How to Replace an Old Rock-Faced Fireplace

Cover the stones with a layer of 3 2/5-inch metal lath, which is the mesh placed under plaster. Lay the lath over the stone and attach it to the surface by drilling 3-inch screws through the mortar between the stones every 4 to 6 inches.

Apply a 1/2-inch-thick layer of thin-set adhesive over the surface of the lath with a metal trowel. Smooth the surface of the adhesive with the flat end of the trowel. Allow it to dry for 12 to 24 hours.

Cover the back of a tile with adhesive that's about 1/2 inch thick. Set the tile in place starting at the bottom center of one of the sides of the fireplace. Gently wiggle the tile to form a bond between the thin-set adhesive, the tile and the already dried adhesive on the fireplace.

Place spacers along the edges of the tile. Apply tiles on either side of the initial tile, using the same technique described in Step 3. If full-sized tiles won't fit on the outer and inner edges of the fireplace, measure the space that needs to be covered with a measuring tape. Use a marker to indicate the measurement on the tile. Cut through the marked spot with a tile cutter. Attach the cut tiles to the fireplace.

Work your way up until the facade is covered on either side of the fireplace box.

Tile the portion of the fireplace surround above the fireplace box. Start at the center of the top of the fireplace box. Use the same technique for applying tiles as described in Steps 3 to 5, until the entire surface of the fireplace is tiled.

Remove the tile spacers and allow the tile to set for 24 hours.

Apply heat-resistant grout to the surface of the tiles with a tile floater. Work the grout into the gaps between each of the tiles.

Remove excess grout from the surface of the tiles with a damp sponge. Rinse the sponge when it becomes covered with grout, wring it out and wipe. Continue wiping the surface until completely clean.