How to Brick or Stone the Front of Your Fireplace

Begin with a clean, dry fireplace surround. Wipe away dirt and soot from the surround using a rag dipped in a mixture of water and mild dish soap, if necessary, and allow it to air-dry well. Cover the front and sides of the surround with wire mesh masonry liner, leaving a 1-inch uncovered area at each edge; secure the liner with masonry nails.

Trace the dimensions of the surround onto a large piece of cardboard and cut it out to create a template. Plan out the design for your stones or bricks using this template so they fit together as neatly and efficiently as possible. Use a pencil to mark the order of the bricks or stones on their backs to help you remember their places.

Measure out any cuts that must be made to the stones or bricks at the edges and mark them with the pencil. Double-check your measurements and markings before cutting. Make the required modifications with a diamond-bladed wet saw.

Combine the mortar mix and water in a mortar pan until the texture is like cake batter, and consistent throughout. Trowel a scant layer of mortar onto the back and bottom of one of the lowest stones or bricks and lay it into place at the bottom of the surround.

Install the rest of the bricks or stones on the bottom and sides of the surround with mortar. Do not cover the firebox (the lateral top part of the surround) yet. Build a wooden bolster in the shape of an upside-down U from 2-by-4 pieces of lumber trimmed so they are about 1/4 inch taller than the distance between the bottom of the firebox and the hearth.

Position the wooden bolster so the top is aligned with the firebox and the bottom rests just outside the cavity of the fireplace. Apply the bricks or stones to the firebox using the mortar, allowing the lower pieces to rest on the bolster so they do not fall. Spread more mortar into any overly large open spaces.

Allow the mortar to dry overnight. Grout the fireplace surround using a grout float; push the grout deeply between the bricks or stones to fill the spaces between them. Wipe away grout from the stones or bricks using a dampened sponge. Let the grout dry 24 to 48 hours before using the fireplace.