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ARCHITECTURAL STONE

Let's Talk Stone

ARCHITECTURAL STONE

Let's Talk Stone

ARCHITECTURAL STONE

Let's Talk Stone

THe ko hat.

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Natural stone is a product of nature - no two stones are ever alike. Photographs and sample boards may not fully capture the complete spectrum of color, texture, shape, and size of the stone. For extra discerning clients, we recommend a mockup installation to experiment with stones, layouts, grout colors, etc.
- VET YOUR INSTALLER: they will make or break the project. Reach out to us for recommended masons in your area.
- VARIANCES: Natural Stone has variances in dimensions - these fall within normal industry standards.
- QUANTITIES: Before placing your order, determine the precise quantity, accounting for any overage needed for field cutting or special site conditions.
- INSTALL & MAINTENCE: Installation and maintenance methods can differ; consult your contractor for best practices tailored to your specific project, climate, and desired aesthetic.
- FINISH STYLES: The appearance and quantity of the finished product will be influenced by mortar color and joint technique.
- RETURNS: Returns are not accepted. If there is extra material after installation, contact us and we’ll discuss restocking options.
All of our Stones can be ordered in either Full Veneer or Thin Veneer (flats & corners). Read below to help decide which is right for your project.
- Thickness Full veneer / Full Depth / Full Bed: Typically 3–5 inches thick (sometimes up to 6 inches). Thin veneer: Typically 1-1/4 inches thick (often around 1 inch, with tolerances like ±¼ inch).
- Weight Full veneer: Heavier, usually 35–60 lbs per square foot (depending on the stone type). Thin veneer: Much lighter, generally 10–15 lbs per square foot (similar to manufactured stone).
- Installation Full veneer: Requires a structural foundation or ledge/footing to support the weight, often uses wall ties, and involves more traditional masonry methods. It's more labor-intensive due to handling heavy pieces. Thin veneer: Adheres directly to a wall surface (e.g., over concrete, masonry, or backed sheathing) with mortar or adhesives—no heavy foundation needed.
- Material and Appearance Both are made from the same high-quality natural stone (e.g., limestone, sandstone, basalt granite). Thin veneer is sawn to reduce thickness, while full veneer is often split. They offer the same authentic texture, color variation, and durability, though full veneer can provide a more "rustic" or protruding look due to greater depth - with a higher thermal mass.
- Cost Raw stone cost: Full veneer is often cheaper per unit. Overall project cost: Thin veneer usually wins due to lower labor, shipping (more sq ft per truckload), and no extra structural prep. Full veneer projects can cost 30–50% more overall because of installation complexity.
Both are superior to manufactured (faux) stone in authenticity and longevity. Your choice depends on the project's structural needs, budget, and desired aesthetic. If you're planning a specific application, factors like local building codes or stone type can influence the decision further.
We LOVE pushing the envelope on what is possible with stone. Whether it’s just a larger paver format or literal boulder tables - we will make it happen. Reach out to us with what you’re hoping to achieve, and we’ll work with you on making your dream a reality.
Might be kinda obvious, but stone is heavy and not the simplest material to ship. Thankfully, you got us! And we make that process as simple and painless as possible. We handle the pick-up, shipment, and logistics of your Kő Stone order. The delivery process will vary slightly pending the option you choose on your order.
- FABRICATION DIRECT: Instead of storing pallets in a yard for months/years, all our orders are “made fresh” and ship directly to you upon completion. This approach cuts costs and insures less breakage.
- FTL (Full-Truckload) VS LTL (Less-Than-Truckload): FTL’s are direct shipments to your shop, yard, or project that are approximately 22 to 24 tons. If your order is under that, it will qualify as an LTL shipment, and pickup alongside other Kő Stone orders. If you’re interested in a direct LTL shipment for your order, reach out to us and we’ll run over the options.
- THE TRUCKS: Deliveries can be shipped via Flat-Bed or Dry-Van pending the items of the order. In either case, a forklift / reach lift / skid steer (with forks) and operator will be required on site. If shipping via Flat-Bed, a pallet jack or pallet clamp with chains will be required. Optionally, a Kő team member can handle the equipment procurement / operation and offload if desired.
- THIN-VENEER: Flats ship on pallets with 150 SF at approximately 1800 to 2200 lbs per pallet. Corners ship on pallets with 100 LF at approximately 500 to 1000 lbs.
- FULL-DEPTH: Pallets ship at approximately 4 tons.
- HARDSCAPE: Pallet sizes / quantities will vary based on stone item and selected sizes.
- CUT-STONE: All pallets are loaded pending the custom order. Size and weights will vary pending order.
How you order and the quantities needed will vary depending on the stone, installation style, project, and more. For completing orders - there will be three different quantities used to calculate how much is needed of a certain product. Veneer Flats/Full-Depth and Paving will use Square Feet (SF). Thin-Veneer Corners, Sills, Lintels, Surrounds, Treads, Coping, and more will use Lineal Feet (LF). Cut-Stone - monuments, corbels, balusters, keystones, and more will be by item dimensions.
