Fireplace Surround Designs Using Stone Veneer

The fireplace is often the most dramatic focal point in any home or business. More than simply a log-burning cavity, the surfaces that surround fire box can be elegant, rustic, linear, or impressively massive. The fireplace, surround, mantle and the areas above will draw attention and can create the mood. Danes revere a concept known as “hygge” (pronounced hoo-gah) which depicts surroundings that exude comfort, well-being, and coziness. Nothing creates a “hygge” atmosphere better than a beautiful fireplace on a frosty evening.

That sense of well-being can be greatly enhanced by replacing that tired, old fireplace surround with a beautiful new stone veneer. Expand the size, create a beautiful and symmetrical stone surround with rectilinear stone veneer pieces, or recreate that irregular and natural stone lodge-like appeal with rough-surfaced stone veneer.

Application of  Stone Veneer for Fireplaces

Stone veneers are available in a wide variety of styles, shapes, colors, and stone types. These may be either natural or manufactured stone veneers with each piece cut into an easy-to-install size and thickness. Ledgestone, cobble, brook, and ashlar are some common natural stone veneers.

ProCoat System’s Cultured® Stone can create all the same effects and ambiance as natural stone veneer but with lower cost. Durable, the manufactured stone veneers for fireplace surrounds are guaranteed for 50 years when professionally installed.

Getting Started

Once the style and color of stone veneer for fireplace surrounds are chosen and in place, the installation begins. The following steps are necessary whether installing a natural or a manufactured fireplace surround.

Install the Base Layers:

1.   Apply builder’s felt to the entire area to be covered.

2.   Cover the felt with the metal lath that will keep the mortar from slipping. Carefully bend the lath around the corners of the fireplace until the material is flush with the subsurface.

3.   Apply mortar over the metal lath. This will act as the scratch coat.

4.   Once the mortar is applied, use a notched tilling trowel to create a grooved, textured surface.

5.   Let this all stand for at least overnight.

Applying the Stone Veneer

1.   On a flat surface, create a “dry run” with your stones, placing them exactly as if you are applying them to the fireplace surround. Minimize the grout gaps, where possible, and pay particular attention to the fireplace opening and the outer edges of the surround.

2.   Remove any excess material from the pieces.

3.   Install the corner pieces and header stones.

4.   Fill in the spaces between the corners and header.

5.   Fill in the grout spaces.

Contact ProStone Systems for Guidance

Applying a natural or cultured stone veneer to a fireplace surround is an exacting process. An experienced mason will more often achieve the  desired result.

 For advice or direction regarding natural or manufactured stone veneers for fireplace surrounds, contact the experts at ProCoat Systems in Colorado. ProCoat professionals can help you with imagining, designing, and product selection to create your desired effect.

Call ProCoat Systems at 1-303-322-9009.

This post was originally published at procoatsystems.com/fireplace-surround-designs-using-stone-veneer/