There’s nothing quite as satisfying as transforming an outdoor space, especially when tackling a long-standing eyesore. For too long, the exposed concrete blocks around our porch have detracted from the beauty of our home’s exterior. What started as an ambitious afternoon project near the pool quickly turned into a battle against the elements, as persistent rain delayed progress for weeks. Yet, with determination and a clear vision, we persevered, seizing every break in the weather to work on the foundation. The results, as you’re about to see, are nothing short of spectacular. We’re thrilled to share our comprehensive guide on how we revitalized our home’s exterior using the innovative AirStone system.

Transform Your Home: A Step-by-Step Guide to Adding AirStone to Your Block Foundation

We are incredibly grateful to AirStone and Loctite for their partnership on this project. The transformation is dramatic, turning what was once a source of constant irritation into a feature that significantly enhances our home’s curb appeal. The unsightly concrete blocks, a lingering reminder of the pool installation last year, truly felt like a thorn in our side. We had poured so much effort into building the outdoor kitchen, and the unfinished foundation constantly undermined the overall aesthetic of our carefully crafted outdoor living space. Now, with the AirStone meticulously installed, the entire area exudes a polished and cohesive charm.

With this major exterior upgrade complete, we’re down to just one more significant outdoor undertaking: replacing the aging wood on the stairs leading to the storage space above the cottage. For that, we’re definitely hoping to bring in professional help! But for now, let’s dive into the details of our AirStone journey.

Before we commenced this exciting project, we shared our initial plans and enthusiasm in a live video. While we’re focusing on the detailed written guide here, it’s worth noting the excitement that surrounded the inception of this ambitious makeover.

Why Choose AirStone for Your Foundation Renovation?

AirStone offers an exceptional solution for homeowners looking to elevate the look of plain cement blocks. This lightweight stone veneer system allows you to effortlessly transform drab, utilitarian surfaces into stunning, natural-looking stone walls. One of AirStone’s most compelling features is its significant weight reduction compared to traditional stone, making installation far more manageable for DIY enthusiasts. You won’t need heavy equipment or specialized tools, and the lighter load means less structural strain on your foundation. Furthermore, AirStone is an eco-conscious choice; every carton is crafted from six recycled wine bottles, adding a sustainable element to your home improvement project. Who knows, some of them might even have been from our own collection!

Beyond its sustainability and ease of handling, AirStone stands out for its realistic appearance. Available in a variety of colors and textures, it mimics the authentic beauty of natural stone, bringing a sophisticated and timeless appeal to any exterior or interior space. The “Spring Creek” color we selected perfectly complemented our existing outdoor aesthetic, providing a warm and inviting look that beautifully integrates with our landscaping.

Essential Tools and Materials for Your AirStone Project

Before embarking on your AirStone installation, gathering the right tools and materials is crucial for a smooth and efficient process. Here’s a comprehensive list of what you’ll need to achieve professional-looking results:

AirStone Wall Stone: Select your preferred color and style. We opted for the beautiful Spring Creek for its natural hues. Ensure you purchase enough coverage for your project area, accounting for cuts and potential waste.
AirStone Corner/Finished End Stone: These specialized pieces are vital for creating seamless, polished corners and clean edges, giving your project a truly finished look. Don’t skip these!
Loctite PL 500 Landscape Block Adhesive (or similar heavy-duty construction adhesive): For outdoor applications, a strong, weather-resistant adhesive is paramount. Loctite construction adhesive provides excellent bonding power and durability against the elements. If you’re applying AirStone indoors, you can use AirStone’s interior adhesive.
Caulk Gun: Essential for precise and efficient application of the adhesive.
Saw(s): While AirStone is lightweight and easy to cut, having the right saw makes a significant difference. A miter saw is excellent for straight cuts and angles, while a table saw can be useful for ripping stones to specific widths. A simple hacksaw can also work for smaller, less precise cuts if needed.
2″ x 4″ or Other Common Board: This is a simple yet indispensable tool for establishing a level guide line and providing temporary support for the stones during the adhesive curing process.
Folding Table: A dedicated staging area is invaluable for organizing your stones, sorting them for desired patterns, and applying adhesive efficiently.
Measuring Tape and Level: Accuracy is key for a professional finish.
Utility Knife or Scissors: For opening packaging.
Wire Brush and Cleaner: To prepare the foundation surface.
Safety Glasses and Gloves: Always prioritize safety when working with tools and adhesives.
Small Pry Bar or Spacers (optional): For minor adjustments or ensuring consistent gaps if desired (though AirStone is designed for a tight fit).

Our Step-by-Step AirStone Installation Process

Our project involved two distinct corners, and we began with the outside corner nearest the pool. This area presented a challenge with varying ground levels, which we meticulously addressed by using pieces of wood to establish a perfectly level starting point for our corner stones. Precision at this stage is critical for the entire project’s success.

1. Starting with the Corners: The Foundation of Your Design

We initiated the installation at the bottom corner, carefully applying the corner end stones. Each corner stone comes packaged with its corresponding mate, designed to interlock seamlessly. One end is typically flat, while the other features a natural, textured finish.
The key to achieving an authentic, flowing look is to alternate these pieces as you stack them. This technique ensures that the corner doesn’t appear repetitive or manufactured, but rather like a natural stone formation.

