Metal framing/Stone vaneer Install help
I am about to start my first project using metal framing. Just bought a house and am doing some reno’ before move in. One of the projects is to re-face a fireplace wall in natural stone vaneer. After tearing out some really ugly painted brick, I found a 68″x 30″ openning above the firebox that houses the chimney, vents around the firebox, and wiring for a couple outlets. I already have supplies to frame it in and some advice from a very helpful drywaller. But figured a little help from here couldn’t help.
I also am going to have to stone around the outlets and two banks of three switches on the same wall. I’ll be backing the stone with hardy backer on the already framed walls as well as the stud wall I need to build. Any tips on working the stone around the electrical and still look good?
And lastly, I plan on installing a 2×4 against the backer board to mount a mantle to. How would I attach it to the metal studs? Thanks for your insight.
Replies
If the stone is relatively flat, you can use metal boxes with the appropriate sized mud rings. I've been on some jobs where they put plywood or trim around the box so that the resulting fixture sat in the same plane with the stone.
And you're right, a little help from here wont help!
Plaster rings or mud rinds can be added to the boxes to bring them out to the face of the stone. They come from 1/4" to 1 1/2" depths, in plastic and metal. your choice.
Some synytheic stone manufacturers offer stond with precut holes for outlets. Check your supplier .
the 2x4 can be glue and screwed to the hardie backer and metal studs with fine thread drywall (piffen) screws. The screws are used to hold the 2x in place untill the glue sets. I would use a glue like PL Premium or Heavey Duty Contstruction adhesive.
I just finished a repair job using metal studs, PL premium and Hardie backer. Glued matal studs inside a 4" block wall cut out and the glued backer board to the metal. I'll retile the cut out opening tomorrow after the last round of glue has set.