Installing Bluestone Hearth With ?

[jbomb]

What is the best or accepted method to secure the bluestone to the hearth? Liquid Nail or other similiar gun dispensing glue products or mortar. Any particular brands if glue is acceptable?

Thanks

 

[Wade A.]

I would recommend thin set mortar, used for setting tiles, and a notched trowel for the application. Grout with type N mortar if desired, or any other sanded grout.

 

[jbomb]

Although I believe the surface for which I will lay down the stone is level, I would assume using the mortar will allow me better opportunity to level the stone, right?

If both methods are acceptable, it will be much easier for me to just throw down some glue from a gun (no idea what kind). If for example the glue got a hypothetical "C" grade for its use and the mortar got an A+, then I would absolutely go with the mortar. However, if the consensus is that glue usage gets a hypothetical B+/A- grade and the mortar gets an A+, I am not sure it is worth the extra effort. Does that make sense? What do you think?

I appreciate the input!
Thanks.

 

[pen]

The mortar will also provide even support for your bluestone. Hate to see that stove sit 1/32 of an inch high in spots where the glue is and be unsuported in others and then have it crack on you as you set the stove. Trust me, it happens.

Plus, you don't have to worry about the mortar having issues w/ prolonged heat.

pen

 

[jbomb]

If cracking is a concern, it is a no brainer for me based on the price of the stone. I will use mortar! Should the mortar be mixed to a normal consistency, as I would for laying down the stone or a bit soupier (a word?) to make leveling easier? Any thoughts?

Thanks

 

[pen]

The consistency would really be for personal preference in my mind. Too thick and I find it's easy to get high / low spots plus adhesion isn't as good. Too thin and you can make a mess w/ it running out. I vote for "normal".

pen

 

[Wade A.]

I'd second Pen on that. Adhesive + heat = out gassing nasty fumes. If your underlayment is level and flat, mortar is what you want. Moreover, if it is NOT level and flat, mortar is what you want. Follow the mixing proportions on the bag and you'll be fine. Use a notched trowel and lay in on evenly. Drop your stone straight down, don't slide it in. You can wiggle it until it is evenly adhered, and tap it down lightly with your trowel handle to even up abutting edges. Use anything that is the same width as the grout joint you want....like a stick or piece of stone...to use as a gauge to check that they are evenly spaced. Keep the kids and dog off of it for a day and you'll be good.

 

[jbomb]

Great, thank you!! FYI, I am putting down one slab of bluestone 76x28 and I figure it must weigh 400 pounds or so, so how it is put down will be based on the muscle I can recruit from neighbors and friends!

 

[Wade A.]

Yikes....that is one b.a. slab. You are going to need only minimum adhesion anyway. That sucka ain't likely to be moving, especially when you park your stove on top of it. That is a lot of inertia. If you do mortar it down, put some 1x wooden spacers on the ends where (I asssume) it will overhang the hearth edges. If it is an elevated hearth, build up a support on either side with some blocking. Put your mortar down, lay the slab on top of the spacers and position it where you can then just drop it down vertically. Lift slightly on the ends and kick out the spacers. Viola. Get a beer.

 

[jbomb]

Ploughboy,

That is a very helpful response! And I will definetly crack a cold one!

Thanks!

 

[Creekyphil]

Great, thank you!! FYI, I am putting down one slab of bluestone 76x28 and I figure it must weigh 400 pounds or so, so how it is put down will be based on the muscle I can recruit from neighbors and friends!

or fellow Hearth.com members. I'm not sure where you are located, but it can't be too far, so shoot a PM if you need some extra muscle.

 

[Biff_CT2]

What is the best or accepted method to secure the bluestone to the hearth? Liquid Nail or other similiar gun dispensing glue products or mortar. Any particular brands if glue is acceptable?

Thanks

I used liquid nails to cement a bluestone mantel in place, then filled the gap under the mantel with mortar for cosmetic purposes. Worked great, installation is solid.

 

[fishingpol]

Yikes....that is one b.a. slab. You are going to need only minimum adhesion anyway. That sucka ain't likely to be moving, especially when you park your stove on top of it. That is a lot of inertia. If you do mortar it down, put some 1x wooden spacers on the ends where (I asssume) it will overhang the hearth edges. If it is an elevated hearth, build up a support on either side with some blocking. Put your mortar down, lay the slab on top of the spacers and position it where you can then just drop it down vertically. Lift slightly on the ends and kick out the spacers. Viola. Get a beer.

...and a few aspirin.