How To Finish Edge Of Ledgestone: 8 Best Methods (2024)

Ledgestone is one of the most aesthetically pleasing ways to finish a wall, fireplace, or border. The look is achieved by stacking and blending colored stones in a ‘dry-stack,’ which creates a heavily textured and striking visual look to your home decor.

But when you finish something with Ledgestone, you will face the challenge of dealing with the edges. And it can be tough to decide how these should blend and be finished to sit with the adjacent wall or surface.

So today, we’re looking at some of the best methods you can use to finish off your ledgestone lines and have them intergrade into your decor as seamlessly as possible.

How to Finish Edge of Ledgestone?

Table of Contents

  • How to Finish Edge of Ledgestone?
    • 1. Uninfished/staggered edges
    • 2. Clean cut edge finish
    • 3. Over-extend the frame
    • 4. Over-grout the gaps
    • 5. Caulk
    • 6. Wood trim finish
    • 7. Copper flashing
    • 8. Pre-made cornerstones

Ledgestone itself always provides a beautifully textured and distinct look, but you’ll often find that where the edges meet on corners or butt up to the wall can quickly detract from the overall look very fast.

Unless you consider how they are finished beforehand, you’ll soon find yourself stuck and limited on possible solutions.

Natural stone as a material is not cheap, nor is it simple to install because of its heavy weight, which requires you to take some extra steps to ensure it adheres to the wall securely.

So putting a bit of extra thought beforehand into how you would like the edges to look will save you a lot of problems down the road.

Otherwise, you’ll be left with an unsatisfactory finish that is far harder to fix after the main installation is finished than if you knew what you wanted beforehand – this had been the source of many headaches for those who rushed ahead with their installation and then had to backtrack later on after realizing how unsightly the edges were.

Making natural stone blend into another material has always been notoriously difficult. Personal preference plays a huge factor here, so let’s go through all the best methods that people commonly use to finish their ledgestone so you can decide which finish will work best for you.

1. Uninfished/staggered edges

This is undoubtedly one of the best options if you want to save time and money. Many people opt to leave the edges unfinished, you don’t need to buy any extra trimming, nor do you need to saw any tiles down. It’s as easy as it gets.

Does this mean there will be unevenness around the edge? Yes! And does this mean there will be gaps between the edge of the ledgestone tile and the wall? Yes!

One of the big appeals of this stacked stone type is itsrugged, beautiful, and rough/uneven surface. So simply leaving the edges ‘as is’ fits the aesthetic look of the stacked stone.

People can be understandably apprehensive about doing this as they don’t want guests to feel like they were lazy and the job hasn’t been finished, but the reality is most people will not pay it too much thought as it looks so natural.

2. Clean cut edge finish

Another straightforward solution is to just miter saw the edges so they are completely flush.

This is better suited to where the ledge stone butt is up against a flat surface, such as a wall, as the straight-cut edge will sit perfectly flat against it.

But for corners, it can be a little more unsightly as those straight edges will be exposed. But there are plenty of people out there who have used this approach to significant effect!

3. Over-extend the frame

This method only applies toscenarios where the ledge stone tiles are placed against something with a fitted frame, such as a fireplace or ledge.

You finish the ledgestone wall tile with the clean-cut edge, but then you have the object or frame mounted slightly further out than usual. This allows the clean-cut stone edge to ‘disappear’ into the frame and gives the perception of it blending seamlessly behind the object.

Often ledgestone tiles are not that thick, so it only requires a slight adjustment to the frame/ledge to achieve this effect.

What’s also nice about this method is it can still be achieved after the installation is completed. So if you’ve found yourself in a tricky situation and aren’t sure what to do – pulling the frame out a little to cover the straight edge of the tile can dramatically increase how authentic and seamless the tiles look.

4. Over-grout the gaps

Grout is a great way to fill in any gaps left by an unfinished edge if you find them unsightly. It’ll fill everything in and leave a smooth, seamless finish.

You have two options here. The first is to find a grout that matches the color of the stones as closely as possible. The intention here is to blend the stone into the edge seamlessly essentially. Unless you inspect it closely, you’d never know the ledgestone wall tile didn’t naturally disappear into the edge.

