Stone & Brick Veneer

Masonry veneer is a layer of brick or stone set in front of a wall and tied to it. Ontario's Building Code (Section 9.20) requires veneer units at least 70 mm thick and, over a wood-frame wall, an air space of at least 25 mm behind the veneer.

Ties are corrosion-resistant straps at least 0.76 mm thick and 22 mm wide, spaced no more than 400 mm vertically by 800 mm horizontally, 500 by 600 mm, or 600 by 400 mm. Weep holes no more than 800 mm apart sit at the bottom of the air space, over flashing that runs from at least 5 mm beyond the face below to 150 mm up the frame wall. Mortar for veneer above ground is type N or S.

Slab and panel facings of natural or artificial stone fall under Part 4 of the Code (Subsection 4.3.2), not the Part 9 veneer rules. Veneer is not named on the City's permit lists, so ask the City about your job; enlarging or relocating a window or door is listed as a permit project.

Ask how the ties, flashing and weep holes will be done and what the veneer will rest on. Stucco and parging are covered by ottawastucco.com.

Published Ontario contractor pricing for 2025–26 puts natural stone veneer at about $35 to $75 per square foot installed (most quotes $40 to $55) and manufactured stone at about $18 to $36; yours will differ. Brick veneer has too few published prices to quote.