Stone Installation: to Mortar or Not to Mortar?

Throughout history, stone has remained an essential construction material. The strength and incredible durability of stone make it a preferred choice of building products for supporting a structure’s weight and withstanding the elements.

Beyond its supreme functionality, stone also offers an aesthetic appeal unmatched by many materials, making it beloved by architects and designers. With a full range of colors and textures, stone provides an eye-catching addition to the exterior and interior of many homes.

When it comes to installation, stone can be installed to create a mortared or mortarless look. For a mortared look, builders install the stone with mortar layers or joints between each stone highlighting the mixture of shapes. For a mortarless look, builders can use a dry stacked technique, carefully positioning stone pieces on top of each other so that they appear to be laid without any grout. Mortared stone is sturdier and will remain in place over time. Dry stacked stone relies more heavily on gravity and precision, and may be more susceptible to popping out of place.

Choosing to mortar or not to mortar depends on your budget, where the project is located, and how it will mesh with the rest of the home’s design.

Where Can You Use Stone?

Builders use stone in creative ways throughout the home, both inside and out. In the interior of the home, you’ll find stone often featured in the following ways:

• To frame a fireplace
• As an accent wall
• As a kitchen backsplash
• On a kitchen island front
• To define a threshold or doorway arch

On the exterior of the home, stone can be used to:

• Contrast or complement a brick wall
• Decorate a chimney
• Create an accent wall
• Complement a doorway

The Verdict: to Mortar or Not to Mortar

In the end, when deciding whether to mortar or not to mortar, consider:

• Is the project on the exterior or interior of the home? If the project is on the outside of the home, go with mortared stone so it lasts longer. If the project is on the home’s interior and not susceptible to harsh weather conditions, mortared stone or dry stacked stone will have a similar lifespan. In this instance, the choice will then depend on the desired design aesthetic.
  
  
• What other design elements will surround the project? Choosing whether or not to mortar depends on the home’s overall design profile. Is it classic? Mortared stone with wide joints looks more traditional. Is it contemporary? Mortared stone with narrow joints looks more modern. Is it farmhouse-style? Dry stacked stone evokes a more rustic look and feel.
  
  
• How much do you want to spend? Dry stacking will be a more labor-intensive installation, and thus cost more to install. For budget-conscious builders, mortar may be the better option.