DIY: Stone Veneer Fireplace

Measure the fireplace. Calculate how much veneer is required and add 10% for mistakes. Obtain the surface area by multiplying the width by the height and subtracting the hearth opening. For example, if the fireplace is 4 feet wide by 5 feet high that's 20 square feet, less the hearth opening of 5 square feet. You would need to purchase 15 square feet of veneer plus an additional 1.5 feet for errors.

Mix the thin set per package directions. Trowel a thin layer of thin set over the area, filling in any indentations, gaps and grout lines of the old brick or masonry. Let dry 24 hours.

Check the level of the hearth with a carpenter's level. If it's not level you may have to build up where it's low with a bit of extra thin set. It's critical that the first layer of stone be level. If it's not, the mistake is magnified as you lay the stone up the fireplace.

Lay out the stone on the floor in the design you would like. Stone is a natural substance and there will be variations in colors. Make sure that if there are significantly lighter or darker stones that they are randomly placed on the fireplace, rather than laid close to each other.

Build a wood frame that fits in the opening of the hearth. Do this with scrap wood. The top of the frame should be 1/2 inch lower than the opening. The frame supports the stones above it until they dry. The border of stones above the opening should overhang the opening just slightly.

Mix additional thin set. Butter the back of the stone with a 1/4-inch layer of thin set, spreading it to the very edges of the stone. Press the stone to the face of the fireplace starting at the bottom next to the hearth.

Continue buttering the stones and pressing them onto the fireplace, moving up the fireplace front and sides. Check each layer of stones to make sure it's level. Adjust by moving the stone a bit up or down before the thin set hardens. If you want gaps between the stones, insert tile spacers between the stones.

Remove the thin set from the face of the stones with stone cleaner.

Seal with two coats of sealer. This is necessary to prevent the grout from sticking to the stones. Let dry 24 hours.

Mix grout according to package directions. Pack the grout in between the stones. Smooth the grout into the gap with a damp sponge.