Grouting Cultured Stone
#1
08-02-04, 11:18 AM
Grouting Cultured Stone
Hi All,
I am building a BBQ island which is faced with a river rock type cultured stone. I am having a very difficult time grouting around the stone. I am using Thinset mortar for the grout (specifically versa bond) and I can't seem to get it work. The 'grout' is not easy to work, and is spilling out on to the stone, which makes the finished product look very messy.
Can anyone let me know the proper steps to take. Specifically, what I should be using for the grout, what consitency should the grout be, and how long should I let the grout set up before I 'work' it. Also, any tricks of the trade would be greatly appreciated
Thanks in advance for your help!
Jrexi
I am building a BBQ island which is faced with a river rock type cultured stone. I am having a very difficult time grouting around the stone. I am using Thinset mortar for the grout (specifically versa bond) and I can't seem to get it work. The 'grout' is not easy to work, and is spilling out on to the stone, which makes the finished product look very messy.
Can anyone let me know the proper steps to take. Specifically, what I should be using for the grout, what consitency should the grout be, and how long should I let the grout set up before I 'work' it. Also, any tricks of the trade would be greatly appreciated
Thanks in advance for your help!
Jrexi
#2
08-02-04, 03:41 PM
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If I am reading this correctly you're using the wrong type of material for the Grout. You want to use a Sanded Grout if you're going to use a Mixed grout Material. One that would be designed for larger Grout joints. I may suggest you go to the Home Center and get a Pre-mixed Type "S" Mortar Mix and use this.
To apply it I normal use a Bakers Bag. Looks like a Bag you decorate a Cake with. You can find these in the "Tile" Sections of the Home Center. Mix the Mortar so it can be force out the end and will keep a rope like form. You will want to smooth it out some as you go. A "Tuck Pointer" would be useful here. This is a thin long Trowel about 1\2" wide and 5" long. You may want a wider one depending on your Joint sizes. This can be found at the Home Center with the Masonry Tools. Let the Grout set for awhile then smooth it out more you may have to remove some at this point so it looks consistent. Then again let it set some more and finish it off with a old or cheap Paint brush. Any Mortar that you get on the Stone can be remove with a wire brush when the joints are hard to the touch. Just brush the Stones and not the Joints.
Note: If you find a "Bakers Bag" or Grout Bag with a Plastic or metal tip that comes with it remove this and just use the Bag. The tip will cause the material to clog in the end of the Bag
To apply it I normal use a Bakers Bag. Looks like a Bag you decorate a Cake with. You can find these in the "Tile" Sections of the Home Center. Mix the Mortar so it can be force out the end and will keep a rope like form. You will want to smooth it out some as you go. A "Tuck Pointer" would be useful here. This is a thin long Trowel about 1\2" wide and 5" long. You may want a wider one depending on your Joint sizes. This can be found at the Home Center with the Masonry Tools. Let the Grout set for awhile then smooth it out more you may have to remove some at this point so it looks consistent. Then again let it set some more and finish it off with a old or cheap Paint brush. Any Mortar that you get on the Stone can be remove with a wire brush when the joints are hard to the touch. Just brush the Stones and not the Joints.
Note: If you find a "Bakers Bag" or Grout Bag with a Plastic or metal tip that comes with it remove this and just use the Bag. The tip will cause the material to clog in the end of the Bag
