Building a Stone Fireplace

Types of Stone

• You have many options for the stones you use for your fireplace. Use real stone or cultured stone that is a manufactured product. Cast stone is a stone-like product made from concrete. Natural rocks or limestone are other options. You can also use a natural stone material in a tile form, such as granite, travertine or marble.

Types of Fireplaces

• Before you add your stone enclosure, you will need to decide the type of fireplace you wish to install. If you will have a gas fireplace, it will be either vent free or direct vent. A vent-free fireplace provides the warmth of a fireplace without the need for any additional vent. They are used in combination with chimneys. Direct-vent fireplaces require a flue to vent the gases outside the home. Another option is to install a wood-burning fireplace. You can purchase an insert that you install around your flue.

Installation

• You can install your stone fireplace in several ways. One option is to use a mason to build a custom fireplace that has a stacked rock effect. An alternative DIY project is to frame the fireplace insert and chimney area with lumber. Add plywood and builder’s felt to the lumber to provide the base for the stonework. Cover the felt with wire lath and then a layer of wet mortar. Use a trowel to apply the mortar in a horizontal direction. Set the stones in a flat position on top of the concrete. Corner stones can be cut with a grinder tool. After you finish adding all of the stones, cover the stones with mortar to fill in the gaps.

Considerations

• For safety reasons, any stone that will be near the fire must be fire-retardant and insusceptible to fire damage. Don't use stone tiles built with mortar inside the fireplace. The interior of the fireplace will be too hot for these materials to withstand, so you need to use stone that has been set with fireclay. Local building code might specify the size of your hearth, so be sure you keep your fireplace within code standards.