fireplacestonewalls
I want to put up a stone veneer surround, around a gas fireplace we're going to install. I've seen everything from using 1/2" plywood and a metal lath, to putting the tiles directly on drywall. I have everything apart so I want to do this the best way.
The tiles/stones I will be using are quite heavy as they are real stone and not "manufactured stone".
Items in play:
– Weight – heavier tiles
– heat – over and around a fireplace
– Indoor
It is called Casing and is mainly used around doors and windows.
You don't seem to be using the RIGHT mastic, or "construction adhesive". Construction adhesive (ie PL or similar brand name) would be about the best material for the job, because copper is a REALLY DIFFICULT material to bond to.
Try experimenting (with scrap) with other brands or types of mastic/adhesive. Certain types of PL should set up near-hard within a couple of hours.
Best Answer
Drywall is out of the question due to weight, plywood might not give you the proper adhesion.
I would start with cement board, then attach the metal lath to that. After the metal lath is secure, you'll have to apply a scratch coat of a sand and cement mix before applying the stone.
Here is a good guide for applying stone veneer.