Stacked flagstone fireplace remodel

[JackoJ]

I'm redoing the tile around my 20-year-old corner gas fireplace with stacked stone. I've removed the old tile and most drywall, planning to install 1/2" Durock over a vapor barrier. I stopped at the last studs, it is about 4.5" of drywall remains on each side, can I mix Durock and drywall, or should I remove it all? If mixing is okay, what's best for the joints?

 

[splitsville]

I'm redoing the tile around my 20-year-old corner gas fireplace with stacked stone. I've removed the old tile and most drywall, planning to install 1/2" Durock over a vapor barrier. I stopped at the last studs, it is about 4.5" of drywall remains on each side, can I mix Durock and drywall, or should I remove it all? If mixing is okay, what's best for the joints?

Pretty sure you can mix Durock and drywall if you ensure the transition is clean. Use fiberglass mesh tape and thinset for the joint. You already know how to do that for sure. It'll blend fine once everything is finished.

 

[JackoJ]

Thanks! That's what I was hoping to hear, I'll go ahead and leave the drywall, clean up the edge, and use mesh with thinset.