How To Estimate For Your Stone Project

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1. Determine how many linear feet (running feet) of corners you need

2. Determine how many square feet of flat stones you need by multiplying  the length of the project area by its width, then subtracting the square footage of any openings such as doors and windows. Take half the number from step 1 and subtract it from the square footage to get the approximate total square feet.

3. To ensure you have enough stone, add 10% to the total square feet (step 2) to achieve your stone estimate

Stone First Professionals manufactured stone is made out of Portland cement, Natural aggregates, and iron oxide pigments, which are carefully poured into molds made from casts of natural stone. The result looks and feels just like the real thing, even on close scrutiny

The installed cost is 1/3 to 1/2 less than natural stone, it is lightweight, and requires no footings, wall ties or foundations. It has a 2% waste factor vs 10% or more for natural stone.

Stone veneer can be installed over any surface on walls or even ceilings, but some preparation may be required, depending on the existing surface.

• To install stone over plywood or drywall, the surface must be prepared by putting up waterproof construction paper, metal lath, and then a scratch coat of mortar. The stone is installed on this scratch coat using special veneer bonding mortar, typically enhanced with latex additives for better adhesion.
• If stone is to be installed over clean, unpainted block or CMU (concrete masonry units), no surface preparation is required. Further, stone can be installed directly over unpainted stucco (not liquid stucco)
• If the surface to be covered has been painted or coated with sealants or other coatings, either these coatings need to be removed (e.g. with sandblasting) down with an acceptable substrate, or they can be removed with lath and a scratch coat of mortar.

Stone First Professionals stone veneer does not need to be sealed, although it can be if desired, for example to protect against exceptional wear and tear or against graffiti, or to provide a glossy look. However, once sealants are applied, they must be maintained periodically. (This is a product of the sealants' life span, not the stone's)

Stone veneer is essentially maintenance free and requires no more than occasional washing.

Stone veneer lasts for decades and should last as long as the building on which is installed. Stone First Professionals provide a 50 year warranty for their products.

Stone First Professionals stone is available in a wide variety of styles and colors, including ledge or stacked stone, river rock, rubble stone, and irregular-shaped field stone.

Most styles of stone can be installed either with tightly-fitted joints (dry-stacked) or with a mortar joint of any width desired. A 1/2" joint is typical. Within the joint there are a variety of mortar styles, from deeply raked and dressed joints to rustic over grout. Mortar can be colored to coordinate with the stone.

Cost is determined by the total square footage to be covered, plus the linear footage of corners. Overall price per square foot is therefore lower for jobs that consist principally of large walls and higher for jobs that include a lot of corners, columns, ect. (Materials cost for corners, and installing them is more labor-intensive.)

Permanent iron oxide dyes are applied and absorbed by the stone. The base color is blended throughout and the mortar can be colored to match as well. There are no noticeable changes in the color after years of weathering.

Stone First Professional products are covered for a period of 50 years from the date of purchase on a structure when installed in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions. This warranty will not cover defects caused by acts of "GOD", or improper installation, or use as a structural member. Also not included are damages caused by outside sources; settlement of building, contact with chemicals or paint and staining or oxidation. Stone First Professionals will replace at no cost, new materials only for those found to be defective. The homeowner is responsible said defects. This warranty is limited to the original purchaser and may not be transferred.