How do I Build the Framework for a Fireplace?

There are two types of household fireplaces: masonry and prefabricated. A masonry fireplace consists of a masonry firebox installed with a brick, stone, or tile facing, and a masonry chimney system, all of which are installed by a mason during the construction of the house. A prefabricated fireplace is made in a factory and then installed in a house. The shell is often made of metal although the firebox may contain a brick lining; the chimney system is usually made of metal. You can create a beautiful stone fireplace frame for a prefabricated fireplace by framing a hearth around a ready-made fireplace insert, boxing it in, and lining it with stone.

Standard 2x4 lumber
Nails (standard and 1-inch galvanized roofing nails)
1/2-inch OSB (oriented strand board) or plywood
Staple gun
#15 Builder's felt
Wire lath
Concrete
Trowel
Thin stone facing
Grout bag
Grout

Instructions

- 1
  Nail standard 2x4 lumber around the fireplace insert and chimney chase to create a sheath or frame. You will also need to nail a board over the top of the fireplace opening to support the frame you have created.
- 2
  Sheath your frame with ½-inch OSB (oriented strand board) or plywood. OSB is generally less expensive than plywood but also less water-resistant. Sheathing the frame gives it structural support and provides a smooth surface for further work.
- 3
  Staple #15 builder's felt onto the sheathing using a staple gun. Nail expanded wire lath over the felt using 1-inch galvanized roofing nails. You can also use screws but be careful that the screw heads do not push through the mesh openings of the wire lath.
- 4
  Apply a light coat of concrete over the wire lath using a trowel. Do not smooth the concrete but leave it rough; the rough texture helps the stone to adhere.
- 5
  Install thin stone facing according to manufacturer's instructions, covering the entire fireplace. Fill in the grout lines using a grout bag to squirt mortar in between the crevices; smooth with a trowel or your hands.

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