Installing Stone Veneer Steps The Easy Way

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

Let's wrap up these front steps, Enjoy the video! To see us use these same stone veneer panels to cover an entire foundation wall, check it out by clicking this link right here👉kzbin.info/www/bejne/ooq1hqBorM91mKc

[@aderitomonteiro581]

ive watched maybe 10 videos on Vaneer install & you sir have the best 1 ! you guys killed it !

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

Nice, glad to hear it! Thanks for the feedback ✌

[@tonyabro5714]

Love your work brother , Lord bless you . and give you strength . lots of nice ideas and tips . I'm a new landscaping company in Florida and still learning ideas and new installs . This job is stunning

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

Thank you very much brother! Congratulations on your company and I wish you the best. God Bless you too! ✌

[@brentonfrost9569]

Hey Christian, I’m from Adelaide Australia. The work you do is absolutely awesome you pay so much to detail, you are inspirational well done to you and Benny. I wish you had a clone just like you so I can hire you for paving or retaining walls. I just wish there was trades people over here that paid half that much attention to detail. Well done guys

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

Hey there, thank you very much for the awesome comment! It is always very cool hearing from people so far from where I live. We love this work and try to focus on good quality for all our projects. My name is Kyle by the way and thanks again for the support, God Bless ✌

[@hmg8915]

Yes, thats a pro tip, You are so right about filling the joints when mortar underneath is still wet.. if you fill joints after the base is set frost freeze will pop them out in a few years..

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

Yes sir, you know it. Thanks for the comment! ✌

[@stephenlewis8600]

I love this a lot man you’re really giving me light to be versatile in the masonry world even though you talked about the camera footage it was still very helpful. Thanks a lot I appreciate it. God bless.

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

Glad to hear it, I enjoy sharing the work I do. The positive feedback like this makes it all worth it. Good luck if you get more into this work! ✌

[@rogerbstl-n6c]

Guys you’re really great. Just love watching your videos, they are soothing!!

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

Thank you very much. We love the work we do and I am having a blast making these videos so it is great hearing feedback like this. ✌

[@indman101]

I'm going to add this to my to do list looks great.

[@Sierrapoolco]

God bless you brother! These vids have been my nightly entertainment haha-thanks!

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

Nice man, Glad to hear it! I have really enjoy making these videos so I'm glad you and others are enjoying watching them. God Bless! ✌

[@poloslandscaping1453]

That came out better than I expected, the color blend looks amazing 👍🏻 and you’re spot on about saving time installing the panels instead of each one, looks about the same to me! Great work bro

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

Thank you, they really do a good job manufacturing them. The best panels I have seen personally. And the time saved is money in the customers pocket, which they always like... 🤣✌

[@KGSHEAMASONRY]

Ardex is the Ship!!! Never going to have a fallen off stone

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

Damn right it is! you will have to break the stone veneer to get those off... ✌

[@jerjan8586]

the stairs look great, cant wait to see more of the job, looks good

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

Thank you! I really enjoyed this project, huge transformation!

[@mazzmari]

Nice work, I learned a few things watching this.

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

Sweet, glad to hear it! ✌

[@rogeliobernulli3101]

Thanks for your help....now I know a little more about this beautiful job.... thank

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

No problem, thank you! ✌

[@NatoWarPigs]

i liked this video , its hard to do your work and film ... good job . thank you !

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

Nice, thank you. It can be tough sometimes, but still very fun! ✌

[@soulfulsince0000]

didn't even notice the camera angles, the video was great brother!

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

Awesome, Thank you for the feedback! ✌

[@craigtaylor7812]

Just love your work sir, truly! Keep the videos come'n, they're always an educational treat - God bless ~

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

Thank you very much! God Bless ✌

[@sporadiccadence567]

I really like how you put the geo-grid under the Blue Mist treads with the Ardex x32. Very clever. However, I wasn't a fan of you cutting off the corner nub on the bottom right step. That straight line that goes vertical all the way just takes my eyes there every time. Doing that on the side doesn't really matter because most won't see it. That's why Jim from NEMD created the bowtie shaped panels, to break up straight lines. The inter-loc panels are amazing. Glad that InstoneCo is still manufacturing them since they bought out NEMD. Love your videos!

