I have recently completed the construction of a wrap deck. It is supported with 14 concrete block columns ranging from about 6 to 10 feet tall. I am in the process of installing artificial stack rock on the columns. This is taking much longer than I anticipated, largely due to working with the mortar and trying to keep the stones clean as I work. After 7 days, I have completed 1 and 1/2 of the tallest columns. I just heard from a friend to use liquid nails instead of mortar. Do you recommend this? If so, should I spread a layer of mortar against the block, let that dry and then use the liquid nails? My thought on this is that you would not see block or the seams in the back ground of the rock. Also, would this be much more costly than the cement. I'm using type "N" cement. Thank you in advance for your suggestions. Steven Mains, Talladega, AL

To make the process go quicker I would recommend to wrap your vertical columns in reinforcing wire or chicken wir similar to the process found in this free ebook: Artificial Rock - Instructional guide and online store (http://www.ArtificialRock.ca)

This will assist you in having concrete climb the vertical surfaces which should speed up your poject.

I hope this information is helpful.

Cheers.

Steve Goodale
Serendipity Pools & Artificial Rock
Vancouver, BC
604-421-8429
1-888-267-0802

That was great ebook on building rock. You have made te correct choice. Type N and type S are both appropriate masonary cements for laying block, brick and rock. I am afrain that liquid nails will not provide a water tight seal and allow moisture to get behind the block and possibly fail. Howvere liquid nails is like duct tape, always have some around.