[screwy louie]

Help!!! I am going to start redoing my fireplace, but I was hoping to get some tips first. Currently, I have a rock/boulder (80's look) fireplace that goes up to my ceiling. What I would like to do is install the stacked stone veneer over the existing rock, but I am not sure what prep work needs to be done first. I plan to do it in two basic steps..., First put mortar on the existing rock and make it a flat surface until it hardens. Then install the veneer on the new flat mortar wall. I am just worried that it won't stick. Do I need to use some type of concrete bonding agent between layers? And what else am I forgetting. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks.

 

[Ron6519]

Why don't you post a photo of what you have? Offhand, it sounds like you should remove the boulders first, and then build a frame for the veneer rock.
Ron

 

[ponch37300]

I would think that all that rock/cement/and new stone would be a lot of weight. If it was me I would take out the current rock before installing new.

 

[Kiwi.]

I'm 3/4 through the same project but I am going over drywall.

As others have said, can you remove the older stone? I don't know a whole lot but I'd at least feel more comfortable not going over existing stone.