Been reading on the forum for about a month now, great place.  I'm going to be builidng my basement foundation out of ICF starting in about a month, really excited about it.  I had originially decided to go with superior wall but after adding up the cost I can do ICF (I provide the labor) for the same cost.

Anyway, I am planning on using thin stone vaneer on above ground foundation wall.  I had originially planned on brickledge around the entire parameter of the house to support the stone.  The more I've thought about it, I'm thinking there really isn't a need for the brickledge, as the thin stone veneer will be supported by the wire mesh.  I'm also thinking that instead of using the stone all around the house I may just do the fron and sides, and then use the stucco product to do the back.  Is the stucco cost effective vs. the stone?  I'm thinking it would have to be much cheaper.

So what do you think?  Brickledge or no?  I've figured it would save about 1,500 to emit it, could possibly allow me to use less stone as well.

Thanks!

No need for brickledge. just mesh and screws every 12" o.c. vert & hor.

price... not sure.. maybe price it out

Prices for construction materials and labor are really area dependent.  Where I live, brick is reasonably priced but in certain parts of FL where stucco is popular and brick has to be transported, stucco and labor cost less than brick.  So, where will you be building.  Some of us may know the cost for your area.

I'll be building in North Central West Virginia. 

I figured Stucco would be much cheaper/faster than the stacked stone.  If prices are comparable, I'll just use the stone for sure.  Has anyone offset their foundation to accomodate the thickness of the stone?  From my experiance the stone is about 3" thick, if I don't offset the walls, the stone would stick out past the siding.  I know they make a tapered transition peice for the top row but that really doesn't look natural and I'm sure it wouldn't be as effective at keeping water from getting behind the stone in the long run.

Has anyone actually striped the foam from the outside of the block to install stone?  I'm only planning on having about 1 ft. of exposed wall on the outside of the foundation.  Seems like you could cut the foam off and install the stone on the concrete directly.  I guess that may not work as well though as you would still have to run your water proofing up to the bottom plate.

tyrin,

Check your private message if you would.

Thanks

Why not use real stone instead of the fake crap. Even if you use fake stone veneer, nows the time to put a brickledge, so you have it someday when you want to change it

I guess because it is easier to work with, faster, and cheaper.  I have used it in the past with good results.  I'll be building the entire house so I don't really have time be be bogged down with real stone as I will have a large amount to install.  There will only be about 1 ft. from the top of the basement foundation to the bottom of the siding around the perimeter of the house.  I also think that not having a brickledge will be easier to water proof the foundation walls as well.

Think you are on the right track. No brickledge needed. It is easier to waterproof without the ledge. And the thin stone is faster, and cheaper. Go for it.