How to Build a Stone Fireplace

There is nothing more homey than a fireplace in the living room or bedroom. You may even consider spicing up a traditional brick hearth by replacing it with stone. Building your own stone fireplace can save you money and add a personal touch to your home.

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Mortar pan
• Masonry trowel
• Masonry nails
• Mason's hammer
• Router
• Saw with diamond-tipped blade
• Grout float
• Grout
• Nail gun
• Cultured stone
• Wood stain
• Sealer
• Wood glue
• Lumber
• 2 by 4s
• Slate
• Plywood
• Sponge
• Mortar mix

Build a Stone Fireplace

1. Measure around the fireplace. Use those measurements to make a template on a wood board with painter's tape.

2. Choose the type of stone you want to use. Visit the Fireplaces website for ideas of which stone will suit your home best (see Resources bos). Place the stone in a tight pattern to fit your template. Cut the stone with a saw with a diamond-tipped blade to ensure a good fit.

3. Stir mortar mix with water in a pan. The mortar should have the consistency of cake batter.

4. Apply mortar with your trowel to the back of each stone only. Install the stone on the hearth, following the pattern you developed in the first step.

5. Cut three 2 by 4 pieces of wood to become the frame. Use a nail gun to support them.

6. Lay stone to the mantel using mortar. After the mortar has dried, add more mortar to any cracks between stones.

7. Build the wooden hearth by cutting a plywood frame that will fit inside of the firebox. Attach 2 by 4s to the underside of the hearth using a nail gun and wood glue. Place the hearth inside the firebox and install slate against the hearth frame using mortar.

8. Add grout to the spaces between the stones with a grout flout. Use a wet sponge to wipe away any excess grout. After it's dry, apply a sealer between the pieces of slate.

9. Measure the length of the fireplace and cut wood to fit for a mantel. If desired, add a design to the edges of the mantel with a router. Attach it to the underside of the mantel with a nail gun.

Tips & Warnings

• Use a mason's hammer to knock off sharp or long edges on the stone. Smoother edges will give your stone a better fit, and you will be able to use less grout.

• Consider using a wood stain on your mantel to give it a more handsome look.

• Don't forget to consider who will be using the fireplace before designing it. Children may be drawn to fireplaces that have edges sticking out during playtime.

Resources

• Fireplace ideas for different types of stone