Expert: James Ball - 9/3/2010

Question
I removed the decorative gas log kiva fireplace in a corner of my living room.  
I have a pile of travertine stone I harvested from a quarry, about 1 1/2 inches
thick.  I want to build a 3 inch raised hearth and cover the back wall with
stone up to the 10 foot ceiling, then install an Endeavor Lopi wood stove.  The
wall has 2 x 6 studs covered with whitewall.  The floor is concrete.  Questions:  
1.  What kind of wall prep is needed? 2.  Do I need to do anything to hold the
rock in place on the wall, like wire or brick studs?  3.  Should I start from the
top or bottom?  4.  Will the concrete floor and 2 x 6 wall be strong enough to
hold the stones for the hearth and the stove?  5.  Should I use mortar or
construction adhesive to hold the stones on the wall?  6.  What should I use
for the hearth base before laying the stones?  6.  If mortar is needed, what
kind should be used?  7.  How long should I wait for the mortar to dry on the
hearth before installing the stove?  8.  How many rows should I do at a time
on the wall, and how long should I wait for the mortar/adhesive to dry on the
wall?

Answer
Hello Karen, start with the stove that will tell you how big the "stone wall and Hearth" needs to be. as far as the floor being able to hold the stone wall, you might need an engineer, check with your local building department for what you need to "reduce clearance to combustibles" for that wood stove (bring the stove instructions with you) as these change from town to town.
as far as cement or adhesive I would say Mortar check with your home store or local building supply company for the stone and wall combination you are using.
You might need to space out "Wonder board" cement backer board screwed in and wire might help, spaced out one inch  from the wall then the stone.
James