How to Tile a Fireplace With Ledgestone

Sand the entire area of the fireplace where the Ledgestone will be installed. Wipe the area clean. If any sections of the installation are over drywall and studs, use a stud finder to find the studs. Mark the studs.

Spread metal lath over the entire area. Drill a hole every 12 inches in a grid across the lath, making sure the hammer drill is on its hammer setting.

Attach the lath to the wall with 2-inch masonry screws and washers. Continue to lay out lath, overlapping the lath by at least 6 inches on all seams. Drill holes only into studs when over drywall.

Spread 1/2 inch of mortar over the lath using the trowel. Cover the entire surface of the lath, getting the mortar in all the nooks and crannies. Let the mortar dry for 30 minutes.

Scratch the surface of the mortar with the trowel both horizontally and vertically to prepare it for the stone veneers. Let the mortar dry for 48 hours.

Apply 1/4 inch of mortar to the rear of each Ledgestone veneer. Hold the veneer up to the wall and push hard for 30 seconds. Repeat until the entire wall is filled.

Cut any of the veneers if necessary to get it into a strangely shaped space. Wipe out any extra mortar. Let dry for one hour.

Spread grout into the spaces between the veneers to the desired depth for the intended effect. Let dry for 48 hours prior to starting a fire in the fireplace.