How To Build an Imitation Rock Fireplace

Imitation stone is an inexpensive material that is easier to work with than real stone. You can buy imitation stone in almost any size, shape and color. Building your own imitation stone fireplace is a satisfying project that creates a beautiful centerpiece for your home.

Things You'll Need

• Imitation stone
• Metal lath
• Painter's tape
• Mortar
• Trowel
• Bucket or mortar pan
• Masonry saw
• Nails
• Hammer
• Cloth
• Grout

Instructions

1. Decide how large you want your mantel to be, taking into consideration the room's size and proportions. Outline the dimensions in painter's tape.

2. Determine how far you want the stone mantel to extend. Mark its footprint on the floor in masking tape.

3. Cut your metal lath sheets to dimensions that will fit inside the marked-off area inside the painter's tape, both against the wall and on the floor. This will act as a base for the mortar, allowing for a sturdier and more durable fireplace.

4. Nail the metal lath nails to the wall and floor. Remove the painter's tape.

5. Mix your mortar. Start at the bottom left corner of your mantel. Apply mortar to the stone you want to go in that spot, then apply the stone.

6. Apply a stone to the bottom right corner of the mantel. This will give you two points of reference as you apply the first row of stones.

7. With each stone, apply a generous layer of mortar with your trowel. Apply mortar in-between the stones. Smooth the mortar in-between the stones with your hand.

8. Apply the rubble stones in horizontal rows, always starting at the wall and moving from one corner to another. This building pattern that will keep your fireplace structure stable. Apply the stones until the mantel is complete.

9. Wipe away any excess mortar with a damp cloth. If the metal lath is visible at the edges, apply a layer of grout to cover it. Allow the mortar to dry for at least 48 hours.