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

Thanks man, I figure the geo grid does nothing but help! I hear about the bottom right corner, looking back I could have cut it in a way that it interlocks but in the moment it seemed to be the best move to keep things moving. These panels are excellent but there are plenty of imperfections so I figured the line would fade in. But once you see it, you always see it, I hear you on that. I didn't know much of the back story behind Northeast Masonry, So they were bought out but are keeping the same name for the product..?

[@lukegunia6158]

Great video I’ll be building my own steps soon

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

Thank you, good luck with your project!

[@josephrottina1901]

That’s some custom work brother.👍🏻🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

A little different than what you normally see for front steps... Thanks man!

[@StanleyRusso-eg7dr]

Nice job , as usual.

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

Thank you very much! ✌

[@TheSlb1984]

Beautiful job! I have an ugly wooden staircase (10 steps plus landing) up to my front door that I’m trying to get ideas to replace/update and Google brought me here. I heard the accent, felt at home (I live in RI) and stayed to watch even though I have no intentions on building a staircase myself 😂.

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

🤣 Nice! I'm glad you enjoyed the video! I am not far from you, I live in southern (MA). And that sounds like a very large set of steps... LOL

[@TGS2AUSA2024]

Great video. Very similar to what I need!

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

Nice, thank you! ✌

[@JesseReece]

You guys are awesome, man😀

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

Thank you! ✌

[@rosenurse7687]

Beautiful job! Thank you for a great tutorial! I am ready to do my stairs!

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

Thank you and no problem! Good luck with your project ✌🏻

[@fintan3563]

Despite whatever it was that you missed, this is a great vlog and the steps are beautiful. When you are finished do you ever spray seal the stone?

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

Thank you, I appreciate that. I do not seal stone or pavers, I have not had much experience with it and hearing the horror stories from a lot of others about sealer messing up projects, I just don't mess with it really. ✌

[@michman2]

Very well done.

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

Thank you ✌

[@tompurtell4073]

My contractor used bluestone in a similar way you used the granite a few years back. Instead of mortar for the joints he used polymeric sand which degraded over time. I am repointing it with polymeric sand now and was looking for tips on how to keep sand in the end joint while I water it down. I always thought the joints should have been mortared

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

Sorry to hear that, mortar is always best for those situations. But using some duct tape on the end joints should help.

[@maxg9999]

Nice job bro that’s some sticky shit! That’s great work. A lot of time when we set treads we use a cement bed and then we put paste on the back of the stone which is made of water and Portland cement. That’s really nice granite. And your right about setting your stones and pointing at the same time that shit will hold up forever. Great work brother you the man!

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

Thanks brother! I have seen some guys do the paste on the tread before laying, not a bad idea at all. And yea, pointing at the same time as you lay is #1 in my opinion. If not the joints have more of a chance to crack and pop. I love that granite! ✌

[@albertomedina152]

Hi, a little advice. buy yourself an inverter from 12 volts to 110 volts and install it in the truck. and you charge the batteries and you also have power if you need it

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

Good idea man, thank you! ✌

[@paulbodder3354]

Two thumbs up!!!!!!!

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

Thanks man! ✌

[@danprosser6165]

We're in Jefferson, Ma. I heard your accent and KNEW you must have been my neighbah! 😂

[@gibsonbuilds4841]

Looks great. Good job thinking about keeping the water out. No need to apologize. I didn't notice any problem.....

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

Thanks for the feedback! I guess I was just bummed because I had some other plans for the video which I couldn't do because of the bad head cam angles. I think I pieced it together pretty good... but man, if you could have seen all the footage I got rid of because the bad angles... it was tough putting it together. The main problem was not being able to see what my hands were doing or the measurements I was taking. But non the less, I am glad you enjoyed it and once again, thanks for the feedback! ✌

[@CoolGreyX1]

Saw this video and knew you guys had to be from MA 😂

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

🤣 Yea buddy! South Central MA ✌

[@Sugarkryptonite]

Great job

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

Thank you!

[@NickNemmers]

Amazing video. If I want to do this over poured concrete steps vs what you used (blocks) is there anything different I would need to do or would it be same process?

