Built to Last with Real Stone

Professional natural stone installation services now available in Duluth.

Your home in Duluth deserves surfaces that hold up through years of weather while adding character you can see and feel every time you pull into the driveway or walk through the front door. Natural stone installation gives you exactly that, with textures and colors that come from quarries rather than factories, installed to stay level and secure through freeze-thaw cycles common in the area.

JF Masonry LLC works with both thin veneer stone and full depth stone, depending on what your project requires. Thin veneer stone uses lighter panels applied to an existing wall or structure, reducing weight and installation time while still delivering the authentic look of stacked stone. Full depth stone involves setting individual stones with mortar joints, used where load-bearing strength or deeper relief is needed, such as on retaining walls, columns, or standalone structures.

If you are ready to discuss natural stone options for your property in Duluth, reach out to JF Masonry LLC to go over materials and placement.

Two Installation Methods Suited to Different Needs

When you choose thin veneer stone, the installation begins with a moisture barrier and metal lath secured to your exterior wall in Duluth, followed by a scratch coat of mortar that gives the stone something to grip. Each piece is set by hand, with mortar applied to the back and pressed into place until the pattern looks natural and the weight distributes evenly across the surface.

After the work is finished, you will notice the texture catches light differently throughout the day, and the surface sheds water instead of absorbing it. Full depth stone takes longer because each stone is individually placed and requires deeper mortar joints, but the result is a structure you can lean against, bump with equipment, or pressure wash without worrying about panels lifting or cracking.

Both methods require proper flashing at the base and weep holes to let trapped moisture escape, especially in climates where snow melt and rain are frequent. The stone itself does not need sealing in most cases, but mortar joints may be treated with a breathable sealer if the wall is exposed to heavy runoff or deicing salts. This work does not include interior stone installation or fireplace surrounds, which require different clearances and backing materials.

Questions that come up before the work begins

Homeowners in Duluth often want to know how natural stone holds up, how long installation takes, and whether their existing walls can support the material without reinforcement.

What is the difference between thin veneer and full depth stone?
Thin veneer stone is a lighter material applied to the surface of an existing wall, while full depth stone is laid with mortar and used for load-bearing or freestanding structures. Your choice depends on whether the wall carries weight or just needs a finished appearance.
How long does a natural stone installation take?
Most residential installations in Duluth take between three and seven days, depending on the square footage, stone type, and whether scaffolding or wall prep is required. Weather can delay mortar curing times.
What happens if water gets behind the stone?
Properly installed stone includes a drainage plane, metal lath, and weep holes that allow moisture to exit at the base of the wall. Without these layers, water can freeze behind the stone and cause cracking or displacement over time.
Why does natural stone cost more than manufactured stone?
Natural stone is quarried, cut, and sorted by hand, which adds cost before it even reaches your site. Each piece is unique in shape and weight, so installation takes longer and requires more skill to achieve a clean, stable result.
How do I clean natural stone after it is installed?
You can rinse natural stone with a garden hose or pressure washer set to a moderate level, avoiding direct high-pressure spray on the mortar joints. Most stains from dirt or pollen wash off without chemicals.

JF Masonry LLC installs natural stone on homes and commercial properties throughout Duluth, working with quarried materials that match the look you are after and the structure you are building on. Contact us to review stone samples and walk through installation options for your project.