Stone Veneer Installation in San Rafael CA - a new look on a wall we check first

Across the US, installing stone veneer usually runs about $25 to $40 per square foot. That's the market's range, not our price, and where your job lands depends on the stone, the wall prep and how much corner and trim work there is. My written estimate shows what's included for your wall.

Usually yes, if the wall is sound, has no defects and hasn't been painted or sealed. That's the first thing I check, because mortar won't hold well on a weak or coated surface. If the wall fails that check, I tell you what it'll take to get it ready before we price the stone.

It may, because San Rafael's building official issues permits for work that builds, alters or repairs a building, except what the city's exemption list covers. Even without a building permit, the city's planning, fire prevention or public works staff can set conditions, and work done without a needed permit carries extra fees. We check for your address and handle the permit if one's needed.

For most house walls I'd go with thin stone over full-depth, because of the weight. Natural thin veneer is about 1-1/4 inch thick and 15 pounds per square foot or less, light enough that industry guidance says it needs no support ledge. Full-depth stone runs 3 to 5 inches deep and 40 to 73 pounds per square foot.

With a water barrier behind the stone, which industry guidance says should go on in two separate layers, lapped like shingles from the bottom of the wall up. Ask any installer how they'll layer it, and I'll show you how we'd do yours. You can also ask about a rainscreen, an optional step that helps stray water drain and dry faster.

A masonry contractor, since California's Contractors State License Board describes masonry contractors as the ones who install natural and manufactured stone. So the person you hire for this should be a licensed masonry contractor. Before anyone starts, ask what license they hold and whether they carry insurance.