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

Thank you, the process would be the same with poured concrete steps. Just make sure you pressure wash the concrete good if it is an old stoop to make sure the mortar adheres properly. ✌

[@rhyanforever2110]

Awesome

[@MrFlyby500]

Thank you for your great series. I don't have much experience in building steps using 8x8x16 concrete blocks. My question is that I plan to pour a concrete pad and then place the blocks on top. But how do you bring the step rise in line with the standard 6-7 inches when the block itself is 8 inches tall. Thank you

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

No problem, my pleasure! Unfortunately if you want 7" steps, you will have to trim all the blocks down before installing them. I had to so a similar thing on this project but only because my block supplier di not have the 6" block I wanted to use.

[@Allinoffroad]

Hahahahahah I work with those hvac guys in the background all the time

[@MarkJohnson-qj7um]

Yep, that’s my house. Hiring Henderson Hardscape was the best move we made. They are awesome, everything is level and plumb.

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

Hey Mark! You guy’s blessed me with the opportunity, I’m glad you are happy with the outcome! You all were so hospitable and a pleasure to work with. I hope your enjoying the videos! ✌🏻

[@patrickjames1080]

Brilllllliant! Thanks for sharing 👍

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

My pleasure! Glad you liked it ✌

[@mr.enriquez9533]

Very nice!!!!!

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

Thanks!!

[@wulfschlueter2112]

Nice wrk

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

Thank you ✌

[@j.y.5699]

With those haircuts, it is like Peaky Blinders became hardscapers 😂

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

Yea buddy! It's how we clean our money... 🤣✌

[@joemillay9758]

Was it tough to clean the mud pan after using Ardex?

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

Not really, just have to wash it out right when you are done. The stuff sets quickly....

[@CK-xr2lj]

Brilliant work! What's the cost?

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

Thank you, Steps like that can cost $6,000 - $8,000 depending on materials and size....

[@brandonakana185]

@@TheChristianHardscaper looks amazingly beautiful but way out of my price range. First time home owner just looking to freshen up an old 50's gem. I have watched a handful of your videos now and have learned so much not only for design ideas and how to tips but also to see what is going to be out of my DIY abilities.

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

@@brandonakana185 Thanks for the feedback and I'm glad you are enjoying the videos! Not every project is for everyone but you can learn a little something from everything. Good luck with your project ✌

[@teddybar66]

Price is reasonable. Would definitely increase the value of the home. Curb appeal is everything.

[@georgestoumbos975]

Grate work! What you use for advertising? Hard to get jobs here in Nj.

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

Thank you very much! I don't do much advertising at all... Most jobs come from recommendations of previous customers to friends and family, as well as referrals from my material providers to their customers. And honestly, the past 2 years, this KZbin channel has got me a lot of work...

[@najeroni]

Are there options to do a veneer across the entire home? On brick and siding?

[@matthewvalimont6547]

What are the riser heights on your steps ? If you have 8” cmu block and let’s say 1 1/2 thick tread for caps, you have 8” risers. Do you cut your block down to get smaller risers? Just curious because I’m about to do a job like this

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

We made this staircase with 6" steps. We did have to cut the blocks down because nobody had 6" block in our area at the time. The first step we left at 8" because the first 2 inches will be buried below grade, making them all 6" steps.

[@rodcoslett173]

You do great work! Great videos too! I actually learn something watching them. Do you do the design work for your project as well? If so do you use a software and which one if so? Thank you!

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

Thank you very much! I am the one who does the designs after some back and forth with the customers. No 3D software though. Just communication and sometimes 2D sketch’s of the basic layout.

[@jeraldmiller967]

You guys are damn good. Come out to Utah and do some work for me

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

🤣 Thanks man! We try... and that's a little bit of a hike for us...LOL Thanks for the support! ✌

[@jsv07018]

How long a stair like that will last without cracking?

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

Decades if done correctly....

[@christineeaton4985]

Haha, I new you were from Mass as soon as I heard you talking. I'm a fellow Masshole.

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

🤣 Nice, I love it! ✌

[@SM-hz8uz]

What size blade do you use on your saw 14 inch or 16 inch

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

I use 14" blades ✌

[@colinmartin5994]

Awesome. Thanks.

[@n01-q1o]

What a beautiful job you guys did! I wish I had that kind of skill and ability lol! Given the knowledge that you have, what advice would you give if someone was going to hire a contractor to do something like this? For example what are some key questions or things someone should ask to make sure they are really good at what they do, or that they are being honest with their work? I won't lie, I've hired people in the past for different jobs and was treated unfairly with price and with the quality of work (and these are from places that claim to be five star ratings etc)... so obviously I can't rely on ratings so knowing some information to ask or things to look for would definitely help I hope.... thanks in advance😊

[@bhadz100]

Can I do this to an existing steps with stucco on it?

