For all Cultured Stone® wall veneer products, mortar may be applied to the entire back of each stone individually, or applied directly onto the installation surface. Cover about 5 square feet (0.46 m²) of surface area at a time, with an even coat of mortar, about 1/2” to 3/4” (13 to 19 mm) thick. If preferred, mortar may be applied to both the installation surface and the stones. The key here is to choose a method that ensures you a achieve a full setting bed of mortar.
When working in very hot or dry weather, be sure to wet the back of the stone prior to installation. If the installation is to concrete, stone, masonry or a scratch coat substrate, the substrate area should also be dampened before applying the mortar.
Application should be protected from temperatures below 40˚F (40˚C), as mortar will not cure properly under such conditions. Do not use antifreeze compounds to lower the freezing point of the mortar. See International Building Code 2104.3 for cold weather construction requirements.