Thread: thin cement topping

g'day mate - I believe self levelling compound is likely the way to go - any hardware store will be able to advise. I used it on the same application with the exception that I boxed it all in and didnt use any sheet material above it - just tiled straight on.

G'day Greg

My experience is that fire hearths need a special mix as you have suggested and I'm not aware of it but the need is generated by the heat that a fire will create. This may be reduced if you are going to install an old fashioned firebox or slow combustion unit. I'd talk to someone who installs something like what you are after. They should know the answer

OOOOOPS!

I made a huge assumption that if you intended placing cement sheet inside the hearth that you would NOT be lighting a fire in it - that it would be for display only, due to other forms of heating being employed. If you intend to have a fire inside it, it is a no-no to have cement sheet. If as has been suggested sensibly, that you wish to put a slow-combustion heater in there, get maker's specs and their data sheet on what's required as a priority! What material will you be laying onto?

Originally Posted by seriph1

OOOOOPS!

I made a huge assumption that if you intended placing cement sheet inside the hearth that you would NOT be lighting a fire in it - that it would be for display only, due to other forms of heating being employed. If you intend to have a fire inside it, it is a no-no to have cement sheet. If as has been suggested sensibly, that you wish to put a slow-combustion heater in there, get maker's specs and their data sheet on what's required as a priority! What material will you be laying onto?

Thanks Guys,

I am not going to use the Fire.Its just ornamental but I am going to run the cement sheet right back into the fireplace under the cast insert.

Is that self leveling stuff cement based?

Greg

hi again - levelling compound is cement that flows like honey and finds its own level, thereby ending up with a flat level surface to tile onto.

cheers

You need to mix Moral clay(very fine white powder)into your cement mix, Hanlon refactorys make it. You wont need the fibro cement sheeting.
Its what the brickies at work use in our furnaces for gap filling and leveling floors, the furnace settings(burner chamber)reach 800c constantly!

OOOOP's I did the same as seriph1"I made a huge assumption",
I didnt read your last posting!
I would still use the proper gear, as someone or yourself may want to use the fireplace again and normal cement wont last 10seconds without cracking or even exploding if it has some moisture content and is heated fast...

Yep, self-levelling compound is the way to go. Be sure to vacuum and prime the surface first with something like Davco ultraprime. Mix the self levelling compound to a pancake mix consistency with a mechanical mixer. I'm doing this job next week and using granite off cuts from a mate's kitchen cooktop and sink to stick on top. Should look great.


Cheers Pulse