Westlake Royal Building Products

Eldorado Stone can be installed around a fireplace. The veneer has to be a minimum of 18″ from any open flame. For more information, see our Technical Advisory.    

It is not required to seal Eldorado Stone. However, a sealer like CraftShield will provide added protection and will usually be easier to clean if the surface becomes dirty. CraftShield is a silane and siloxane-based penetrating, breathable masonry sealer which will not change the look of your stone.

Yes. Eldorado Stone products are tested to meet or exceed applicable building code requirements including ASTM C1670. Testing is completed by certified, independent third-party laboratories. More details are available at https://www.culturedstone.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/CS-Building-Codes-061522.pdf.

No footings or support ledges are needed. The product is an adhered veneer and is supported on the wall by the bond of the mortar to the stone and scratch coat.

Expansion joints normally pass completely through a wall. Control joints normally are on the surface of the wall and relieve strain on the skin of the wall. Terminate the veneer installation where control and expansion joints occur in the substrate. Do not span these joints with veneer because this will lead to cracking. Expansion joints in a building must be specified by the architect or engineer. The architect or engineer should consider the ASTM C 1063 control joint requirements when determining the location of control joints on any structure. Normally the weakest point on a wall is immediately above and below penetrations.

When efflorescence occurs, as it does with many masonry products, it is the usually the result of moisture migration through the masonry substrate. Once the moisture is on the masonry surface, it evaporates, depositing dissolved salts in the form of efflorescence. The source of the moisture should be controlled or eliminated, and efflorescence should be removed as soon as it is noticed using a soft bristle brush. If the efflorescence will not wash off, do not apply chemicals or cleaners to the stone. Call Eldorado Stone's customer service team to discuss optional solutions.

To clean dirt or other particles first try a simple soft bristle brush. If necessary use a solution of mild detergent with water and scrub the surface with a soft bristle brush. Rinse with clean water to remove any cleaning solution that might remain on the surface. If the stone has a white stain deposit (efflorescence) please contact Customer Service at 800.925.1491 for recommendations. Never use wire brushes, acid cleaners, power washers, bleach, paint remover or any other type of concrete cleaner.

Estimating Stone & Brick Quantities Needed

Two components, flats and corners, are used for most installations. Flats are applied to the flat wall surface and are ordered in square feet. Corners are applied to outside corners and are ordered in linear feet. Wrapping the corner of walls, as well as Using corners around window and door openings, provides added dimension and depth and enhances the finished design.

Step 1: Determine the total project square footage.
Multiply the length (in feet) times the height (in feet) of each surface area to be covered.

Step 2: Subtract windows, doors or other openings.
Calculate the square footage occupied by windows, doors and other openings. Subtract this amount from the project square footage.

Step 3: Determine the linear footage of corner pieces needed.
Measure the linear feet of outside corner areas to be covered including any doorways and windows that will have corners.

Step 4: Determine the square footage of flat pieces required.
Divide the linear footage of corner pieces needed by 2 (One linear foot of corner veneer equals approximately 0.5 square foot of flat veneer) and subtract this corner square footage from the total project square footage. This will give you the square footage of flat veneer required.

Note: We recommend adding 10%-15% to your final quantities of flats and corners for best fitting, including cutting and trimming.

Treat each section as a “separate” installation. Do not span movement joints with the veneer.

Eldorado Stone products are tested for freeze/thaw durability. As with any installation, making sure to incorporate good building practices that include proper flashing and water diversion techniques will help ensure a successful installation.