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Stone veneer over block wall adhesive method

rock5olid

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Joined
Sep 12, 2025
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I'm looking to install natural stone veneer on a CMU block wall. My plan is to go with an adhesive-only attachment, using mechanical anchors here and there. The stone weighs roughly 12 lbs per square foot. Has anyone successfully tried using mesh along with adhesive for this?
 
If you're going the adhesive route, try polymer-modified thinset mortars made for stone veneer. Some installers mix it up, using mesh, a scratch coat, thinset, and adding mechanical anchors where needed. There's more effort but it gives you peace of mind down the road
 
I've read that adding mesh can help with bonding, especially if the surface isn't super smooth. Did you prep the wall with a scratch coat or any bonding agent first? Just started a backyard BBQ project with my brother and we're using natural stone veneer over a CMU wall too
 
Just make sure to do a surface prep and use the right mortar mix. I do not recommend that you experiment with mesh.
 
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