Cultured Stone Fireplace Installation

Cover the wall with the moisture barrier to protect it. Unroll the felt paper and measure the length of your installation area. Transfer that measurement to the rolled-out section, and cut it with a utility knife. Staple the row onto the wall with the hammer tacker. Add another row on top of that, overlapping the first by at least a couple of inches. Work your way up to cover the whole surface.

Install wire mesh on top of the felt paper in a similar fashion, stapling it in place with the hammer tacker. Cut the pieces down to size with a pair of tin snips (metal shears that look like scissors), and overlap all of the sheets by at least a couple of inches. Ensure that the wire mesh is installed so that the “cups” on the piece of mesh are angled upwards, as this holds the mortar on the wall as it cures.

Position your wheelbarrow as close to the fireplace as you can for ease of use. Cut open a bag of mortar mix and dump it into the wheelbarrow. Add water according to the bag instructions (different size bags have different water requirements). Mix it up with the shovel for several minutes to ensure it is completely mixed.

Spread a layer of mud onto the wall with the flat trowel so that you completely cover the wire mesh, and press the mortar in and around all of the wire mesh sections. Start at the bottom and work your way up just enough for a couple of rows. Don’t go higher than a few feet as you don’t want to have excess mud falling off the wall and creating a mess when you are working.

Apply mud to the back of a piece of cultured stone with the mason trowel, and press it into place along the bottom section of your fireplace. Repeat this process for each individual stone. Work your way across the bottom row first, then install the row on top of that tightly to the first row. Install each subsequent row tightly with the others for a grout-less installation.