Getting ready for the final push...

[El Puaco]

Thanks Marc.

I'm now the proud owner of some Durock cement board but have a few things to do before I attach it to the studs. I'm having some design "events" regarding how to attach a decorative arch to the either the bricks that support my vent or to steel studs that form the front of the upper area. I'm thinking that if I try to attach it to the bricks supporting the vent that I may need dowel them into the existing bricks rather than just mudding them to the existing bricks. The other idea involves using some 1 5/8" studs in front and attaching the arch bricks either to the metal studs or through the studs into the other brick.

Any ideas?

[maver]

simpson makes a product called brick ties, they are metal with some ridges on them to grab the mortar in your joint, they can be integrated into the vent to later join the decorative arch or you can anchor them to the vent after and integrate them into your arch.

BT Brick Ties

[El Puaco]

Simpson brick ties! I knew there would be something. Thanks for timely info.