To fellow Vermiculite Users

[ocafra]

Just finished pouring my vermiculite base (Course) and noticed it is not nearly at flat and smooth as using Fiber Board or Cement pour. My question is how to lay a herringbone matrix of firebrick for the floor layer and keep them perfectly horizontal? Seems like they will end up pretty wavy making it difficult to use a peel.

http://www.fornobravo.com/forum/imag...s/confused.gif

I read about creating a paste from fireclay/sand/water, but I am cutting the floor to fit onsite the walls so I can replace them in case of damage. Will this paste cement in the bricks so they cannot be replaced?

Any help welcome.

[david s]

Re: To fellow Vermiculite Users

Make the mix dry if you are worried about that. It works just as well.

[mongota]

Re: To fellow Vermiculite Users

When I was reading through various builds, I remember seeing a few people bedding a sheet of cement board over their vermicrete layer and setting their bricks on the dead-flat and perfectly smooth cement board.

If you go that route, use a true cement board, something like Durock.

[Gulf]

Re: To fellow Vermiculite Users

Using a fine grade vermiculite for the last 1/8th inch or so of the pour will allow you to have a workable finish. I found that out by accident. I ran out on the weekend of the pour, so I had to finish with what I could get. It turned out ok .

[ocafra]

Re: To fellow Vermiculite Users

Thank you all. Definitely some good options. I am make some fast progress, and did not have "quick access" to a quality fiber board, so I went with the dry mortar approach. Turned out well!