, or mastics.
Set the base line
Use a spirit level to establish a perfectly level base line before beginning. The first course must be level — all subsequent courses depend on it. If starting at the floor, ensure the floor itself is level first.
Apply adhesive & fix panels
Apply thinset to both the back of each panel and the wall surface using a notched trowel. Press each panel into the adhesive with a slight rotating motion to ensure full contact. Remove any thinset that squeezes out before it sets. Keep joints tight.
Stagger the joints
Install panels in a staggered, running-bond pattern. Avoid continuous vertical seams from one course to the next. The interlocking stepped ends on ROCKPANELS™ and XL panels help achieve this automatically.
Handle corners correctly
Use Norstone’s finger-jointed corner units for outside corners — they require no cutting and deliver a seamless, professional finish. See our corners guide for full options including mitre cuts and inside corners.
Clean & seal
Clean excess thinset with a damp sponge as you go — do not allow it to harden on the face of the stone. Once the adhesive has fully cured, apply a water-based penetrating natural stone sealer. Test on a sample first.