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Fireplace Facelift Dean and Derek transform a fireplace with natural stone and a bluestone hearth. Check out more of Dean and Derek's Rock Solid home improvement projects.

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Preparation and Setting Thin Seabed Stone

• Before you start working with your stone spread it out carefully, this way you can see all of the different sizes and colors you have to work with.

• Always start setting stone with the corners. To create a nice aesthetic select a larger corner to create visual balance with the bottom of the fireplace. Slather mortar along the back of the stone then press firmly onto the brick until you get it to hold. Work your way up from the bottom corners.

• Tip: Place a loose brick under the cornerstone for support at the elevation of the firebox. In that way, the hearthstone fits underneath this stone, instead of in front of it, creating a more polished look.

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Figure C

Toothing

As you set your corners, there are two things you want to keep in mind. The first is ratio, use different sized corners. If you started the bottom corner with a large stone, then alternate smaller and medium sized stones. Second is toothing — stepping the stone in and out to avoid straight vertical lines (figure C).

Cutting Stone

• When you reach the top of your corners, lay the top stone in dry, use your pencil to make a mark just below the height of the mantle you will be placing later. This step is important because when you set your perfectly level piece of wood on top, you don't want the stone to interfere with leveling the mantle. Remember you can always make slight adjustments by adding a mortar joint below the mantle.

• Now that you have marked the cut you want to make on your stone, you're ready to cut. Use a grinder with a diamond blade to score a line along your pencil mark, and then go back over it with more pressure.

• When you cut stone there is going to be plenty of dust, pick a spot that can get dirty. Do not discard your cuttings. You might need some of the smaller pieces later.

• Safety Alert: Whenever cutting stone, make sure you wear a dust mask.

Select And Set Keystone

• Once your corners are complete you need to select your keystone, it is the lead stone that visually balances your firebox. The keystone is centered on the firebox and it should have a little more color and character than the other stones.

• To set the keystone, measure and mark the center point over the firebox then mark the center of the stone and mortar the back. Once your stone is centered and placed you can use a piece of wood to give the stone extra support until it dries in place.

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