cultured stone installation

Has anyone used construction adhesive (PL200) to install cultured stone? I've been told it will work just fine. I've also read that some people prefer Thicker Thinset. I'm not sure if the adhesive will "stick" right away.

My project is an interior wall, cultured stone Drystack. I plan on using cement board (Durock) instead of metal Lathe. I"m hoping I can avoid having to mix and use a bunch of mortar. Any advice or experience would help.

Also, do I still need to use a vapor barrior if using cement board as a backer?? I'd like this project to last and be done right so I can avoid any future problems.

Thanks for your help

 

You will not be able to get the stone to stick with construction adhesive. It does not dry quick enough, does not have enough body, and the rock will sag and then drop off. Why not do it the right way and use thinset? It is cheaper, and it actually works. No vapor barrior.

 

Well, I guess I was thinking that using Adhevsive would just be easier and cleaner, sounds like I was wrong. I definitly don't want to hold each piece until it sets. So you think a thicker thinset is the way to go?? Should I add a bonding agent, or is that not neccessary?

thanks for the help

 

No bonding agent needed, just buy "modified thinset", and mix it a tad on the dry side.

 

thanks again for the advice, just curious that you mentioned no need for a vapor barrier since I'm using cement board (durock). Does the board have a vapor barrier in it? Also, I'll be doing a drystack, so should I start at the bottom or top, I assume I should start at the bottom and "rest" each layer on top of the other??

 

Always start at the top, and with the corners, then work your way down and to the center. Any cuts should be staggered vertically towards the center so that they disappear into the field.


Why in the world would you need a vapor barrier on an interior wall?

 

ok, sounds like I don't need to worry about a vapor barrier for and interior application. Forgive my lack of knowledge, that's why i'm on this site. I get a little confused and just need some clarification. I thought maybe the vapor barrier would be needed to prevent moisture from the cement board and thinset from seeping into the sheething. Interior insulation usually calls for a vapor barrier right?

I appreciate the help

 

A vapor barrier is used to prevent migration of moisture into a house from the exterior, thus, on an interior wall is not needed.

 

thanks for the clarification, it must be frustrating at times for guys that have a clue to deal with guys that don't have a clue!

 

You are correct Jayman
Cultured Stone dry stack is started at the bottom and worked towards the top. All others are started from the top. Dry stack is easy to do, no joints to worry about pointing.
Frank

 

Thanks Frank, I'll start at the bottom, and stagger the cuts so they dissapear. I"m curious to know what "Modified Thinset", is that simply a dryer mix which makes it modified, or does thinset come in various forms, like "regular" or modified, etc.

 

Jayman ...modified thin set is standard thin set with polymers added so that the mortar can effectively handle a heavier tile or stone. I believe the amount of psi pressure the modified thin set can withstand is much higher than the standard. You would want to use this for like marble, granite, heavy quarry stone, etc. since each piece can be pretty heavy. I am using this same stuff for a Cultured Stone/Flagstone application on my fireplace right now just since some of the pieces are longer and hence, a bit heavier than some tiles.

Steve

 

Great, thanks for the explanation. Sounds like I can get away with using the "regular" thinset I"ve bought since my application is cultured stone drystack with some larger pieces, but mostly mediium and small. Too be safe could I add somthing to the thinset like the polymers you mentioned. Would this be considered a bonding agent??

Thanks again for the help

 

I think you'll be OK with regular thin set for the stone veneer. I spoke to the masonry manager for the huge Eldorado stacked stone job we had at our biotech campus when it was built 2 years ago ...we installed at least $500K in Eldorado stacked stone (Santa Fe color) on our two main buildings here in Carmel Valley and he said they used regualr thin set to apply the stone and it worked great. Good luck and let us know how your job turns out.

Steve

 

Awesome. I'll go with it. All I need to know is that someone else did it this way and it worked. This is my first attempt at this kind of job so I just want to get it right the first time. I almost decided to go with construction adhevsive as you may have read from the beginning of the thread, I"m hearing more and more that Thinset is the way to go

Tough year to be a seminoles fan huh??

 

Yeah, I don't think construction adhesive would have worked that great but who knows, I've never used it before either.

The noles are having a down year but it's OK. Of the games they have lost, they haven't lost by much but their conference is usually a breeze for them so they are definitely having an off year. I'll be anxious to see what teams are playing each other in the bowl games this year.

Take care!
Steve