The other option is to take an opposite approach and purposely pick a color lighter than the stone to ‘highlight’ the edges. You achieve this by over-grouting the edges so there’s an excess of grout present which you can then wipe away the excess to create this natural and authentic-looking highlight around the edges.

5. Caulk

One of the problems with grout is that, over time, it may naturally chip away or turn into powder. So a more long-term solution is caulk, where the silicone has some give to it and will last longer.

The downside to this, however, is that it tends to stand out more against the ledgestone and doesn’t look quite as natural as grout. But if you take some time to find a suitable color that roughly matches the rock, you should find it ends up integrating with the ledgestone pretty well.

6. Wood trim finish

This is one of the more popular choices for finishing the edgestone ledge. It essentially involves purchasing some decorative wooden trim and mounting it to the corners and edges of the ledgestone tiles.

This has the double effect of hiding the seams and rough edges and giving it more of a homely and less rustic feel.

It’s more of a stylized look but is also one that has proven to be extremely popular.

Woods like red oak, Bubinga, or walnut are commonly used for this, thanks to their rich woodgrain and color. More basic-looking woods like maple and pine are generally avoided here, but it’s your choice.

7. Copper flashing

Copper flashing is a roofing material often used in place of something like aluminum or steel.

It’s essentially very thin sheet copper, which is relatively inexpensive and can be bent around the corner to provide a nice copper trim.

Of course, it’s not only used for roofing and is very commonly found in home decor because of its striking look.

Here you essentially use it in precisely the same way as the wood trim – by attaching it to the edges of the ledgestone and corners to hide the natural/unfinished seams and tie everything together.

Copper flashing creates an even more stylized look than the wood trim. Still, it is worth considering as it’s inexpensive and reversible, and you can install it on pre-installed ledge stones, so it can get you out of a bind when you’re short on options.

8. Pre-made cornerstones

This is most people’s ideal solution, but it requires you to pick a brand that offers pre-made corners for the kind of ledgestone you want to use.

These can be considered a kind of trim, but they allow the stone to wrap around corners and edges in a highly natural way that would be almost impossible for you to replicate yourself.

It’s by far the most ‘natural’ look on this list, but it requires you to factor this purchase in at the buying stage and to pick a brand that offers ledgestone corners (as many do not).

5/5 - (6 votes)

How To Finish Edge Of Ledgestone: 8 Best Methods (2024)

FAQs

How do you seal ledger stone? ›

Sealing Your Stacked Stone

You can use a roller to paint on a thin layer of the sealant. When sealing for the first time, it's best to use two to three coats. Be aware that the more porous your ledger stone—such as sandstone—the more coats you'll have to apply.

Do you need to grout Ledgestone? ›

The material uses no grout; in fact, the dry stacked look is part of its appeal. “Stone use goes through trends, from the size of grout joints to colors,” says Bryce Harding, national sales manager for Delta Stone Products in Heber City, Utah. “Today the look is a 'ledge-y' material.

What's the difference between Ledgestone and Stackstone? ›

Also known as stacked stone, ledgestone is a type of natural stone tile used for walls, fireplaces or borders. It is made of all kinds of rectangular stripes of natural stone arranged uniformly on a mesh to form a veneer.

Can you use polyurethane on stone? ›

Permanent coatings are coatings that are very difficult to remove. They are made of solvent based polymers such as polyurethane, epoxies, etc. These are not recommended for stone.

What happens if you don't seal stone? ›

Not sealing a stone countertop or floor tiles — which get the heaviest traffic and are the most susceptible to wear and tear — leaves the surface vulnerable to absorbing foreign substances, which can weaken the stone and potentially lead to the growth of bacteria.

What adhesive do you use for ledger stone? ›

A strong, durable adhesive like SRW's Vertical Instant Lock Adhesive will do the trick—it's the best adhesive for stone veneer on the market, with the technology to lock your natural or faux stone veneer in place vertically in less than than five seconds.

