Slate installation

Q. Refacing a fireplace with 30cm slate tiles. What is the best adhesive to use (only about 25 pieces of tile involved so don't want to have to purchase a 50lb. bag of anything)? Would a premix mastic work? Will I need to provide support for the tiles over the opening or will the adhesive support them? Thank you.

A. This is going to depend on what you are attaching it to. You want to make sure that the tile will stick. If you attaching it to existing stone or concrete then standard thin set should be fine. If you attaching it to tile or any other non porous surfaces you are going to have to use an epoxy setting mortar. To support the tiles over the opening simply tape them in place until the adhesive sets up.