FHB Logo Facebook LinkedIn Email Pinterest Twitter X Instagram Tiktok YouTube Plus Icon Close Icon Navigation Search Icon Navigation Search Icon Arrow Down Icon Video Guide Icon Article Guide Icon Modal Close Icon Guide Search Icon Skip to content
Subscribe
Log In
  • How-To
  • Design
  • Tools & Materials
  • Restoration
  • Videos
  • Blogs
  • Forum
  • Magazine
  • Members
  • FHB House
  • Podcast
Log In

Discussion Forum

Discussion Forum

Cultured stone and tile questions.

| Posted in Construction Techniques on February 4, 2002 02:38am

*
Hi,
This is all new construction.
1) If I am going to tile the bathroom do I put in a plywood subfloor in and then Durarock (or the like) on top or do I forget the subfloor?
2) For cultured stone chimney on the outside of our now Tyveck’ed house,do I just screw in diamond lathe on top of that or is there something that goes between the lathe and the tyveck?
3) Do I put a scratch coat on first or just put mortar on the lathe and butter the rock?

I know there are a lot of pros on here and a lot of experience so any advice is appreciated.
Thanks,
Jason

Reply
  • X
  • facebook
  • linkedin
  • pinterest
  • email
  • add to favorites Log in or Sign up to save your favorite articles

Replies

  1. Mongo_ | Jan 29, 2002 05:51pm | #1

    *
    Jason,

    I'm going to preface my reply by recommending that you do quite a bit more reading before you proceed with these projects.

    First, for tile info, consider getting the installation book from the Tile Council of America. There's a lot of good installation info in that book. Yes, it will set you back $15, but with your proposed install you're looking at grievances that will add up to much more than that.

    Read, read, read.

    For more basic tile info, here's a generic one on installing tile and here's one on grouting.

    What do I recommend? For joists 16" on center, I use 3/4" T&G ply subfloor, covered by a screwed down half-inch ply underlayment, covered by half-inch cement board that is secured to the 1 1/4" of ply with thinset and screws. Don't use drywall screws! All joints in each layer are taped and filled. Then tile over the cement board using a modified thinset.

    For the cultured stone, you don't mention what you're installing it over...a framed chimney, a CMU chimney? If you've already chosen what product you're going to use, simply get an installation sheet from the manufacturer and follow their recommendations. One technique...some installers like to install the cultured stone from the top of the chimney down do falling mortar doesn't muddy any work below.

    1. Mad_Dog | Jan 29, 2002 06:10pm | #2

      *Yep, Mongo's right. You've got to study before you do this. And definitely install the cultured stone from the top down.Mongo, I had assumed he had a framed chimney chase due to the tyvek--haven't seen that over CMU's but I'm sure someone's done it...i or do I forget the subfloor?Huh?

      1. Cloud_Hidden | Jan 29, 2002 07:34pm | #3

        *The caveat on the cultured stone is that some of the selections, such as the dry stack look we have, require a bottom-up installation. Drips and drops are easy to clean as long as you let the mortar dry for a few hours before scraping it off. Too soon and it smears; too long and it adheres.Agree with advice on reading instructions--the ones from Cultured Stone, Inc are quite clear.

        1. Keith_C | Jan 29, 2002 10:55pm | #4

          *I did a dry-stacked looking chimney last year over a plywood chase. We used 30# felt over it, then stapled the diamond lathe on, then a scratch coat, then layed the stone...bottom up. A couple guys suggested the top down approach , but in dry-stack with TIGHT joints, it ain't feasible. Make sure you fill your joints WELL, then rake them out, so weather can't find holes.

          1. Mongo_ | Jan 29, 2002 11:03pm | #5

            *Mad Dog, I skipped right over that one. I bet you're right.With regards to top-down or bottom-up for the cultured stone...it does depend on what type you're using.Regarding cultured stone (hijack in progress, squawk 7500 and leave the flaps down for taxing in)...any of you guys have a favorite manufacturer that has consistantly good product, or recommendations to stay away from a certain product due to inconsistancies?

          2. Darrell_Hambley_PE | Jan 30, 2002 12:08am | #6

            *Mongo, I've used both Cultured Stone and Eldorado. Don't have much advice for Jason ("forget the subfloor"?)but but from these two projects I found that type N mortar holds better than S. (or I just got better on the second project using type N). Eldorado recommends using S but Cultured Stone recommends N. S is for high compressive strength but you don't need this for veneer. N, with more lime, seems to adhere better.

