How to Remove Interior Stone Veneer

Stone Veneer
  • 1-6 hours
  • Beginner
  • 60-200
What You'll Need
Masonry chisel
Masons hammer
Flat pry bar
Scraper
Acetone
Rag
Screw puller
Wood putty
Putty knife
Paint
Paintbrush
Dust mask
What You'll Need
Masonry chisel
Masons hammer
Flat pry bar
Scraper
Acetone
Rag
Screw puller
Wood putty
Putty knife
Paint
Paintbrush
Dust mask

Interior stone veneer can help you to create a natural atmosphere indoors. It consists of stone-like material, grouped together and attached onto a panel which you install on a wall. The stones are made from cement, natural aggregates and pigments. Stone veneer is much lighter than real stone which makes installation easier than real stones. It also costs much less. When you decide you no longer want the veneer, the removal process is simple. Here is a brief guide on how to remove the veneer stones.

Step 1 – Cut through Grout

It is a good idea to wear a dust mask so that you do not inhale the dust and fine particles that are generated once the grout is cut. Position the tip of your chisel along a grout line. Tap the chisel from the back with a hammer until you cut through to the cement board underneath. This helps to break the bond between the various veneer panels attached onto the wall.

Step 2 – Pry a Panel

Insert the tip of your chisel underneath one corner of a panel. Tap the chisel firmly from the back with a hammer. Maintain the activity until you advance a couple of inches underneath the panel. Remove the chisel. Then, move about 6 inches away, along the edge of the panel, and keep moving. Insert your chisel underneath the panel and repeat the same activity. Work in this way all around the panel. Use a flat pry bar to remove the panel further from the cement board.

Step 3 – Remove the Veneer

Take hold of a corner portion of the veneer. Hold firmly with both hands and lift off from the board. Where you encounter resistance, use your chisel and hammer to pry off the veneer. Repeat Steps 2 and 3 to remove all the panels from the board.

Step 4 – Clear the Adhesive

If you intend to replace the stone veneer with a new veneer or wallpaper, it is necessary to clean the cement board. Otherwise, if your plans don’t require the cement board, proceed to Step 5. Use a scraper to clear dried adhesive from the boards. Scrape away as much of the adhesive as you can. Place some acetone on a rag so that it is damp. Clean the boards with the damp rag. Allow the boards to dry completely before you install your new wall material.

Step 5 – Remove the Cement Board

Use a screw puller to remove screws from one cement board. Place the screws in a plastic bag. Once you’ve removed all the screws from a board, remove the board and place on the floor. Proceed to remove all the other boards. Dispose of the boards if you have no use for them.

Step 6 – Finishing

Wipe down the wall with a damp rag. Use a putty knife to fill the holes left by screws with wood putty. Allow the putty to dry properly. Paint the wall with a paint of your preferred color.