How To Stone A Fireplace Surround

How to Stone a Fireplace Surround

A stone fireplace surround can add a touch of rustic elegance to any room. It's a relatively simple project that can be completed in a weekend with the right tools and materials. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to stone a fireplace surround:

Materials you'll need:

Natural stone tiles
Thinset mortar
Grout
Grout float
Tile spacers
Notched trowel
Caulk gun
Caulk
Level
Measuring tape
Pencil

Step 1: Prepare the fireplace surround

The first step is to prepare the fireplace surround for tiling. This involves removing any existing trim or molding, and then cleaning the surface of the surround to remove any dirt or debris. Once the surround is clean, you can apply a thin layer of thinset mortar to the surface using a notched trowel.

Step 2: Install the stone tiles

Once the thinset mortar has been applied, you can begin installing the stone tiles. Start by placing the tiles in the center of the surround and working your way outwards. Use tile spacers to ensure that the tiles are evenly spaced. Once the tiles are in place, you can use a grout float to apply grout to the joints between the tiles.

Step 3: Grout the tiles

Once the grout has been applied, you can use a grout float to smooth it out and remove any excess. Allow the grout to dry for at least 24 hours before moving on to the next step.

Step 4: Caulk the joints

Once the grout has dried, you can caulk the joints between the tiles and the surround. This will help to prevent water from seeping into the joints and damaging the tiles. To caulk the joints, simply apply a thin bead of caulk to the joint using a caulk gun.

Step 5: Clean the tiles

The final step is to clean the tiles. This can be done with a damp cloth and a mild detergent. Once the tiles are clean, you can enjoy your new stone fireplace surround!