[bstormes]

I'm working on my fireplace and was wondering if I can put the veneer stone right to the cement board. The cement board has two sides...smooth and rough. I put the smooth side towards the wall and left the rough side faced out. I was planning on putting the veneer stone on that, but some other masons told me to put the wire mesh up with a scratch coat. Is this really needed for an inside fireplace?

[GoToBrick]

what kind of stone is it? ledgestone I probably would mesh it, fieldstone I dont think would make a difference unless it was really slick, something like a bucks county limestone I would just stick it to the cement board

[bstormes]

It's Durango Ledgestone.

[GoToBrick]

yeah I would mesh it and use coarse thread screws just for the fact you never know what will happen,you might look up one day to see a kid climb the stone and get on the mantel,lol

[insane]

With out a doubt use mesh with scratch coat.

Tim

[NJ Brickie]

I would say the mesh and the scratch coat are a waste of time and money. I would adhere the stones with thinset and be done with it. On an inside installation that is the only way I have done it. The thinset will out preform mortar mix when it comes to adhesion and that is the most important thing with cultured stone.

[bert0168]

No mesh. I did just that in my house around a wood stove. 2 yrs and no problems.

[Tscarborough]

No mesh, thinset.

[tkle]

I'm with TSC.Throw in a little glue or get fortified thinset for a little added insurance.
I am very glad you noticed the rough side. Some of them idiots out there the crap they leave us to work with...

[angus242]

Yes, if you use thinset, get a good quality modified like Mapei Ultraflex 2.

[bartelconst]

We use thinset as a base coat over cement board. Trowel it on with a thick notch trowel and install stone with regular mortar after the thinset dries. I've even used this same technique on painted concrete block and it works great. Use a good thinset and you won't have any problems.

[Rockmonster]

No mesh, thinset....I'm with that....the thinset as a basecoat?that seems to add a step that is not needed.....Maybe attaching to painted block, but in that case, I would mesh....whatever you have success with....