How to Reface Fireplaces

Lay out the stone veneers on the floor so you can piece them together in a pattern that you want to replicate on the fireplace. Staple the felt paper to the wall surrounding your fireplace. The felt paper acts as a vapor barrier.

Mix mortar by pouring a bag of mortar in a large bucket and adding water according to the directions on the bag. Stir the mortar and water together with a long paint stick until it is a smooth consistency. Pour the dry mortar in a bucket, add water and stir with the paint stick according to the directions on the mortar package.

Place pieces of the metal lath against the felt paper and staple them with the staple gun. Cover the felt paper completely with the metal lath pieces. Staple every six inches to assure the lath is affixed securely.

Butter the back of each piece of stone veneer with mortar and press it against the metal lath with some pressure so it adheres. Apply the stone veneer following the pattern you laid out on the floor.

Put some of the mixed mortar in the grout bag and squeeze it between each of the pieces of stone veneer. Use a rag to wipe away excess mortar from the stone veneers. Sweep away mortar crumbs with a whiskbroom after the mortar dries.