Replies

1. 
   Guest_ | Jan 12, 1999 01:43am | #1

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   Cultured stone must have a strong underlayment of either a CMU or exterior grade plywood and a mortar base with metal lathe in it.

   Most manufacturers have own version of thinset to apply the stone with. The stone can be trimmed to fit, by simply knocking edges off the stone, as the color is throughout the product. There are speciality pieces for caps, corners and trim.

   Outside, flashing and covering the stone is imperative. For example, a wall should have a larger cap so the rain drips to the ground, not running down the side of the wall.

   Most manufacturers have their own video tape or installation guide.

   I found that it applied very easily, and the hardest portion of the job was getting the substrate straight, level and plum.

   Hope this helps.

2. 
   Billy_Dudley | Jan 14, 1999 03:20am | #2

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   I have installed cultured stone in my cabin in N.E
   GA, following the instructions from the cultured stone web site, I had a few starting out problems getting the stone to bond to the substrate, then found a mason who told me to mix my premix mortor w/ 50% portland cememt, now you can stick it and forget it. Also I just used Durock w/ wire lathe screwed to it, no scratch coat. The manufacture suggests this creates a better bond, I've tried knocking the stuff off w/ a hammer w/ little success. good luck

3. 
   Guest_ | Jan 14, 1999 05:59am | #3

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   On exterior, don't forget to use a moisture
   barrier - felt, ice & water shield, etc. Flash
   assuming that water will flow in & out of the
   veneer and you will be in good shape

4. 
   vinny_ | Jan 14, 1999 06:47am | #4

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   have seen good and bad installations.
   look carefully at the pieces and the patterns. on a large expanse of cultured stone, a pattern can become very noticeable. use a good eye to keep this to a minimum.
   good luck

5. 
   Steve_C_ | Jan 14, 1999 06:47am | #5

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   Would appreciate any information on the preparation and installation of cultured stone from anyone thats familiar with it or has personal experience on the subject. Also if the preparation and installation is any different for interior than it is for exterior. Thanks Steve