Looking to put composite stone over my 70's style brick fireplace to update the look. Do I need to put any kind of backerboard or cement board over the brick FIRST or can I just adhere the stone directly to the existing brick?
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You can adhere the composit stone directly to the brick... especially if it is shown as being fit with mortar in its usual application.
Let me know about that, we can go from there.
Can you tell me how thick the composit stone is?
Thanks for your reply. We want narrow grout lines so were thinking to fit the pieces together as closely as possible and then use minimal grout. Do you have a preference for the type of mortar or thinset? The composite stone pieces are about an inch thick, maybe 7/8", something close to that.
Hello again, use regular dry mix mortar from the builders supply, not thin set, that will not work with the existing brick.
Let me know if you need any further elaboration, we can go from there.
What if I want to take out my current mantel (railroad tie) and old fireplace doors. Maybe this is too much for a DIY project. With the mantel removed, I would need to put something in that space to make it level with the old bricks. Any suggestions on that?
On the mantel issue, I would consider building a concrete form and pour a new mantel with 4 each #3 rebars in it. then fit your new composit stone over that. you should be able to do it yourself.
You should drill the brick on each end with a 1/2" masonry bit, and fit some #3 rebar bent into it, and bring that out into the poured mantel. two or three on each side would work.
You have been so helpful. Thanks for your guidance. We plan on doing this project in early September.