          3. Cloud_Hidden | Jan 30, 2002 02:15am | #7

            *I've used Cultured Stone and visited a Coronado distributor. CS is awesome and Coronado dull by comparison. I judge in detailing and variety. In >700 sq ft of CS, never saw two the same. And the detailing is tremendous. Kinda like I can see fuzzy w/o glasses (Coronado is flat and dull) but crystal clear with (CS). I think my tile store carries El Dorado, and it reminded me of the Coronado. But on the chance I remembered the wrong name...

          4. PDF | Jan 30, 2002 02:28am | #8

            *DIYer here, so be warned! LOL!We used a fieldstone looking rock from Centurion Stone. It looks awesome. Our neighbor refused to believe it was fake until we showed him a chip. He thought we were pulling his leg. We added some portland cement to our mix and it stuck like glue. We used quikrete mason mix. So maybe we did it all wrong. All I know is it worked!With the fieldstone, we found it easiest to do the corners first, then the top, then the bottom and fill it in. I guess whatever works for you and your rock.Paula

          5. Don_Papenburg | Jan 30, 2002 05:06am | #9

            *Go look at some real stone walls to see how to lay up a stone wall . Don't throw them up any old way like they were dumped from a truck . I think I would use a felt 15# or 30# like you would use for stucco . Peble dash with big pebles?

          6. EricD | Feb 04, 2002 02:38am | #10

            *Forget the metal lath and scratch coat, spend a couple bucks and cover over the tyvek with durarock or similar material, butter your stones, stick em on and be done with it.

Log in or create an account to post a comment.

Sign up Log in

Become a member and get full access to FineHomebuilding.com

Video Shorts

Categories

  • Business
  • Code Questions
  • Construction Techniques
  • Energy, Heating & Insulation
  • General Discussion
  • Help/Work Wanted
  • Photo Gallery
  • Reader Classified
  • Tools for Home Building

Discussion Forum

Recent Posts and Replies

  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
View More Create Post

Up Next

Video Shorts

Featured Story

Making the Move to Multifamily

A high-performance single-family home builder shares tips from his early experience with two apartment buildings.

Featured Video

A Modern California Home Wrapped in Rockwool Insulation for Energy Efficiency and Fire Resistance

The designer and builder of the 2018 Fine Homebuilding House detail why they chose mineral-wool batts and high-density boards for all of their insulation needs.

Related Stories

  • Podcast Episode 692: Introduction to Trade Work, Embodied Carbon, and Envelope Improvements
  • FHB Podcast Segment: Embodied Greenhouse Gas Emissions and the Building Codes
  • Old Boots Learn New Tricks
  • Install Denim Insulation Like a Pro

Highlights

Fine Homebuilding All Access
Fine Homebuilding Podcast
Tool Tech
Plus, get an extra 20% off with code GIFT20

"I have learned so much thanks to the searchable articles on the FHB website. I can confidently say that I expect to be a life-long subscriber." - M.K.

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters

Fine Homebuilding Magazine

  • Issue 332 - July 2025
    • Custom Built-ins With Job-Site Tools
    • Fight House Fires Through Design
    • Making the Move to Multifamily
  • Issue 331 - June 2025
    • A More Resilient Roof
    • Tool Test: You Need a Drywall Sander
    • Ducted vs. Ductless Heat Pumps
  • Issue 330 - April/May 2025
    • Deck Details for Durability
    • FAQs on HPWHs
    • 10 Tips for a Long-Lasting Paint Job
  • Issue 329 - Feb/Mar 2025
    • Smart Foundation for a Small Addition
    • A Kominka Comes West
    • Making Small Kitchens Work
  • Issue 328 - Dec/Jan 2025
    • How a Pro Replaces Columns
    • Passive House 3.0
    • Tool Test: Compact Line Lasers

Fine Home Building

Newsletter Sign-up

  • Fine Homebuilding

    Home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox.

  • Green Building Advisor

    Building science and energy efficiency advice, plus special offers, in your inbox.

  • Old House Journal

    Repair, renovation, and restoration tips, plus special offers, in your inbox.

