Can You Install Stone Veneer As A Kitchen Backsplash?

Beautiful cabinets and countertops look flat and unfinished when the wall space between them is bare. A complement to any kitchen is a stone veneer backsplash, an affordable and elegant product that dresses out the cabinet area in style. There are two common types of veneer natural and manufactured stone veneer but according to Jesse Sanchez, of Jesse's Tile in San Antonio, Texas, they each have vastly different characteristics. Durability, weight, installation and wall surface are factors to keep in mind before selecting which stone veneer you want for your backsplash.
Natural stone Veneer
Natural stone veneer, sometimes referred to as stacked stone, may not be the best choice for a backsplash if cost and do-it-yourself installation is your goal. Sanchez cites the weight of the veneer as a major consideration. Although it's not as heavy as full stone, it's heavy enough that it requires structural support. "Before installing natural veneer as a backsplash, you must prep your walls according the manufacturer's instructions. Depending upon the product weight and the type of wall you're installing it on, you may need to install special footings, wall casings, underlayment or wall ties to support the weight," Sanchez says.
Manufactured Stone Veneer
For kitchen backsplashes, Sanchez suggests using manufactured veneer, made from Portland cement and aggregate stone. Unlike natural and manufactured veneer is a lightweight product that doesn't require any special wall prepping beyond surface cleaning and making sure the wall is structurally sound.
Manufactured stone veneer comes in panels that are 6 inches by 24 inches; are less than 2 inches thick; and have interlocking ends that provide the staggered, individual stacked-stone look.
Installation
You need only simple installation tools to install your manufactured veneer: chalk line; level, trowel, mortar and a wet saw for cutting. "For natural veneer, unless you are experienced in masonry, employing the services of a professional mason may be the best choice," says Sanchez.
Follow the stone veneer manufacturers guidelines for ratio of water-to-mortar mix, specific to the veneer you are using. Spread the mortar compound on the back of the veneer panel to attach the panel to the wall. For any gaps, fill in with small individual pieces of stone veneer, and with a piping bag, pipe mortar into the gap to fill it in. Snap chalk lines across the wall to help keep your panels straight. After setting each panel on the wall, use your line level to ensure you're going in a straight line.
Maintenance
Natural stone veneer requires no special maintenance other than wiping it down to keep it clean. However, Sanchez recommends sealing the manufactured stone veneer with a penetrating sealer.
Quality
Quality plays an important part in durability and satisfaction. While it may be tempting to buy the least expensive veneer, it's not always the best choice. Choose a veneer product that has a stone veneer manufacturers warranty. Opt for a manufacturer who guarantees his product against cracking and offers a lifetime limited warranty. Always check the manufacturer's customer satisfaction rating with the Better Business Bureau before purchasing your stone veneer.edited by china stone veneer