I've read a few different methods, but I'm looking for people with experience on this type of installation.

I have 3/4" thin oklahoma rock that I want to stick directly to vertically installed hardibacker. I've read several installation tips, but can't seem to get a firm answer. I've compiled a method and wanted an opion on this process:

1. Wet hardibacker with a sponge
2. Apply a light coat of concrete bonding adhesive
3. Mix Type S or Thin set mortar with bonding agent and water
4. apply mud with slotted trowel
5. Apply rock, pressing firmly, tapping lightly

How does this sound? Any recommendations? I figured if I applied glue to the hardiboard AND in the mortar mix, there's no way that it could come loose.

I'm going to be doing a drystack method on the installation, so I wont have any grout in between. Whatever is on the back of the rock, has to do all the holding.

Sounds good to me. I'm no expert, but I added the wire mesh to the hardiboard.

Well, I went after it in full force. Wow, the drystack method takes lots of work.

Here's what I ended up doing:

1. roll on concrete glue to hardibacker and allow to setup
2. mix flexbond thinset with concrete fortifyer and water
3. Trowel on thinset with tile trowel
4. Clean back of rock with wet sponge
5. apply thinset to rock
6. apply and press hard

I did a small area and let it setup. I couldn't pull it off no matter what I did. So I think I'm on the right track.

Sounds like you are on the right track. Any pics?

when you apply the stone wiggle it about a quarter inch each direction , this takes all the air bubbles out of your thinset

Would love to see pictures of progress and finished product sounds cool.

Just did a little test area yesterday to ensure adhesion. I'm doing the drystack method, which takes forever.

Follow the whole thread/build:
http://www.texashuntingforum.com/forum/u...g_a#Post4078711

Very nice