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/