- COMPLIMENTARY ESTIMATES: The Kő Team will do complimentary take-offs to help with the estimation process. Email us a copy of your elevations and any notes of consideration you have to get started. Make sure all final quantities are verified with installer prior to placement.
- OVERAGES: Considerations on ordering overages: installation style, joint size, color discrimination, project demands, etc.
- THIN-VENER: To order Thin-Veneer natural stone for your project, you will need: the total quantity of Square Feet (SF) for flats and Lineal Feet (LF) for corners. The corners are shaped like “L’s” to cover the corner of your walls and give the illusion of Full-Depth stone.
- FULL-DEPTH: Total Square Feet (SF) of surfaces you wish to face.
- HARDSCAPE: Paving requires total Square Feet (SF). Treads, Coping, Wall Caps, and more require Lineal Feet (LF). Column Caps, Boulders, Etc are quantified per item.
- CUT-STONE: All Cut-Stone items are calculated by number of items.
Grout (often referred to as mortar in these contexts) plays a key role in securing the stones while defining the overall aesthetic. Joint profiles, visibility, and finishing techniques can range from seamless and modern to rustic and traditional, influencing both the look and the installation process. The choice depends on factors like the stone's irregularity, desired vibe (e.g., contemporary vs. historic), and practical needs (e.g., weather exposure for exteriors). Always use a compatible grout mix, such as Type S masonry mortar or cementitious grout, and create a small mock-up to test the finish.
GROUT STYLES
- DRY-STACK: Stones are tightly fitted together like a puzzle, with mortar applied only behind the veneer for adhesion. No groutlines are visible on the surface, mimicking naturally stacked rocks.
- FLUSH-JOINT: Grout is filled level with the stone edges, creating even, subtle lines (typically 1/4" to 1/2" wide). The grout sits flush to the surface without recessing or protruding.
- RAKED-JOINT: Grout is applied and then tooled or raked back (about 1/4" to 1/2" deep) from the edges, creating shadowed, recessed lines that emphasize stone depth.
- OVERGROUT: Thick grout (1" or wider) is spread to cover parts of the stone face and edges, then partially cleaned back to reveal stone shapes. It blends mortar with the stone for a cohesive, smoothed surface.
ADDITIONAL TIPS:
- GROUT TYPES: For natural stone veneer, opt for cementitious or Type S/N masonry mortar mixes (e.g., Portland cement-based with lime for workability). Avoid epoxy grouts unless for high-traffic floors, as they can stain porous natural stone. Pre-mixed options like Quikrete Mortar Mix or Spec-Mix Type S are common and versatile.
- Joint Widths: Narrow (1/8"–1/4") for modern looks; wider (1"+) for rustic.
- Color Selection: Match grout to the stone's dominant hue for subtlety (e.g., gray mortar with gray limestone).
- Process Overview: Lay stones on a mortar bed, fill joints with grout using a bag or trowel, tool the joints once thumbprint-firm (about 30–60 minutes), clean excess with a wire brush, and seal after 24–48 hours.
- Maintenance: Seal grout lines annually for exteriors to prevent efflorescence (white mineral deposits). For large gaps (>1"), consider non-shrink additives to avoid cracking.
The install pattern—how the stones are arranged—significantly impacts the visual appeal, texture, and overall vibe of the project. Unlike grout styles, which focus on joint appearance, install patterns refer to the layout and arrangement of the stones themselves. These patterns can evoke modern, rustic, or traditional looks, depending on the stone shape, size, and placement.
- LEDGESTONE / COURSED: Rectangular or elongated stones are laid horizontally in staggered or height alternating rows. Joints are typically tight (1/8"–1/4") or dry-stacked for a seamless look.
- ASHLAR: A mix of rectangular and square stones in varying sizes, laid in a semi-organized pattern with staggered joints. Stones are cut for cleaner edges, creating a balanced but slightly formal look. Joints are typically flush or raked (1/4"–1/2").
- RANDOM / RUBBLE: Irregularly shaped stones of varying sizes are fitted together like a puzzle, creating a natural, organic look. No clear rows or alignment; joints are often wider (1/2"–1") and may use overgrout for a rustic effect.
ADDITIONAL TIPS
- SELECTION: Choose stones that suit the pattern. Ledgestone work best with cut, uniform stones (e.g., limestone, slate), while random/rubble patterns shine with irregular fieldstone or cobblestone.
- PREPARATION: Install on a stable substrate (e.g., CMU block or cement board) with a scratch coat of mortar for adhesion. Use a leveling system for uniform patterns.
- LAYOUT PLANNING: Dry-lay stones on the ground to visualize the pattern and ensure a balanced mix of sizes, colors, and textures. For random patterns, avoid clustering similar stones.
- SEALING: NOT necessary in most climates or situations. If the client desires or the projects climate demands - you can apply a breathable sealant post-installation to protect stones and grout, especially for exteriors. Reapply every 1–2 years based on exposure.
- PRACTICAL CONSIDERATIONS: For exterior projects, ensure proper drainage and flashing to prevent water infiltration.

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