How to Replace a Mirrored Fireplace With Stone

Mirror Removal

• 1

  Place a windshield removal tool behind the top corner of the mirror.

• 2

  Hold the ends of the tool so that the wire sits on a diagonal behind the mirror.

• 3

  Pull the wire taut and pull it down along the back of the mirror. As you pull the wire, it will loosen the adhesive that holds the mirror on the wall. Work slowly and have someone support the front of the mirror as you pull the wire across the back of the wall.

• 4

  Pull the loosened mirror off of the wall.

Stone Installation Prep Work

• 5

  Attach builder's felt to the wall. Smooth the felt over the wall and secure it in place with a staple gun.

• 6

  Attach 3/4-inch metal lath to the wall with 2-inch nails. Set the nails every 6 inches along the lath.

• 7

  Apply a 1/2-inch coat of thin-set mortar to the surface of the lath with a metal trowel. Apply the mortar in a downward motion then move the trowel over the mortar in a side-to-side motion to create a smooth, even surface. Allow the mortar to sit for about 20 minutes.

• 8

  Run the notched side of the trowel through the damp mortar. Start at one of the bottom edges of the fireplace and pull the trowel along the surface in a horizontal line. Work your way up to create horizontal rows in the mortar.

Stone Installation

• 9

  Begin installation with the corner stones. Apply mortar to the back of the corner stones and set them in place on the edges of the fireplace. Set the stones so that they are about 1/2-inch apart. Work from the top of the fireplace down.

• 10

  Install stones on the surface of the fireplace surround. Apply mortar to the back of the stones and set them in place on the fireplace surround. Work from one side of the surround to the other. Set the stones about 1/2-inch apart. Once one row of stones is complete, move down and install the next row of stones until the entire surround is covered.

• 11

  Cut stones to size. Measure the spaces where full-sized veneers won't fit. Cut the stones to fit the dimensions with a circular saw equipped with a diamond blade.

• 12

  Allow the stones to cure for 24 to 48 hours.

Grouting

• 13

  Fill a mortar bag halfway with mortar. Fold the top of the bag over.

• 14

  Squeeze the bag and apply the mortar into the spaces between the stones.

• 15

  Allow the mortar to set no more than 60 minutes. Run the end of a broom or a rounded stick over the damp mortar to flatten it out and remove any excess material.