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters

Follow

  • Fine Homebuilding

    Dig into cutting-edge approaches and decades of proven solutions with total access to our experts and tradespeople.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
    • LinkedIn
  • GBA Prime

    Get instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • YouTube
  • Old House Journal

    Learn how to restore, repair, update, and decorate your home.

    Subscribe Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
  • Fine Homebuilding

    Dig into cutting-edge approaches and decades of proven solutions with total access to our experts and tradespeople.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
    • LinkedIn
  • GBA Prime

    Get instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • YouTube
  • Old House Journal

    Learn how to restore, repair, update, and decorate your home.

    Subscribe Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X

Membership & Magazine

  • Online Archive
  • Start Free Trial
  • Magazine Subscription
  • Magazine Renewal
  • Gift a Subscription
  • Customer Support
  • Privacy Preferences
  • About
  • Contact
  • Advertise
  • Careers
  • Terms of Use
  • Site Map
  • Do not sell or share my information
  • Privacy Policy
  • Accessibility
  • California Privacy Rights

© 2025 Active Interest Media. All rights reserved.

Fine Homebuilding receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.

  • Home Group
  • Antique Trader
  • Arts & Crafts Homes
  • Bank Note Reporter
  • Cabin Life
  • Cuisine at Home
  • Fine Gardening
  • Fine Woodworking
  • Green Building Advisor
  • Garden Gate
  • Horticulture
  • Keep Craft Alive
  • Log Home Living
  • Military Trader/Vehicles
  • Numismatic News
  • Numismaster
  • Old Cars Weekly
  • Old House Journal
  • Period Homes
  • Popular Woodworking
  • Script
  • ShopNotes
  • Sports Collectors Digest
  • Threads
  • Timber Home Living
  • Traditional Building
  • Woodsmith
  • World Coin News
  • Writer's Digest
Active Interest Media logo
X
X
This is a dialog window which overlays the main content of the page. The modal window is a 'site map' of the most critical areas of the site. Pressing the Escape (ESC) button will close the modal and bring you back to where you were on the page.

Main Menu

  • How-To
  • Design
  • Tools & Materials
  • Video
  • Blogs
  • Forum
  • Project Guides
  • Reader Projects
  • Magazine
  • Members
  • FHB House

Podcasts

  • FHB Podcast
  • ProTalk

Webinars

  • Upcoming and On-Demand

Podcasts

  • FHB Podcast
  • ProTalk

Webinars

  • Upcoming and On-Demand

Popular Topics

  • Kitchens
  • Business
  • Bedrooms
  • Roofs
  • Architecture and Design
  • Green Building
  • Decks
  • Framing
  • Safety
  • Remodeling
  • Bathrooms
  • Windows
  • Tilework
  • Ceilings
  • HVAC

Magazine

  • Current Issue
  • Past Issues
  • Magazine Index
  • Subscribe
  • Online Archive
  • Author Guidelines

All Access

  • Member Home
  • Start Free Trial
  • Gift Membership

Online Learning

  • Courses
  • Project Guides
  • Reader Projects
  • Podcast

More

  • FHB Ambassadors
  • FHB House
  • Customer Support

Account

  • Log In
  • Join

Newsletter

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters

Follow

  • X
  • YouTube
  • instagram
  • facebook
  • pinterest
  • Tiktok

Join All Access

Become a member and get instant access to thousands of videos, how-tos, tool reviews, and design features.

Start Your Free Trial

Subscribe

FHB Magazine

Start your subscription today and save up to 70%

Subscribe

Enjoy unlimited access to Fine Homebuilding. Join Now

Already a member? Log in

We hope you’ve enjoyed your free articles. To keep reading, become a member today.

Get complete site access to expert advice, how-to videos, Code Check, and more, plus the print magazine.

Start your FREE trial

Already a member? Log in

Privacy Policy Update

We use cookies, pixels, script and other tracking technologies to analyze and improve our service, to improve and personalize content, and for advertising to you. We also share information about your use of our site with third-party social media, advertising and analytics partners. You can view our Privacy Policy here and our Terms of Use here.

Cookies

Analytics

These cookies help us track site metrics to improve our sites and provide a better user experience.

Advertising/Social Media

These cookies are used to serve advertisements aligned with your interests.

Essential

These cookies are required to provide basic functions like page navigation and access to secure areas of the website.

Delete My Data

Delete all cookies and associated data