# How to Make Stone Mantels
Old, weathered-looking fireplace mantles can make the entire room unattractive. You can cover the mantle with an elegant-looking stone facade instead of tearing out the mantle to replace it. Professional stone masons or craftsmen can apply a stone facade on a mantle, but you can save money by applying stone tiling yourself using a few basic inexpensive supplies and tools that can be purchased at any hardware or home improvement store.
Things You'll Need
- Electric sander
- Medium-grit sanding belt
- Shop vacuum
- Medium grout
- Trowel
- Stone tiles (1/2-inch thick)
- Washcloth
- Stone sealant
- Paintbrush (2-inch flat)
Instructions
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1
Sand the surface of the mantle using an electric sander with a medium-grit sanding belt.
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2
Vacuum the mantle and surrounding areas using a shop vacuum to remove sawdust and debris.
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3
Spread a 1-inch thick layer of medium grout over the entire surface of the mantle using a trowel. Apply the grout in an even layer.
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4
Press 1/2-inch thick stone tiles halfway into the grout, spacing each stone 1/4 inch apart.
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5
Scrape the trowel across the stones to push excess grout into areas where grout is needed. Wipe off the surface of each stone with a damp washcloth. Allow the stone mantle to air dry for 12 to 18 hours.
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6
Apply a thick layer of stone sealant over the entire mantle using a 2-inch flat paintbrush. Allow the stone mantle to air dry for 12 hours.
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Decorating Materials & Supplies
- How to Make a Rock Bench
- How to Make a Zen Garden Bridge
- How to Make an Address Stone
- How to Make a Stone Garden Chair
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- How to Make Shiny Stone Countertops
- How to Make a Corbel Mantle
- How to Make a Stone Curb
- How to Make a Pebble Walkway
- How to Make a Stone Driveway
- How to Make Stone Facades
- How Do I Make a Fireplace Mantle?