What happens if you don t seal natural stone before grouting? ›

All natural stone tiles, polished (shiny), honed (matte), or tumbled (antiqued) are porous, therefore sealing before grouting is essential to fill these pores with protective sealer. If this is not done, minute particles of grout will sit in the pores and result in a hazy surface appearance.

Should there be gaps in stacked stone? ›

Don't leave gaps between panels

The main reason for this is uneven edges on the stone panels themselves. You should make a point of sanding any edges that aren't perfectly straight before you begin your project.

Is sanded or unsanded grout better for stone? ›

In short, it depends. While we recommend unsanded grout for StoneImpressions tiles, you can use both types of grout to install natural stone tiles.
...
Can I Use Sanded Grout on Natural Stone?
Sanded GroutUnsanded Grout
Best for larger grout joints (1/8” – 1/2”)Best for thinner grout joints (>1/8” – 1/16”)
5 more rows
Sep 7, 2021

Is ledger stone out of style? ›

It's safe to say that no matter where or how you use ledger stone, you can be confident that they will stand the test of time. The warmth and character of natural stone never goes out of style.

What is the thickness of Ledgestone? ›

Ledge stone is a stone veneer product measuring 1" to 2" thick and therefore thinner than traditional stone siding for easier, lighter handling.

Is Stacked stone still in style? ›

Is stacked stone still in style? Stacked stone never goes out of style due to its rustic yet contemporary vibes. It offers a timeless beauty that allows you to have a beautiful appearance for years to come.

What is the best adhesive for stacked stone? ›

SRW's Stacked Stone Adhesive (Rapid Set Polyurethane) is an ideal choice for permanently bonding the stones together.

What do you put behind stone veneer? ›

Apply Mortar

Using a trowel, "butter" a 1/2-inch-thick layer of mortar onto the scratch coat and onto the back of the veneer piece. The texture of the mortar should be paste-like—wet enough so that it will not dry out but stiff enough that the stone can be adjusted and leveled as you apply it.

What is the best finish for stone? ›

Honed finish

Honed is the most classic of finishes for marble, limestone and most other types of natural stone. The effect is a smooth, matt surface which can range from dull to a light sheen but stops short of being shiny.

Why I don't use polyurethane? ›

Application is Difficult

Applying polyurethane is difficult. The product must be applied with a brush in long, even strokes. You must also keep a wet edge. If you touch an area with your brush that is dry or drying, you'll pull the finish which could leave bumps when it finally dries.

What is the best sealer for natural stone? ›

The Best Stone Sealers: Editors Top Picks
  • 5 gal. Foundation Armor SX5000.
  • Armor WL550 Stone Sealer 1 GAL.
  • Miracle Sealants 511 Impregnator Penetrating Sealant.
  • 5 Gallon Dominator LG+ Paver Sealer.
  • StoneTech BulletProof Sealer.

How often should you seal stone? ›

For lower traffic areas, like a kitchen backsplash or bathtub surround, you should re-seal your natural stone tiles every few years. Depending on the amount of traffic, some installers choose to re-seal their natural stone tiles every 18 months, while others choose to re-seal their tiles every 4 to 5 years.

Should I seal stonework? ›

If you have stonework that will be exposed to the elements, you must seal it. Liquids and gases can permeate natural stone because of its porous nature. Over time, liquids, salts, minerals, and pollutants can be soaked up by porous materials like a hard sponge (stains).

What is natural stone sealer? ›

Porous Natural Stone and Penetrating Sealers

Penetrating natural stone sealers are designed to soak into porous stone surfaces like stone pavers, limestone, slate, sandstone and marble to form a protective coating inside the pores of the stone. Porous stone is stone that will absorb oil, water and dirt.

What is the best adhesive for stone to wood? ›

Quikrete 10 oz. Construction Adhesive is a high performance, construction grade adhesive for bonding a number of different materials. It is designed for permanently bonding concrete, brick, marble, stone, wood, glass, aluminum, steel, PVC and tile.

Do you need cement board for ledger stone? ›

We recommend homeowners use cement board as the substrate for their stone, rather than the mortar scratch coat that is shown in the traditional system video. Both systems work well but cement board ensures a uniform and full base for the stone and is easier to install than a traditional mortar scratch coat.

