Stone Fireplace Construction Materials

Stone

• The stone itself is the most visible component of the fireplace construction. Fireplace stones come in various styles, sizes and shapes, allowing you to customize the look of your fireplace. Flat stones are attached to the face of the fireplace similar to tiles. The varying shapes of the stones means you'll need to fit them together like a mosaic to cover the surface. Rounded stones protrude more from the fireplace for a textured, three-dimensional look. Home improvement and fireplace stores should have a variety of stone materials available for fireplace surrounds.

Attachment Supplies

• To build a stone fireplace, you need a way to securely attach the stones to the fireplace structure. Mortar is the glue-like material used to hold the stones in place. The material is mixed to a peanut butter consistency for the first scratch coat and a pudding consistency for actually applying the stones. To keep the mortar in place, the fireplace structure needs to be covered with metal lath. This material has tiny cups that face up to hold the mortar and keep it from sliding down the fireplace.

Hearth

• The hearth creates a safe zone in front of the fireplace to protect from flying embers or ash that escapes the firebox area. A stone fireplace hearth typically starts with a concrete pad lower than the rest of the floor in the room. The finish material for the hearth goes on top of the cured pad. A stone hearth keeps the look of the fireplace. You can also use tile or brick for the hearth if you want a different look in that area.

Mantel

• A mantel tops off the stone fireplace, providing a decorative touch as well as a display ledge. One option is to use a slab of stone or similar natural material that is relatively flat on top for the mantel. Another option is to go with the traditional wood mantel. For a rustic look, choose a mantel that looks like a log or that is roughly chopped from a piece of wood, rather than a smooth, perfectly straight wood mantel.