Starting my WFO in N. Carolina

[NCMan]

Re: Starting my WFO in N. Carolina

Had some time and nice weather yesterday, so I laid up a few block, set a form and worked on prepping the area for the small hearth slab extension.

[NCMan]

Re: Starting my WFO in N. Carolina

Here are a few photos of before and after pouring the small slab. I placed plastic under the area as both a bond break and to slow down the drying process by keeping the moisture in the concrete longer. I tie wired the rebar prior to placing the concrete. The small scrap pieces of wire lathe you see were placed against the form as I was placing the concrete. I want the lathe to be exposed when I later pull the form, to give the stone veneer something to bond to. I find stone does not seem to bond as well to smooth concrete as well as to masonry, hence the exposed lathe. I'll take photos when I pull the form to show what it does and explain it better. After placing the concrete, I kept it covered for a few hours to keep the sun from drying it too fast. After it set a bit, I covered it with plastic and cardboard to keep the moisture in and slow down the cure. I'll keep the form and braces on for at least a week and keep it covered as long as I can, but a few days at a minimum. I may just leave it all sit for a week or so. I have plenty else to do.

[NCMan]

Re: Starting my WFO in N. Carolina

Here are a few photos of my bottom arch area after I pulled the template out and cleaned up a bit. I still have some minor pointing up to do, but for the most part, it's done.

[NCMan]

Re: Starting my WFO in N. Carolina

I pulled my form from the hearth slab extension and here is a photo of where I placed the metal lathe against the form, to help "honeycomb" the surface for better bonding of the stone veneer later. Then I laid a few brick (instead of setting a form) and poured my vent floor perlcrete insulating layer. I placed plastic between the two layers for a vapor/moisture barrier. I plan to parge over the whole front area to have a scratch coat to attach the stone to later.

[NCMan]

Re: Starting my WFO in N. Carolina

Here are a few more photos showing the heat break I am installing using ceramic fiber tape. I will have a complete separation of the arches and hearth areas using this material. In my opinion, it's the way to go. Just my 2? on that subject. Also shown is a progress photo of the stonework that will cover the entire WFO........eventually. I hope to get some time this week to start on the vent/chimney.

[stonecutter]

Re: Starting my WFO in N. Carolina

First time I've seen river jacks oriented like that for veneer work...looks cool, like a lodge out west.

You using type S? Any acrylic in there?

Btw, nice avatar!

[NCMan]

Re: Starting my WFO in N. Carolina

First time I've seen river jacks oriented like that for veneer work...looks cool, like a lodge out west.

You using type S? Any acrylic in there?

Btw, nice avatar!

Thanks for the compliments. Yes, I use Type S, w/QuikCrete Acrylic Fortifier, for that type of stone. Actually, I use it a lot for improved bonding. Good stuff. Good beer, too.

[stonecutter]

Re: Starting my WFO in N. Carolina

Ha, I knew it...I wasn't testing you. Modified mortar is a must with hard, smooth stone like that. Good work.

[mirassou]

Re: Starting my WFO in N. Carolina

Stones look great!

[NCMan]

Re: Starting my WFO in N. Carolina

Thanks Stonecutter and Mirassou for the kudos. I plan to do a complete masonry enclosure and the entire wall area (three sides) will be veneered w/stone, other than the two brick arches on the front. Lots of stonework to do, for sure.

[jeffrorrt]

Re: Starting my WFO in N. Carolina

Looking AWESOME!!! Hope to have mine turn out that good

[NCMan]

Re: Starting my WFO in N. Carolina

Looking AWESOME!!! Hope to have mine turn out that good

Thanks, Jeff. Judging by what I've seen so far w/your build, I think yours will turn out just fine. Best of luck w/it!!

[NCMan]

Re: Starting my WFO in N. Carolina

I haven't had much time to work on the oven lately and we've had lots and lots of rain, but I worked between the raindrops and have managed to get the vent arches started. Here is a photo of my progress. Hopefully, the weather and my schedule will clear up and I can get more done soon.

[SteelandStone]

Re: Starting my WFO in N. Carolina

Your build is coming along great and the stone work awesome. Weather and work sure can really get in the way of the fun stuff.

[mirassou]

Re: Starting my WFO in N. Carolina

Looks great! Awesome work