How to Lay a Cultured Stone Fireplace

Measure the width and height of the area where the cultured stone will be installed, using a measuring tape. Multiply the width by the height to figure the square footage of the area. Purchase your cultured stone based on this figure; include some extra for damaged stone or mistakes.

Lay the cultured stone pieces on the floor. Arrange the stones into a pattern you like, in the shape of the fireplace surface to be covered.

Secure felt paper onto the fireplace surround where the cultured stone will be installed, using a staple gun. Affix the felt paper to brick or masonry fireplaces with masonry adhesive applied with a trowel.

Attach metal lath over the entire surface of the felt paper. Secure the lath with staples every four to sixe inches; for brick or masonry surfaces, drive in galvanized nails with the same spacing. Trim off any excess lath with a pair of wire cutters.

Pour mortar mix into a large bucket. Add enough water to create the consistency of thick pudding, or refer to the manufacturer's instructions for a specific water/mortar ratio. Stir the mortar mixture with a long-handled wooden spoon.

Spread a 1/2-inch-thick layer of the mortar mixture onto the back of each stone, using a masonry trowel. Apply all of the corner stones first, working from the top of the fireplace. Firmly push each cultured stone onto the metal lath and wriggle it in place. Hold the stone in position for up to one minute, ensuring a strong bond.

Fill in the rest of the fireplace surround with cultured stones, following the pattern you created on the floor, and using the same installation methods as before. Allow the cultured stone surround to dry for 24 hours.

Mix grout in a bucket according to the package directions. Place the mixture in a mortar bag. Squeeze the bag to apply the grout into the open joints. Smooth the grout in each joint with your finger.

Allow the grout to harden for one hour. Brush any grout off the face of the cultured stones with a stiff brush.