River Rock Installation Instructions

Step 1

Install Drainage Mat (Exterior Only)

Tools:

• Drainage Mat
• Deck Screws
• Screw Gun/Drill Driver with Driver Bits

NOTE: Skip this step if installing with adhesive only method over concrete, masonry or metal.

1. Orient the roll so that the grid side faces the wall and the smoother side faces out.
2. Fasten the drainage mat to the wall using deck screws long enough to pass through the mat, house wrap and into the structural material.

Step 2

Orient Panels & Determine Installation Order

1. Orient each of the panels so that the flat lip on the long side (A) is up.
2. It is often helpful to establish an order for the panels by laying them out prior to starting the installation process. Look at the variation in color and texture to ensure no one section draws the eye.
3. Since the rocks project lower than the body of the panel you will have to decide if you want to trim them to be flush with the bottom of the panel or allow them to project. Do not rotate the panel so that the rocks project up because you will lose the shiplap joint between panels, leaving them vulnerable to water penetration.

Step 3

Trim Panels

Tools:

• Pencil
• Tape Measure
• T-square
• Wood Cutting Saw with Finish Blade

NOTE: Skip if installing interlocking corners

1. If trimming the bottom of the first row of panels, determine the number of panels needed to run the length of the first row. If using a corner be sure to include it in your measurement.
2. If the width of your installation requires using a partial panel and/or mitering a corner, you will want to use the River Rock Grouted Filler Panel and Rock Set (both sold separately) as part of your installation.
3. Trim the bottom off panels/corner needed for the first row.
4. Trim the fingers off the first panel.

Step 4

Prepare Surfaces

Tools:

• Clean Cloth
• Tack Cloth

1. Wipe hard surfaces with a wire brush to remove loose debris
2. Wipe walls with a tack cloth to remove any dirt or sawdust.
3. Clean surfaces are required to ensure the panels adhere properly.

Step 5

Draw Level Line

Tools:

• Pencil
• Level / Laser Level
• Chalk Line / Laser

Find the high point on the floor/ ground using a level. Place a full size panel against the wall and mark the height. Draw a level line the length of the wall.

Step 6a

Attach Panel to Wall

Adhesive & Fastener Installation:

Tools:

• Deck Screws
• Screw Gun / Drill Driver & Driver Bits
• Level / Laser Level
• Tack Cloth

Add beads of adhesive to the back of the panel where it will come in contact with the wall/drainage mat. Add a dab of adhesive to the back of each panel finger. Adhere the panel to the wall using a slight twisting motion to ensure good contact. Place (1) screw per foot along the perimeter and (1) screw per square foot in the middle of the panel. Screws should be slightly recessed. Place screws under protruding rocks or in grout lines to make them less noticeable.
Do NOT over tighten screws.

Step 6b

Attach Panel to Wall

Adhesive-only Installation over Concrete/Masonry/ Metal:

Tools:

• Great Stuff Applicator Gun
• Great Stuff Pro™ Construction Adhesive
• Disposable Gloves

Wearing gloves and following the instructions on the Great Stuff Pro Construction Adhesive cannister, add beads of Great Stuff Pro to the back of the panel where it will come in contact with the wall/drainage mat. Add a dab of adhesive to the back of each panel finger. Adhere the panel to the wall using a slight twisting motion to ensure good contact.

Step 7

Repeat for the Length of the Installation

Tools:

• Clean cloth
• Caulk Gun
• Color Coordinating Textured Caulk
• Loctite PL 3x

1. Butt the panels tightly together while following the level line. Dry fit each panel before applying adhesive to ensure it fits flush. Trim if necessary. The last panel on the row will have to be trimmed from the finger side of a panel.
2. Add a bead of caulk to the lip of the panel where it meets the face.
3. Add a bead of adhesive to the lip of the installed panel close to the edge.
4. Attach the panel to the wall as described in Step 6.
5. Use a damp cloth to remove any excess adhesive or caulk before it dries.
6. If your installation requires a partial panel (typically when using two outside corners or mitering an inside corner), cut a grouted filler panel to width and use a router to trim the panel to maintain the integrity of the vertical shiplap joint. Use construction adhesive to adhere the individual rocks to the filler panel at the end of the installation.

Step 8

Start Next Row

Tools:

• Caulk Gun
• Wood Cutting Saw with Finish Blade
• Loctite PL 3x
• Pencil
• Chalk Line/ Laser
• Level

1. Trim the fingers off the first panel so that it sits flush against the wall and the rocks fit with the gaps in the panel below.
2. Apply a bead of adhesive to the top lip of the installed row of panels.
3. Repeat Steps 6 to 8.

Step 9

Touch-Up As Needed

Tools:

• Water
• Touch-up Kit
• Paint Brush
• Clean Cloth
• Cotton Swabs
• Caulk Gun
• Color Coordinating Textured Caulk
• Loctite PL 3X

1. If filler panels were used, add individual rocks to the filler panels using Loctite PL 3x. Use painters tape or finish nails to hold the individual rocks in place while the adhesive dries.
2. Add a bead of caulk to seal any mitered joints and where a panel butts against another surface (like an adjoining wall).
3. Add caulk to fill in voids, gaps and holes from screw heads. Carefully blend before it dries.
4. If your touch-up kit contains a base coat, use a cotton swab to apply a light layer of the base coat and allow it to dry completely (about 30 minutes).
5. Using a paint brush, apply the appropriate paint then dab with a soft cloth to blend and allow to dry completely (about 30 minutes).
6. If your touch-up kit contains a wash, apply the wash using a paint brush and dab with a soft cloth to blend. If the bottle is labeled “wash concentrate” add tap water to the neck of the bottle, screw the lid back on and shake to mix before using.