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Houseboat Thin Stone Veneer Stone veneer — It's not just for landlubbers, as Derek and Dean prove in this Rock Solid project that takes place on board a houseboat. From "Rock Solid" episode DROC-310

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Water Barrier

Use 30-grade tar paper to create a water barrier between the stone and the wall. Cut a piece the length of the wall. Make sure to cut holes for the electrical and other outlets. Use a slap stapler to attach it to the plywood and bead board (figures F and G).

Figure F

Figure G

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Figure H

Metal Lath And Scratch Coat

In this project, the stonework is set directly on the wall with mortar, so Dean and Derek add a scratch coat of cement on top of the plywood and tar paper. Attach pieces of metal lath to the entire area that will be covered with the scratch coat, including the narrow corner edges. The lath provides a base for the cement to set into.

Cut the metal lath to size using a metal grinder (figure H) or snips.

	Figure I
	Figure J

To attach the metal lath, screw it directly into the wall with one inch screws (figures I and J). Place a screw about every four inches. Make sure that the lath is flat and secure and that there are no sections that lift above the surface.

Tip: Make sure that the metal lath is set in the right direction so that it is rough to the touch. You may need to turn the lath to find the right orientation. When it is set, the lath should be rough to the touch when you run your hand down the face of it. If you need to cut the lath, use a grinder or metal snips.

Once the metal lath is set in place, apply the scratch coat. Make the scratch coat using premixed cement and water. Mix it in a five-gallon bucket to the consistency of peanut butter. Remember to wear a mask.

	Figure K
	Figure L

To apply the scratch coat, use two trowels. Load some cement on one, and use the other to spread it up against the wall (figure K).

Work from the bottom up. Cover the entire surface of the lath. You don't need a thick layer, just enough to fill the holes of the lath for a smooth even surface.

Once you've covered all the surfaces where the stone will be set, scratch some random lines into the wet cement. These inscribed lines (figure L) will give the mortar and stonework something extra to grab onto.

Let the scratch coat dry overnight.

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