Different Grouting Techniques and Mortar Options

Merrillstone natural stone veneer can be installed using a variety of techniques. These different techniques can enhance the look of the stone and your project, depending on what type of style suites your interest.

NOTE:  The stone you select may turn out completely different depending on the mason and type of installation used.  Color’s may vary with grout style and appear different than samples suggest.  We recommend having your mason install a mock-up first so you’ll see how your stone will turn out when completed.

1. Dry Stacked (no visible grout joint)	2. Standard Joint (1/4" - 1/2" grout joint)
This method is accomplished by stacking the stones tightly together, with no mortar joint showing. Dry stacking will tend to take more time than the other alternatives, but the overall achieved look is well worth effort. NOTE: Any Merrillstone texture can be dry stacked, although, some textures can be stacked tighter than others	Standard joints typically range from 1/4” – 1/2” in size, but may vary depending on the type of stone you’re installing.  These are commonly used in larger ledgestone, and limestone textures but by no means meant for just those, you can add a joint to just about any type of Merrillstone and it will change the look and feel of that texture entirely.  Add colored mortar to a standard joint project and multiply your options even further.
3. Over Grout (1" - 2" grout joint)	4. Colored Mortar Grout
Over grouting would be the look you’re going after if you like that larger joint or “old world” look.  These joint sizes vary between 1”-2” or even larger if needed.  This look tends to take more mortar for your project but effectively achieves that larger mortared joint you’re seeking.  You may also choose to add color to this type of installation to help tie in other colors on your project with the stone work.	Coloring your mortar can change the way your stone looks entirely.  In the examples shown you can see the difference it makes when against the same stone’s in all examples.  When adding color to the mortar it will enhance, and brings out the different colors in the stone depending on the color you add, and changes the appearance all together.  When deciding and choosing the color for your project, we recommend using Lucky 7 Mortar Colors.

Merrillstone can be installed using a variety of methods for exterior and interior walls.  The installation methods recommended in this Guide have proven to be sound and effective in the severe weathering climate of Utah.

We trust this guide will answer your questions and help make working on your project simple and enjoyable. Of course, if you have questions, please call us and one of our stone experts will be happy to offer advice.

     G.S. HARRIS CO., INC.
     2810 Pennsylvania Ave.
     Ogden, UTAH 84401
     PH: 888-878-6631
     FX: 801-621-8252