Bricks, Masonry, Asphalt and Concrete - River Rocking a Fireplace
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Maxwell23
10-03-09, 05:27 PM
I am looking to river rock a fireplace using real rock. The fireplace currently has plywood that covers the studs that is painted. The fireplace goes 15 feet up to the vaulted ceilings. What is the technique to attach the rocks? I have done a lot of tile work so think the technique will be similar. Any advice?
chandler
10-03-09, 07:21 PM
Welcome to the forums! Add concrete backer underlayment and nail up lath over it all. You can put your "scratch" coat on the lath and begin laying rock by buttering each one. The thicker they are, the more likely they will need support, so I would look for the narrowest rock in the river. After it is all dried, you can grout between the rock and brush the grout smooth.
marksr
10-04-09, 05:26 AM
"The thicker they are, the more likely they will need support"
I would be concerned about the weight! Is this going over a concrete slab or a wood framed floor?
I would be concerned about the weight! Is this going over a concrete slab or a wood framed floor?
Tscarborough
10-04-09, 09:07 AM
If they are full size rocks, you do not "attach" them, you stack them. If there was no footing planned for the weight, then you are simply out of luck using real, round, river rock.
You will have to use a faux stone that IS attached to the surface.
You will have to use a faux stone that IS attached to the surface.
chandler
10-04-09, 12:21 PM
All are right. We usually split, or reduce the depth of some river type rocks for attachment ease. It gives a narrower profile and a flat adherence surface.
Tscarborough
10-04-09, 07:04 PM
Technically, if it is over 14 pounds per SqFt, then it is not an adhered veneer. Very few real river rocks sawed in half meet that standard, so the only real alternative to the river rock look is faux stone, which still comes in on the heavy side of an adhered veneer. Make sure your substrate is beyond approach.
chandler
10-04-09, 08:04 PM
Our river rock must be smaller than yours. Most of ours is quite adherable to cbu and lath without a weight problem. I do see a problem in putting river rock the size of Rip Rap on a wall.
Tscarborough
10-05-09, 06:31 AM
When you say "river rock", this is what I hear:
http://imgs.sfgate.com/c/pictures/2008/07/15/dd-under_covers1_0498732946.jpg
http://imgs.sfgate.com/c/pictures/2008/07/15/dd-under_covers1_0498732946.jpg
cpmasonry
10-14-09, 01:27 PM
These guys are right...your s.o.l. if you dont have a footing to support your stone.... you can use "cultured stone" without a footing using the same methods.