2. Establishing Your Level Line and Planning Your Rows

Once the initial corner was securely in place and dry, we moved to the bottom of the left side. Our goal was to ensure a full stone would sit perfectly at the top edge of the foundation, providing a clean and deliberate finish.
To achieve this, we employed a crucial dry-stacking method. We temporarily arranged stones along the intended height of the foundation without adhesive. This allowed us to determine where our straight-edge bottom guide, made from the 2″ x 4″ board, needed to be positioned. By carefully planning this, we could ensure that the final top row would consist of full, uncut stones, significantly enhancing the professional appearance of the finished wall.
Once the dry stack confirmed the ideal height, we securely fastened the 2″ x 4″ horizontally to the foundation, creating a perfectly level line to guide our initial adhesive application. This critical step guarantees a straight and even starting point for all subsequent rows.

3. Staging Your Stones for a Natural Pattern

AirStone cartons contain stones of various shades and sizes to mimic natural variations. To create an organic, random pattern that avoids any obvious repetitions or lines, we opened several boxes of stone simultaneously.
We then staged these pieces on a folding table, arranging them in a way that allowed us to visualize and select stones for each section, ensuring a harmonious blend of colors and textures. This preparation step, though seemingly minor, makes a huge difference in the final aesthetic outcome.

4. Applying the Adhesive with Precision

With our stones staged, we flipped each piece over to apply the adhesive. We used Loctite PL 500 Landscape Block Adhesive for its robust outdoor capabilities. It’s important to note that if you’re installing AirStone inside your home, a different interior-specific adhesive can be used.
Apply a generous bead of adhesive in an ‘S’ pattern or a zig-zag across the back of each stone. This ensures maximum contact and adhesion to the foundation block. Be careful not to apply too much that it squeezes out excessively from the sides when pressed, though a small amount is acceptable and can be wiped away.

5. Placing Stones and Ensuring Proper Support

Once the adhesive was applied, we firmly pressed each stone onto the foundation wall, ensuring solid contact. We carefully aligned each piece with the previously installed stones and the level guide.
The adhesive recommends supporting the stone for at least 24 hours to allow it to properly cure and achieve its full bonding strength. We left our 2″ x 4″ guide board in place along the bottom of our first row until the adhesive was completely dry. This temporary support is crucial, especially for the initial rows, preventing slippage and ensuring a perfectly straight line.

6. Working Downwards and Custom Cuts

After the first row, or a significant section along the length of the block foundation, was securely dried, we carefully removed the supporting 2″ x 4″ board. We then continued to work our way downwards, row by row, ensuring each stone was level and tightly fitted.
The bottom row often requires custom cuts to accommodate the ground level, which rarely stays perfectly even. Using our miter and table saws, we precisely cut each stone as needed, ensuring a snug fit against the ground and a professional finish. This attention to detail on the bottom row is essential for a seamless transition from the stone veneer to the landscape.

7. Addressing Obstructions and Uneven Terrain

One common challenge in foundation projects is working around utility lines, such as gas pipes. We carefully added stones around the existing gas line, meticulously cutting pieces to fit snugly. While it’s still visible, the AirStone dramatically reduces its prominence, making it far less noticeable than before. A fresh coat of white paint on the exposed pipe will further help it blend in. Of course, the convenience of a gas grill is a small trade-off for this minor detail!
As the ground level naturally changed along the length of the foundation, we adjusted the number of stone rows to gracefully follow the slope. This technique ensures that the AirStone wall appears integrated with the landscape rather than an abrupt, unnatural addition. This adaptability is one of the key benefits of working with individual stone pieces.

The Benefits of AirStone: Lightweight, Easy, and Grout-Free

The entire process of adding AirStone to our block foundation was made considerably easier due to its inherent advantages. AirStone is approximately 75% lighter than traditional stone, which not only simplifies handling but also means less strain on the installer and the existing structure. Its ease of installation is remarkable; it doesn’t require complex tools or specialized masonry skills, making it an ideal DIY project. Perhaps one of its most appealing features is that it requires absolutely no grouting! This eliminates a messy and time-consuming step often associated with stone installations, significantly speeding up the project and simplifying cleanup.

Having an extra set of hands, in our case, Barry’s help, truly accelerated the application process. For this substantial project, we ended up utilizing around 16 boxes of AirStone, covering approximately 128 square feet. That’s a significant area, and the ease of working with AirStone made it feel far less daunting than it would have with traditional heavy stone.

Final Thoughts and Your Next Project

AirStone’s versatility means it can be applied both inside and outside your home, offering endless possibilities for enhancing various spaces—from kitchen backsplashes to accent walls. We couldn’t be happier with the dramatic improvement to our porch foundation. The once-ugly concrete blocks have been transformed into a beautiful, natural stone feature that truly completes our outdoor oasis. The satisfaction of stepping back and admiring such a significant transformation, achieved with relative ease, is truly rewarding.

If you’re contemplating a similar home improvement project, we wholeheartedly recommend exploring AirStone. Its combination of aesthetic appeal, ease of installation, and eco-friendly attributes makes it an excellent choice for any homeowner looking to upgrade their living spaces. We encourage you to visit their website at AirStone.com to discover the full range of colors and styles available. You’ll also find a wealth of inspirational videos and application ideas to spark your creativity. If you decide to tackle an AirStone project, please let us know how it goes – we’d love to see your transformations!