Bricks, Masonry, Asphalt and Concrete - Cultured Stone over brick
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rusticshore
06-27-09, 07:50 AM
Hi friends,
I am preparing to lay cultured stone over the brick fireplace (for a more modern look). However, I've never done any mortaring in my life. I've been studying videos. So my question is,,, can I lay the stone with mortar directly over the brick,,, or do I need to parge the brick first?? Also, what kind of mortar do I use??
Thanks. -rusticshore-
I am preparing to lay cultured stone over the brick fireplace (for a more modern look). However, I've never done any mortaring in my life. I've been studying videos. So my question is,,, can I lay the stone with mortar directly over the brick,,, or do I need to parge the brick first?? Also, what kind of mortar do I use??
Thanks. -rusticshore-
sleeper
06-29-09, 08:30 AM
whether you can stick stone directly to the brick depends largely on how smooth it is. some brick is fired hotter than others, making it smoother, and it doesn't absorb water as quickly. if this is the case, make a scratch coat with thin set tile mortar.
some masons use thin set to lay manufactured stone; others use type 's.' some blend the two.
if you have a scratch coat, type 's' will be sufficient. it you don't have a scratch coat, add some thin set to type 's' mortar. if pieces fall off after a day or two, increase the amount of thin set.
also consider buying or renting a 1" variable speed drill and a plasterer's cage whip. (not the spiral.) put 2-3 inches of water in a 5-gallon bucket, add 40 lbs or so of dry mortar mix, and whip it with the drill. it will take some practice to get your consistency right, but it's a time-saver and it makes a good, workable amount of mortar with little mess.
some masons use thin set to lay manufactured stone; others use type 's.' some blend the two.
if you have a scratch coat, type 's' will be sufficient. it you don't have a scratch coat, add some thin set to type 's' mortar. if pieces fall off after a day or two, increase the amount of thin set.
also consider buying or renting a 1" variable speed drill and a plasterer's cage whip. (not the spiral.) put 2-3 inches of water in a 5-gallon bucket, add 40 lbs or so of dry mortar mix, and whip it with the drill. it will take some practice to get your consistency right, but it's a time-saver and it makes a good, workable amount of mortar with little mess.