Installing Stone on Fireplace face


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Old 07-05-06, 09:27 AM
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Installing Stone on Fireplace face

Hi all. I built a firepit out of block and was going to put stucco until the wife changed her mind and now wants stone. So we bought some 3"-5" stones (smooth all around in different shapes). I was going to use Quickcrete mortar, butter em up and lay them starting from the bottom. However, how do I keep the stones above the first row from falling? Do I lay them one row at at time? Any tips would be appreciated, thanks.

Also, I've seen some masons using these same stone but have split them in half, what's the best way to do thi? Just smack it at the fizzure with a pick?
 
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Old 07-05-06, 11:37 AM
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How thick are the stones, and is your footing wide enough to support that thickness? If so, just lay them like you did the cinderblock, although I would drive concrete nails into the mortar joints of the CMU here and there, leaving them sticking out a good 2" into the mortar of the rock.
 
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Old 07-05-06, 11:48 AM
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the stones vary but most are about 1 - 3 inches thick. The nails will support the rock?
 
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Old 07-05-06, 12:18 PM
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No, not at that thickness. You will have to attempt to adhere them to the CMU, which should be doable. Use a modified thinset, mixed on the dry side, starting at the top. After you have them stuck, you will have to go back with a grout bag and tuckpoint the joints.
 
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Old 07-07-06, 01:40 PM
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Thinset? I was going to use Quickcrete Mortar Type S, is that the same? If so, mix this on the dry side?
 
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Old 07-07-06, 06:17 PM
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You probably won't have enough bond strength or final strength using Type S mortar. Modified thinset is much stronger and
more adhesive.
 
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Old 07-17-06, 04:48 PM
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Modified thinset? Where can I buy this? I am installing river rock which are about 2 - 5 lbs each on a face of an 16 inch firepit made with block. How about the joints between the rocks? Thanks.
 
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Old 07-17-06, 05:07 PM
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First, you stick the rocks. Mix the latex modified thinset dry enough and it will hold them. Don't mix a whole lot at a time and press real hard. Then, after they set, you come back with a grout bag using type S or N mortar and fill them to the desired depth.
 
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Old 07-18-06, 08:27 AM
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Can I buy the mod thinset at HD? If so, which brand? Thanks alot for your help, I really appreciate it.
 
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Old 07-18-06, 09:21 AM
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Sure you can. I don't know the brand, but if it is 7 or 8 bucks, it is not modified. It will probably be 12-15. a bag and will have the word "modified" on the bag.
 
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Old 07-18-06, 10:21 AM
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thanks! btw, can i use the same method in installing the stones but on hardibacker? i am building a bbq island with metal studs and facing it with backer. I will stucco most of it but would like to face the corners with rock/stones. thanks.
 
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Old 07-18-06, 10:34 AM
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Sure, no problems with that at all.
 
 

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