[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]

Ledgestone

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...:notworthy

 

[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?:confused1: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....

 

[qbhome]

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.

You did this for an exterior? but why the regular mortar, why not just the thinset itself? what thinset did you use?

 

[qbhome]

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.

how about outside/exterior? is there thinset that can withstand exterior climate?

 

[dom-mas]

get exterior grade thinset. ever seen exterior tiles? i know you have

 

[qbhome]

yes i'm looking into Ultraflex LFT from Mapei

 

[J-b-stonecraft]

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.

I'm starting soon a natural stone Slab vaneer job. over wood framed & durarock covered. for a fireplace insert. Natural blue stone slabs. one inch thick biggest piece is 6ft x20" planned on useing thinset for heavy tile along with brick ties attached to stone.

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.

I'm starting a Slab vaneer indoor fireplace. It's wood framed then durarock covered. for a fireplace insert. It's Natural thermaled blue stone slabs. one inch thick. biggest piece is 67"x17" I planned on useing thinset for heavy tile along with brick ties attached to stone. Any suggestions will help. Like if I should scratch coat & lath also etc. Thanks!