[Fine Edge]

Just trying to get some opinions on installing either natural or synthetic stone over existing brick.
A client wants me to install stone over his brick fireplace on the inside of his house. I haven't seen it yet and we haven't tried this application before. It seems that mortar might not stick that well to bricks if they had a rough face, the kind where you can sort of rub some of the granules off if you brush your hand against it. I'd be afraid for some of the stones to come crashing down on his Ming Dynasty vase!!
Just wondering what type of adhesive and application method would work best.

[4seasons]

could you attach mesh to the brick somehow?
or drill in anchors kinda like the tabs they use for bricks.

[Pelican]

Are the existing bricks just a facia over another structure? If so, peel off the brick, there should be steel tabs underneath to bond your stone to.

[Fine Edge]

Not really sure how the fireplace is constructed yet. Just know that he has brick and wants stone.
Anyone want to bid on it!

[waterfall larry]

Coming from a background in large scale hand carved manufactured rock there are several possibilities I can think of.

It is good that there is existing brick as this gives you all sorts of mounting or attaching possibilities. Screws alone would work well but they could be augmented with small diameter rebar and/or pencil rod. Of course diamond lath is the first choice. Make certain you get the troughs pointed in the correct direction.

As to what to cover the brick with, I can think of 3 possibilities professionally made gfrc rock panels, faux builders rock and do it yourself hand carved manufactured rock.


In terms of manufactured rock you could buy a professionally made manufactured rock panel or two. They usually have a tie wire embedded into the manufactured rock. This tie wire is usually wrapped around a rebar frame. To find out about professionally made manufactured rock panels, go to google and type in "gfrc manufactured rock".

Second you could use faux builders rock. There are all sorts of faux builders rock. Even my local Lowes had the faux veneer rock. All faux rock isn't of the same quality so check around for the best and most natural looking brand. This faux rock is the industry standard application. Also check at a good masonary supply store. They might be able to give you some good advice. With the very rough brick you could easily use a brick or masonary glue or adhesive. I don't remember what brand it was but I did a versa lock wall and used the glue to fasten the cap blocks. This stuff was permanent with a capitol P. There are 2 types of faux rock the kind that looks like bricks and the kind that looks like flagstone. I don't know if natural rock would work as well.

The third option is to make your own hand carved manufactured rock. There are all sorts of mounting options for this and you use diamond lath. Two construction methods are possible, make the panels off site or make the manufactured rock on site and in place.


of these 3 options, I would prefer to use professionally made gfrc manufactured rock panels or make my own hand carved rock. Using professionally made and self made panels since they are 1 piece may not fall off the wall as would stacked faux rocks.
Second everyone and his brother have flat stacked rock work. To do a panel would be unique and different. Another factor to consider is the cost of the job. I would think that stacking a bunch of individual rocks would take more time and money. If you make your own rock you have to color or stain it. This isn't that big of a deal but it is important to consider this. If you use glue or adhesive, you might want to wire brush and blow or vacuum off the brick to remove loose grit.