How to Apply River Rock to a Brick Fireplace

A fireplace is a focal point in a room and if it's covered with worn or damaged bricks, it can be an eyesore rather than visually appealing. Cover your brick fireplace with river rock to give it an updated and striking look. Instead of using actual river rocks, which can be quite cumbersome and difficult to apply, choose veneer that resembles river rock. Since veneers are similar to tile, the installation process is far simpler and less time-consuming than actual river rocks. With a few basic supplies and some time, you will be able to transform your brick fireplace.

Mortar
Trowel
River rock veneers
Masonry mix
Sand
Grout bag
Damp sponge

Instructions

- 1
  Apply mortar to the top of the bricks and between the bricks to create a smooth, even surface using a trowel. Allow the mortar to dry for 24 hours and apply a second coat. Allow the second coat of mortar to dry for 24 to 36 hours.
- 2
  Install the corner pieces of river rock veneers first and work your way inward. Install the remaining stones working from the bottom up or the top down. Apply a smooth layer of mortar to the back of each stone with a trowel before setting them onto the fireplace. Press the stones firmly onto the fireplace to create a bond between the wet mortar, stone and dry mortar on the fireplace. Set the stones no more than 1 inch apart.
- 3
  Mix masonry mix and sand to create a paste. Add about 2 quarts of the paste to a grout bag. Squeeze the grout bag, applying the paste between the joints in the veneer.
- 4
  Wipe the surface of the stones and the masonry paste with a damp sponge while the paste still is wet, removing any paste from the stones and flattening the paste to give it a natural look.

DIY Rustic Bedframe

How to Decorate an Open Floorplan Kitchen Bar

Home Decor