The cinder block wall should of had a "scratch coat" applied prior to setting the stones. A pre-mixed mortar designed specifically for veneer stone must be used. This same mortar is to be used on the stone backing itself.

The scratch coat once applied, should be run over with a large notched tile trowel to produce grooves which allow the wall stone to have a better bond.

We prefer using the individual natural stones rather than a panel system. It's like a giant puzzle. We just completed a pool project with a 32" raised wall section 40' long. I can post a photo when I'm able.

I can see the appeal with a panel system to speed the installation, but I can venture there are a few doubles of the same panels and the wall begins to look artificial. Just my opinion.

Thank you! That's what I figured as well from reading online - they needed to do a scratch coat and that part was missed. Is there any way to fix now or do they just need to redo the whole wall? I actually like how it turned out as a whole, it's just when I saw it close up I noticed the error. Should I have them redo it with a scratch coat? Or can they fill in gaps with mortar?

Have you contacted the manufacturer? They would be the best source of info.

Thank you! I contacted Realstones. They are extremely helpful. The rep thinks we may be able to salvage the job by adding "Sica" in between the cracks. The rep wants to stop by my house and see the issue and even offered to talk to my contractor.

Sika is is a construction sealant. There are different grades for different applications. I'm not sure putting a sealant in the joints will have an appealing result.

It is very nice the rep offered to visit the site. Tells me they care about their product and how it's installed by contractors.