Hello,
I am looking for information and recommendation’s how to install a veneered rock wall in a kitchen.
Background:
I am remodeling on an old home built in the 1960’s. The original house is pier and beam foundation. I am working on the kitchen now, and would like to accent a small wall that would match the fireplace rock. The existing fireplace rock is about 4.5” thick. (see Pic #1). I would like to use a ~2.5” rock veneer that would match the rock fireplace. (see Pic #2-3)
The rock veneer is about 2.0 -2.5” thick and all pieces are flat. Currently, there is Hardboard installed in the kitchen wall where the rock veneer will be located (see Pic #4). The approximate square foot of veneer is ~80 sq. ft.
I am looking for recommendation’s how install the veneer, mortar to use, any kind of wire mesh/vapor barrier, and hardware that I should use. Do I need to have a 1-1.5” gap for the rock to breath? How do I fasten the veneer rock into the wall? Do I need a scratch coat first, if so, what is the best way?
Please feel let me know if I am missing anything else.
Very Respectfully,
Tom
Replies
There are 'rock' veneers that are pre-made from concrete on a steel anchor flange and are attached with screws. No mortar needed. They are made for outdoor exposure. They are placed over sheathing and a building membrane just like any siding material. A number of the siding companies make them and Boral is one that I am thinking of. Boral is making the siding material from fly ash and polymers. I saw this on the internet show where they were visiting the International Builders Show. You can find a link on The Build Show and on Instagram. I am considering this kind of stone panel to replace 40 year old brick where I am using additional exterior insulation.
Just thought of this. Taunton Press has a book about siding that goes into applying man-made stone as an exterior finish but the application details are what you need. Call Fine Homebuilding and inquire about the book.
I will check out the book from Taunton Press. Thank you!
I am still looking for more information about using the rock that we already have...
Well the book I suggested shows how to use individual man-made and natural stone and mortar on an exterior wall, so it will be applicable to your interior installation. The only difference is that your interior stone wall will not need an exterior house membrane. For some types of exterior fireplace stone that extends into the room cement board has been used in the past as a base to build upon. There are likely newer base materials but I am sure you are going to need some sort of metal or synthetic mesh to hold the mortar coat to the wall. You could also look online to see if there are any YouTube videos that might help you get some ideas to get you started.
If you are installing the rock in the interior, you don't need felt or an air gap. Exterior you do.
Put up metal lath with screws into the studs. Apply a scratch coat over it. Use Type N mortar (softer, meant for stone). Once dry, then lay up the stone. You need to do some cuts on your set-up. Then use a grout bag to fill the joints, then strike and brush them.
To be honest, it's not easy work. If you've see it done on DIY channels, they leave out 90% of the effort required. There are a lot of technical aspects to laying stone that are hard to learn without some hands on experience. That being said, it's fun to do if you don't mind hard work and have patience.
The best resource I know of on line is Mike Haduck: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tHiGNX4EvGI&list=PLDrfNaY9xgYE1yApd3wc8qj5nXGa7FMWq&ab_channel=MikeHaduckMasonry
Lots of great content to get you started.
My advice: Don't lay your first stone on your wall you show in your house. Nice door by the way! Either make yourself a practice wall, or find some simple out of the way project to get the hang of it. If you can find some mason to wander over and get you started, that would be great. If you happen to live in the Portland, Oregon area, give me a yell (I used to be in the trade)
Best of luck to you,
Troy