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

As long as it is structurally sound, absolutely! ✌

[@marcalexander5594]

Great work, I would hire yall. What state is this in? I noticed you didn't really do a footer. I guess if its not supporting a roof and columns you can get away without putting one.

[@jdipietronh]

Thank you for this video, very helpful! The granite distributor I talked to said that if you go more than 1/2" of mortar on the bottom of the granite that it could seep through and discolor it. I have the same issue where my treads are 2" and pattern stock 1.5" and was just going to use mortar to line them up like you did but now I am hesitant based on what he said. Have you ever seen or witnessed issues when using that much type S mortar to level out the pattern stock to line up with the treads?

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

My pleasure and I'm glad it was helpful! Sorry for the late response but yes, if you use a thick bed of type S, you could get efflorescence stains in the future. But I have done a lot of steps with this method so far and no issues. .5 - .75 inches is ok, 1 inch or more is excessive for type s, use more concrete at that point. Sorry if the response was too late for you but I hope your project turns out great! ✌

[@jdipietronh]

@@TheChristianHardscaper no problem, appreciate the reply! Sounds good, that's about what I was figuring.

[@nancysmith9487]

Looks great, year later how many have fallen off? At wawas within a yr falling off already. What the customers feedback after rain winter freezing heat? Nice work

[@nelson32]

The veneer looks like Interloc New England. I'm looking for a veneer to use for my outdoor kitchen counters. Do you think these would be good for that? I would mud them against half-inch cement board.

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

This veneer would be perfect for that. They are made by (Northeast Masonry) they are called (Interlocking Thin Stone Veneer Panels) with a (New England) color blend.

[@frankbrosseau6182]

Can you tell me where you can get stone treads like the ones you used in this job? I live in St. Paul and wondering if you could point me to a supplier. Great work.

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

I'm not to sure where you would get them in your area. But they are called (Blue-Mist Granite) "Treads"

[@user-hn9qg5qm3o]

What’s the cost approximately to have a set of steps just like this done?

[@davidlobley2708]

Where can I buy the Ardex X77? I live in Derry NH. Thanks brother.

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

I'm not too sure but if you go to their website you may find a local dealer.

[@zacboutin6952]

work looks great but i would suggest buttering the full back of the stone since you didnt strike in your head joints on your block

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

Thank you, and as I explained in the video I don't think it is necessary to back butter the entire panel because when you push it into place, the mortar spreads across the entire back as you apply it. And because we are covering the block with stone veneer, mortaring the head joints is not necessary. The mortar behind the stone veneer seals those head joints.

[@John.Paulis]

What kinda saw is that?

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

Stihl TS-420

[@SM-hz8uz]

What size sawblade do use on your machine is that a 14 or 16

[@stuartfarrell6729]

how well do this do in the north east of the USA

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

Very well. I am located in southern Massachusetts where we have multiple freeze / thaw cycles throughout our winters. The open grade base under all my hardscape projects is key. Here is a video that explains my base prep in more detail 👉kzbin.info/www/bejne/eZnEe5hpf9Z3bKs

[@stuartfarrell6729]

@@TheChristianHardscaper fully agree with how you set this pad up water has to flow away from the pavers or anything you are doing in the northeast my question was about the stone veneer but taking in the name and the fact you are a contractor in the northeast I would say that this product will work great here in upstate New York ill keep watching more of your videos for research and education

[@cocobj8116]

Why does leave a small gap between the bottom of the veneer and the base? How do you fill it or leave it like that Than u

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

We had to lift the veneer up a little to meet the top of the blocks. So we lifted it up and put stone / mortar in the gap. ✌

[@papagreen7127]

Hey look 4 corners , where’s my $100 bucks 😂

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

🤣 Got me on a technicality! LOL 🤣

[@SamCanada1]

👍

[@Dustin922]

😁

[@cocobj8116]

❤❤🙏🙏

[@markmoody703]

You must be in the Northeast electric is use less

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

I am in Massachusetts ✌

[@slovakjakpica]

This is good as joke not as install, this won't last long .No hydroisolation anywhere. When installing natural stones outside , you need to cover at least 90% of it with thinset mortar using butterfly method.

[@gersonmolina7142]

No good

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

🤣✌