Grout Techniques

1. Raked Joint : This technique is also known as a standard joint that is achieved by laying each stone roughly one finger width apart from each other , then grouting between each stone. Once the mortar is semi-dry it is then ‘raked’ with a variety of masonry tools to have the mortar recessed back away from the stone face ultimately at the same depth. By doing this it allows the edge of each stone to be seen as well as the face of each stone.

2. Flush Joint : This technique is accomplished when a trowel is held flat against the stone and moved along the surface so as to cut away the excess mortar. This results in the joint being flush with the face of the stone.

3. Overgrout Joint : This technique has joints that are wider, dry irregularly and overlaps the face of the stone. This results in a more rustic or aged appearance, something very common in old world Europe.

4. Stacked Joint : This technique is where the stone is stacked directly on top of the other stone leaving no room for a joint. In the Northwoods this is something that is recommended for interior use only. Our harsh winters does not allow the stone to stay adhered on the exterior.

5. Colored Mortar : Different colors of mortar can also change the impact of the stone. Regular mortar is a light gray in color. Deer Run Stone carries a line of powdered dyes that one can add to the gray mortar to change the color.