Lining a fireplace with Hardibacker - fixings

[duotwr]

Hi

I'm lining an opened up fireplace/inglenook with hardibacker 500. Manufacturer says this can be done using cement tile adhesive and then mechanical fixings. I'm fixing these directly to brick.

I'm a bit unclear on the process. Should i predrill the boards, stick them to the wall, wait for adhesive to go off and then drill through the predrilled holes into the brick?

And what fixings would be best. I want the screw head to finish flush. I can't see the fixing process above working if I need to push plugs through the predrilled boards.

Any advice would be gratefully received.

Keith

 

[^woody^]

Pre-drill, plug and countersink.
Then when you stick the board on, put the screws in.
Tighten the screws while plumbing and aligning the board - but not too much if the adhesive is thick.
You may have to give the screws a further tighten once the adhesive is set.