DIY Network

Entertainment Bar: Setting Pre-Cast Stones From "Weekend Remodeling" episode WKR-310

The framework is built, the electrical outlets are wired, and now it's time to begin adding pre-cast stone to the front of the bar.

This project mixes many different elements (cabinetry, pre-cast stone, countertop installation) and requires carpentry, electrical and masonry skills. Because of this, this project rates 4 out of 5 on the Weekend Remodeling difficulty scale.

advertisement

	Before the Remodel: a basic basement with room for improvement.
	After: From boring basement to family room with a dash of panache.

Materials:

2 x 4s
2 electrical boxes and outlets
Non-metallic building electrical wire
Drywall and drywall "mud"
1/2" cement board
Wire mesh
Mortar
Pre-cast stone
Cabinets
Under counter refrigerator
Various trim pieces
Nails and screws
Painting supplies
2 granite countertops
Steel mounting plates
Hammer
Circular saw
Drill and bits
Pliers
Trim nailer
Tape measure
Electrical tester
Wire strippers and wire nuts
Utility knife
Trowel
Cardboard
Grinder
Level
Shims
Clamps
Caulk gun and caulk
Silicon adhesive
Bucket
T-square
Chalk line
Work gloves (for working with metal lathe)

	Figure A
	Figure B
	Figure C
	Figure D
	Figure E
	Figure F

Note: This project was designed with the assistance of a computer design program. The instructions for your particular project may vary.

1. Install 1/2" cement board to the front of the bar (figure A). Use a level to mark the location of the wall studs, then attach section of the cement boards using 1-1/4" screws to secure.

2. To install metal lathe, set a section along the bottom of the bar, then attach through the cement boards and into the studs, using galvazined screws to secure.

3. Cut the metal lathe with snips and make sure it overlaps (figure B) the previous piece (don't forget to use gloves when working with metal).

4. Set top section into position, making sure this piece overlaps the bottom. Attach metal lathe as before, until entire area is covered. Cut away excess at top of wall.

5. Mix mortar and begin setting stones. First apply a scratch coat of mortar onto metal lathe (figure C). Set corners of your design first, then work toward both ends. (In this example, Reveiz starts in the middle of the wall where the corners are located.)

6. To set the pre-cast stones, butter the backs with mortar, then press the stones into the scratch coat (figure D). Alternate the way the stones overlap at the corner to break up the pattern and prevent a continuous seam from appearing.

7. Set about half-way up the first corner, then move over the other corner and use a level to mark lines in to the mortar to give a guide from which to set stones. Use the edge of the trowel to edge the stones as needed to fit (figure E). Continue working until center section is complete.

8. Next, it's time to scratch coat the short wall and scribe lines into the mortar. Set stones over to the end of the wall. In this design, the stones end at the back of the cabinet and are flush on the sides.

9. Move to the long wall and repeat the process (figure F). On this wall, the straight pieces can be set without a lot of cuts.