Limestone Hearth Bedding

Hi chaps,

I'm helping a pal to fit their limestone fireplace next weekend (decorative only ... No fire) and this is totally new territory for me

I'm happy with tile adhesive and restraining brackets for the legs and mantle but what should I use to bed in the hearth?

I've been doing some reading and must admit that it's freaking me out a little as I keep reading about a mortar bedding mixture being absorbed into the limestone and causing staining.

Any advice gratefully received.

Thanks

ESRA

i had our limestone fitted by the maker. i think he used sand / cement, but i too had heard about the problem you describe.

another company i spoke to mentioned plaster of paris.

however i am not 100% sure if that is correct.

sorry i couldnt be more helpful

You can coat the rear of what you are bedding down with PVA, this will seal it and allow you to use a lime based mortar 5:1:1 for bedding in without staining.
The 1 part lime will help with flexing in the future and the 1 part cement will give it strength.

Tony

Thanks guys.