Replies

1. 
   Bearmon_ | Jan 23, 2000 10:28pm | #1

   *
   Jeff, I did one for a friend last year. The hardest part is probably the placement of the pieces, rather than the actual work. You need to be in an artistic frame of mind. It helps to lay out all the pieces on the floor so you can see them all. Have fun with it and good luck!

2. 
   Guest_ | Jan 24, 2000 12:21am | #2

   *
   It's pretty easy to work with. I've only used it a couple of times but I think it's great. If you're using one of the repeating pattern styles, it should be pretty easy to get it right.

   I've only done random patterns and I installed the largest stones scattered evenly first and went back and filled in the spaces with smaller stones the next day. Worked pretty good.

1. 
   Guest_ | Jan 24, 2000 08:42pm | #3

   *It depends. I've done it a bunch, and it is fairly easy.Here are some tips:1. Use the manufacturers mortar, which will probably be different that the regular type B.2. Use diamond lathe imbedded in the mortar.3. Use a good solid underlayment. Exterior CDX is fine for an interior installation.4. I think there may some videos available from either TOH or Hometime or Housesmart, or whatever Joanne's program is. I think at least one of them did one a couple years ago.

1. 
   Guest_ | Jan 25, 2000 06:40am | #5

   *I just completed a Cultured Stone fireplace for myself. It is not rocket science but was a fair amount of work. I just followed the mfg. instructions & everything turned out great. A couple of lessons learned:1. lay out the stone in advance (dry) and go have a beer. Come back in 15' and see if the pattern still looks pleasing to your eye. If so, then start laying up the stone.2. Try to use complete stones - if you have to cut, the newly exposed edge will not have the finished surface. The materials ran me about $500good luck and have fun!scc

3. 
   Jeff_Stiven | Jan 25, 2000 06:40am | #4

   *
   I am a builder who is going to be building my own home in March. I'm putting in a cultured stone fireplace. Is this something I can do myself. Any suggestions or thoughts? Thanks, Jeff.