Calculating Quantity
and Waste Factor

Designing your space and selecting your natural stone veneer is often the creative and inspiring aspect of your project. Calculating the quantity needed for your project can feel technical and overwhelming, particularly for homeowners. At its core, the calculations are relatively simple- length x height of the area you want to cover but, there are other considerations and factors that will impact your calculations. In this article, we provide in-depth information to help you determine the approximate quantity of natural stone for your project.

Homeowner Calculations vs Formal Takeoffs

Calculating the quantities by measuring the area yourself will provide a general idea of the quantity needed and help you determine the scope and price of your project. At Quarry Mill, we always recommend that your masonry contractor completes a formal takeoff for your project before you place your order. It is always better to have the right amount of material to complete your project than to wait on additional shipments mid-install

The Process

Step 1

Determine the square foot of flats needed

Measuring wall surface area for stone veneer calculation

Natural stone veneer flats are calculated and sold by the square foot. Begin by using a tape measure to record the length and height of the surface you want to cover. Multiply the length by the height to find the surface area.

Determine the square foot of flats needed

For a project with unique or additional shapes, measure the surface area of the individual shapes and add them together for a total square foot. For example, on the fireplace shown, measure the triangle (1/2 length x height). Then add the surface area of the triangle to the measurement of the surface area of the rectangle.

Most natural stone veneer projects have areas that won't be covered with stone (fireplace inserts, windows, doors, etc.). For these applications, it is often easiest to take a total measurement and then subtract the spaces that won't be covered.

Step 2

Calculate the linear foot of corners needed

Real stone veneer corners are calculated and sold by the linear foot. Calculate the number of corners needed by measuring the height of the area you need to cover. On exterior corners measure the height from base to soffit and on interior corners measure from floor to ceiling.

Natural stone veneer corners are typically 90 degrees with four inches on one side and a six to ten-inch return on the other.

Step 3

Asses the waste factor

Installing natural stone veneer involves masonry techniques such as cutting, splitting, sorting, and trimming individual stones to achieve the desired final appearance. The portion of stone that is cut or trimmed during installation is called waste factor.

The amount of waste generated varies from project to project. The type of joint that is used during installation with significantly impact the waste factor. Smaller and tighter joints (drystacking for example) require more masonry modifications which generate more waste. The complexity of the design and the experience of your mason will also impact the waste factor. Choosing high-quality Quarry Mill natural stone veneer, hiring an experienced mason, and having a formal takeoff completed will help minimize your waste factor.

Waste factor is generally calculated as a percentage of your total surface area. The percentage recommendation changes based on your desired mortar joint. A common half-inch raked mortar joint averages a waste factor of approximately 10%. Waste factor for medium joints ranges from around 15-20% and tight joints can have a waste factor of around 20-30%. To calculate waste factor, multiply your total surface area by the percentage of waste factor. You will need to add your waste factor calculations to your total square foot stone order.

Summary

Calculating the quantity of natural stone veneer needed for your project requires measuring your surface area for square foot flats and linear foot corners. You'll subtract any areas that won't be covered such as doors and windows. Last, you'll calculate your waste factor based on your desired mortar joint. Homeowner calculations should be used as a rough estimate to provide a general idea of the scope and price of your project. We always recommend having your professional masonry contractor complete a formal takeoff before placing your order.