How to Transform the Wood on the Outside of a Mansion House to Make it Look Like Stone

Install a layer of waterproof paper sheeting to the house using a wall adhesive. Overlap the edges 1 to 2 inches to prevent gaps.

Nail 3.4-psi expanded metal lath to the walls with 2-inch-long nails at a distance of 6 inches apart to support the cement and rock layer.

Combine the scratch mortar mixture with water using the directions on the package. Spread the mixture over the metal lath to fill the holes in the metal and just cover the surface. Scratch the surface with a hand rake or mason's scratcher to rough the surface. Let the mortar dry for a minimum of 48 hours.

Spread a 1/2-inch layer of pre-mixed brick mortar along the bottom edge of the area where you are installing rock. Press the flashing strips into the mortar along this lower edge. Using a drill and carbide tip, drill pilot holes that are half the diameter of the masonry screws that came with the flashing. Attach the screws through the pilot holes to secure the flashing.

Drill a pilot hole through the dry mortar every 36 inches across the installation area and 18 inches down the installation area. Screw a wall tie at each pilot hole to support the stones.

Spread 1 inch of mortar on the wall in a 3-foot area. Make the mortar application thicker if the stones are wider than 1 inch. Press large stones into the mortar, and then fill in the gaps with smaller stones to create an attractive design. Continue to spread mortar and apply stone until the installation area is complete.

Cut 2-inch lengths of 1/4-inch-diameter rubber tube and insert them along the center of the install area at a distance of 2-feet apart to release moisture that builds up between the wall and stone.

Let the wall dry for about seven days. Remove the rubber tubing from the wall and discard.