Which is better mortar or adhesive? ›

Even though the adhesive is easier to use and cleanup, mortar has wider options and applications for masonry projects. Fixing structural walls or pillars should be done with mortar every time. Likewise, if a wall is over three feet, you should seriously consider using only mortar for work on brick or stone.

Why do contractors not seal grout? ›

A majority of builders do not include sealing your freshly installed Grout. This is for a variety of reasons that boil down to not wanting to be responsible or have any warranty calls regarding spills and stains. For the builder it makes total sense, for you the New Construction Home Owner it totally stinks.

When should you not seal grout? ›

Grout is porous and therefore absorbs liquids. Because of this, the reason you should not seal your tile grout is that the sealer's liquid chemicals combine with the grout to create a surface that is actually much more difficult to clean.

Does natural stone need to breathe? ›

Porous, natural stone needs to be allowed to breathe. Seal your limestone with a fully breathable penetrating sealer. All stone must be allowed to release vapour. In other words, must breathe.

Will dry stone stacking last? ›

Actually, stability is one of the most impressive features of these structures. Well-constructed dry stone walls can be expected to last for over 100 years and some even last for 200 years.

How do you fill a gap between stone? ›

Filler Options for Flagstone Patio

You have several options: Sand: Sand is the most common joint filler, but it is challenging to keep in place and needs to be refilled. Rocks: You can use small rocks to fill large gaps, and gravel or crushed rock can be used to fill smaller gaps.

Do I need to seal unsanded grout? ›

Good to Know: Unsanded grout does not contain sand and is a less common choice in tile applications. Although it's not as porous as sanded grout and therefore less permeable to water, it's still recommended to finish with a sealer especially in wet or high-traffic areas.

What is the best grout for natural stone? ›

Epoxy grout – the best grout for natural stone tiles. Epoxy grout is strong, form impermeable seams and is resistant to staining. It could well be said that this is the best grout for natural stone.

What color grout is best for stone tile? ›

The key here is to choose a grout color that's the exact opposite of the stone color. With light stone, use dark grout, and with dark stone use light grout.

What is Queen's ledger stone? ›

The stone—which is made of Belgian black marble with brass letter inlays to match the previous ledger—now includes the dates of birth and death for King George VI, Queen Elizabeth, Queen Elizabeth II, and Prince Philip.

What can I do with leftover ledger stone? ›

7 Ways to Reuse Leftover Stone
  1. Add Natural Stone Window Sills. ...
  2. Make Natural Stone Home Accessories. ...
  3. Create Natural Stone Artwork. ...
  4. Build Natural Stone Shelves. ...
  5. Take a Natural Stone Seat in the Shower. ...
  6. Create a Mosaic Floor With Natural Stone Remnants. ...
  7. Take Leftover Stone Outdoors.
Sep 13, 2021

Why is it called a ledger stone? ›

The term "ledger" derives from the Middle English words lygger, ligger or leger, themselves derived from the root of the Old English verb liċġan, meaning to lie (down). Ledger stones may also be found as slabs forming the tops of tomb chest monuments.

What size trowel do you use for ledger stone? ›

For most Norstone applications we recommend the 1/2” square notch trowel.

Can you install Ledgestone on drywall? ›

Ledger stone wall facings must be installed on flat, clean, smooth surfaces. Generally, they will be installed on drywall sheets or concrete. If the surface isn't perfectly smooth, sanding may be necessary.

Is Ledgestone a veneer? ›

Ledge stone is a stone veneer product measuring 1" to 2" thick and therefore thinner than traditional stone siding for easier, lighter handling.

What does stacked stone symbolize? ›

Rock stacking has carried spiritual meaning across cultures for centuries. The act of balancing stones carries with it a practice of patience and a physical effort of creating balance. Each rock can signify an intention of grace for thankfulness, or offered up for another in need. ...

Is Stacked stone dated? ›

Trends come and go. What was considered hot and stylish 20 years ago — or five years ago, for that matter — could now look dated. Not so with stacked stone ledger panels! Stacked stone ledger panels will always be in style, decade after decade, and here's why: They're made from real stone.

