Using Faux Stone Indoors

Faux, fake or cultured stone is realistic stone that is applied in outdoor settings for a replacement to stone siding. Its realism and affordability make faux stone one of the best choice for stone needs. Not to mention you're saving our lands from mining.

Faux stone is created from concrete. It is injected into a special mold, coated on the face with specials chemicals, and then broken free from the mold. The chemicals, heat, and pressure mount against the cement. It begins to fracture at a natural rate, similar to stone. Once colors are added and shading, the stone can take on the look of many different types of natural stone.

Using faux stone indoors is very similar to using faux stone outdoors, except for the underlayment. You need to start out inside with a cementious board base. This will protect behind the faux stone from humidity that can occur indoors. The space between the stucco scratch coat and the walls insulation may sweat. However if the stone is not up against the wall, wire lathe and stucco is all you need to attach the faux stone.

Once you're ready for the scratch coat, cut wire lathe to fit over the area you're going to place the faux stone. Attach the wire lathe every six inches apart with the cups of the wire lathe facing up. Make sure your lathe has an organic felt backing. Overlap wire lathe pieces a minimum of 3 inches.

Next, add a scratch coat of stucco. It's called a scratch coat because you literally scratch lines into the coat to help the stone adhere to the surface. Smooth the stucco out using a hawking trowel. Start from the bottom and work your way up. Once the mud sets a bit, scratch lines in the drying stucco every few inches all over the area where the faux stone will be attached.

Allow the scratch coat to dry overnight, and then you can add the stone. Set out the stones first in an arraignment that is suitable to your taste and dimensions. Set each stone in a row and set a layer of mud on the top of the stones and behind them. Work your way up to the top until you are finished. You can make cuts with a wet tile saw as needed. Use a small stick, pencil or margin trowel to pick out excess stucco between faux rocks. Clean up with a wet sponge and allow it all to dry for 24 hours prior to use.