MSI | Mortarless Stone Innovations by M-Rock

1. Install starter strip 1 3/4" above the surface of your project area making sure that you keep starter strip straight and level.

2. Lock your stone in place against the starter strip and fasten your MSI stone using a standard 1 ¼ screw (minimum)

3. Stagger each additional piece as you move up, fastening each stone with 2 screws per stone

4. Corners: Inside and outside corners come in matching pairs for a perfect fit every time.

Do not over tighten the screws
Check often that your stones are level
Be sure to use cut pieces to start new rows to avoid waste
Use a rubber mallet to tap stones into place when necessary may need to be slightly backed out to allow the next stone to lock into place in certain situations.
When necessary, stones can be adjusted up or down to ensure a level course
Broken or cut stones are not waste, simply cut the remaining pieces into a usable stone and apply as normal.
Cut edges can be chipped or roughed to help hide the unnatural looking cut edge.
Hide your cuts by simply cutting and placing the cut side away from high visibility and angles.
Start your project in your least visible/high traffic area, so that by the time you have completed a few rows you will be a pro.

Step 1: Prepping the surface

Exterior Untreated Wood Installation: For exterior untreated wood installation a moisture barrier, such as 15lbs felt or a synthetic barrier is required. Exterior Treated Wood Installation: No moisture barrier is required when using treated plywood. Interior Wood Installation: No moisture barrier is required. Interior Dry Wall: MSI can be installed over Dry Wall, 1) Hit one stud per stone, or 2) Use some type of dry wall anchor. Block Installation: MSI can be installed over block with a masonry screw to apply stone to block. We recommend that the block be sealed before MSI installation.

Step2: Starter Strip

To install the Starter Strip measure up 1 1/2” from the bottom of your project area, chalk a line to mark where your Starter Strip will be installed, for multiple Starter Strips be sure to continue your line the entire length of the project area. Starter Strip is not always necessary, but the bottom section of the first row of stone may not be as tight as when using the Starter Strip. The screws need to be drilled through the “V” channel of the Starter Strip (d1) and will be drilled directly onto your premeasured and marked line, placing a screw every 6-8 inches along the Starter Strip. Be sure to check that each strip is leveled. Once you have installed and leveled your Starter Strip you are ready to move on to step 3. starter diagram

Step 3: First Row of MSI

When inside and/or outside corners are present it is recommend that you start with inside corners first, then outside corners, then fill in between with flats. The first row locks onto the Starter Strip and the stones work better from left to right. When you get to the end of the each row measure and make the appropriate cut, using the remaining piece to begin your next row.

Step 4: Second Row and Continuing

Your second row and all following rows will stack and fasten directly onto the previous row of MSI stone. Make cuts where necessary, being sure to stagger each row. By staggering your rows you avoid vertical seams. Be sure to use your cut pieces in and throughout your project. MSI has been designed for minimal waste, but that requires using your cut pieces to fill in where needed. If you do not reuse you may run short.

Step 5: Finishing
You have several options for finishing out the last row of your projects and we recommend when possible to install the Universal Trim and Transition molding first.
- Universal Trim: Universal Trim a 2”x20” trim piece that can be used in many different ways, depending on your project. It can be used to finish the top of a project area, to trim around windows and doors, or to butt the stone to another surface. (Use a polyurethane construction adhesive to attach the Universal Trim).
- Transition Molding: The Transition Molding can be used to butt one material up to the stone. It’s an excellent way to dress up your project. (Use a polyurethane construction adhesive to attach)
- Piecing the Stone: Cut to height and use a Polyurethane Construction Adhesive to attach the stone. The structural railing system may need to be cut to ensure a tight lock and finish. In some situations pre-drilling a pilot hole may be necessary to attach the last course with a mechanical fastener (i.e. galvanized screws).