How do you finish inside corners when tiling? ›

An easy way to tile around a corner is to use corner trims. These are used to fill the space when walls are crooked or not completely vertical. First, you need to install the corner trim. You can secure it to the wall when you install the tiles.

How do you finish wall corners? ›

  1. Gather Tools and Supplies. For this project, you will need: ...
  2. Cut and Crease the Drywall Tape. ...
  3. Coat the Corners with Drywall Compound. ...
  4. Place the Tape in the Corner. ...
  5. Apply Additional Drywall Compound to One Side of the Corner. ...
  6. Apply Drywall Compound to the Other Side. ...
  7. Sand and Smooth.

How should tiles meet in a corner? ›

Press the tile to the wall firmly ensuring that the cut side faces the corner of the wall. The other edge should be next to the previously placed full tile in the row. The space between the two tiles should be consistent, and there should at least be a quarter-inch space in the corner.

How do you bullnose a tile corner? ›

How to Cut Bullnose Tile Corners
  1. Place a block of wood that has been cut to a 45-degree angle on the plate of a tile wet saw. ...
  2. Set the bullnose tile against the 45-degree slant of the wooden block. ...
  3. Turn on the saw and slowly push the block of wood toward the blade. ...
  4. Turn off the wet saw and remove the bullnose.

How do you tile corners without trim? ›

If you're asking how to tile outside corners without trim, then this is arguably the easiest method. A glazed tile has been painted and glazed on the sides just like the top of the tile. This means that if you leave the side exposed, you won't be looking at an ugly, bare, cut edge of a tile.

How do you finish tile edges without bullnose? ›

Caulk The Edge

Materials like glass tumbled stone, and porcelain has naturally-finished edges that may not require a separate edge piece to integrate or create a polished and cohesive look. So, in such a case, all you have to ensure is to edge the tile to the end and simply caulk the edges.

Should tile trim be flush with tiles? ›

The depth of a trim should match the depth of the tile. Whilst it seems obvious not to have a 10mm depth trim with a 6mm depth tile this is one of the most common mistakes made when choosing trim. Keeping the trim and tile flush creates the professional look that you will be hoping to achieve.

Do you use tile spacers in corners? ›

This allows for an even finish when it's time to grout your tiles. To use them, you place spacers at each corner of your tiles as you're laying them down, and you push the tiles together until the spacer is contacting each corner.

Is a corner trowel worth it? ›

If used properly, with the correct amount of pressure applied, a corner trowel will help you finish the job faster, leaving better results in the end. It'll also leave you with fewer aches and pains afterwards because it's less of a struggle to get the corners right.

How many layers of mud do I need for corners? ›

You need to lay one layer of mud onto the bare wall to hold the tape, and you can usually lay another immediately after you lay the tape and scrape it. After that coat dries, you topcoat with a third layer, using a wider knife than you used for taping.

Can you use joint compound on sheet rock? ›

Joint compound, commonly called mud, is the wet material that is used for drywall installation to adhere paper joint tape, fill joints, and to top paper and mesh joint tapes, as well as for plastic and metal corner beads. It can also be used to repair holes and cracks in drywall and plaster.

Can you caulk sheet rock corners? ›

You can absolutely fill a Corner with 45 or 90, sand it, and caulk the corner with high-quality flexible caulking. Tooled PROPERLY, you will never know the difference and it won't crack for a long, long time, if ever. Smear it all over the walls and yeah, you'll see it like night and day.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Francesca Jacobs Ret

Last Updated:

Views: 5746

Rating: 4.8 / 5 (68 voted)

Reviews: 91% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Francesca Jacobs Ret

Birthday: 1996-12-09

Address: Apt. 141 1406 Mitch Summit, New Teganshire, UT 82655-0699

Phone: +2296092334654

Job: Technology Architect

Hobby: Snowboarding, Scouting, Foreign language learning, Dowsing, Baton twirling, Sculpting, Cabaret

Introduction: My name is Francesca Jacobs Ret, I am a innocent, super, beautiful, charming, lucky, gentle, clever person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.