How do I build a stone veneer wall?
Hi
I would like to transform a plain looking wall in my living room into a floor to ceiling stone veneer wall (not sure whether natural or manufactured), with a ventless electric fireplace inbedded into the wall and connections for a flat screen TV. The trouble I have is, I do not know where to start. Can anyone direct me to a source that would help me do this project myself, some sort of soup to nuts, A-to-Z instruction manual on how to build the wall itself and then apply the veneer? Thank you.
Fabio S., Philadelphia, PA
Replies
Fab
Information is needed on the material you plan to use and the structure / location you are going to put it on. You have to build to the material and conditions you have now or make changes.
Weight of the material will dictate if and how you will have to support your existing structure.
There's info available from the faux stone companies on how to build a base and secure their product. If planning to secure to an outside wall, you may not have to add any additional framing. If on an interior wall, you'll most likely have to support the floor system to handle the added weight.
I'd advise you to find a fireplace that is vented. Depending on your use, an unvented combustion appliance just isn't the safe way to go. As an example, they aren't permitted in sleeping rooms.
Here's your original post- http://forums.finehomebuilding.com/house-chat/interior-decorating/how-build-indoor-stone-veneer-wall
Thank you for your help Calvin.
Fireplace
He said ventless electric fireplace.
Thanks Dave......
I guess I must have assumed that ventless meant something to vent.........
other than the heat of course.
I'll try to be a better reader in the future.
I'd suggest that you look for a fireplace vendor that has a showroom near you. They will very likely have some displays with stone veneer so you can see what the stuff looks like up close and get a general idea for what style/type you want. Big box stores like Home Depot and Menards may also have displays.
Once you've picked out the material, the manufacturer can supply you with installation instructions, including info on the requirements for the supporting wall. (Most of this info will be online, so you can look at it for several candidate products.)
Thank you so much for your response DanH.