Help! What is Proper Way to Install Manufactured Stone?

EricW · 01-06-2007, 05:38 AM

Hello!

My wife and I have a mason coming to our home next week to install Owens-Corning Cultured Stone (like Eldorado Stone) on the wall located above our gas fireplace.

The wall is a typical new construction finish: smoothed "pebble-finish" stucco and painted.

My question is: What is the proper way to install the stone on this surface. I don't want to be an idiot and simply let him do whatever... I want to know what is proper... and that he DOES what is proper.

Can he just adhere the stone to the wall as is, or does the wall need to first be covered with chicken wire, etc. etc? He is supposed to be a good mason, and has experience with this "phoney stoney" on EXTERIOR walls (not sure if interior too or not).

Thank you VERY much! Eric

concretemasonry · 01-06-2007, 10:02 AM

It sounds to me like you hired a mason without really checking qualifications and references ("supposed to be good"?).

Now, you want to supervise the mason when you have no idea what should be done.

If you want to know what is proper for the stone you selected, research the installation instructions for that particular product.

You will have to get real information before you become a supervisor and have a week to get direct instructions from the seller and the manufacturer. A person on the forum cannot see exactly what you have and know what you expect.

Exterior installation is more critical (performance and durability) than interior except it is not subject the the close scrutiny during AND after construction. Some masons will not do interior work except at a premium. You are not buying a real stone fireplace, but just a "phoney stoney" veneer on a temporary wood stud/sheet rock wall.

You are probably more interested in it looking the way you want it and the manufacturers instructions should give you the stability you bought.

troubleseeker · 01-07-2007, 04:49 PM

Familiarize yourself with the manufacturers installation guidelines, especially the parts about flashing/waterproofing. If there is a problem with the material this is the first thing the factory rep will do; look for an easy out of any warranty because factory guidelines were violated. Be sure your "stucco wall" is cement based stucco and not EIFS.

Where did you find this mason? I strongly recommend that you only use a mason from names supplied by the masonry supplier that sold you the product, and is familiar with it and the nuiances that will make the difference between just an installation and a good installation.

troubleseeker · 01-07-2007, 04:56 PM

Sorry, I missed the part that this is inside your house. Forget about the waterproofing and EIFS question. But still find someone familiar with the product. Don't fall for the obvious line from an unfamiliar mason that this is no different than laying brick or block. These products are closer to tile work than masonry work in my opinion.