Step 1: Measure the Legs of the Fireplace

Tip: It is recommended that two people measure to ensure that the measurements are accurate.

If your mantel is one piece, it might be easiest to remove it, make your measurements, install the stone and then replace the mantel. If you are unable to do this, create a granite veneer fireplace that will fit over the preexisting mantel.

Measure the legs of the fireplace first: measure the height by measuring from the top of the hearth to the bottom of the angle iron (Image 1). The angle iron is the steel support that spans the legs that support the weight of the header. Measure the width from the inside of your mantel to the edge of the leg (Image 2). If your legs are not the same width, use the wider length for both legs to ensure a symmetrical final product.

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    Image 1

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    Image 2

Step 2: Measure the Hearth

Measure the length and height of the fireplace header. The header spans the legs of the fireplace. You should measure from the bottom of the mantel to the top of the angle iron.

Measure the depth and width of your hearth. Measure the hearth from the face of the existing fireplace to the face of the existing hearth.

Note: Check your measurements by re-measuring before you take them to the fabricator.

Step 3: Purchase the Stone

Find a fabricator for your granite or marble veneer. Good fabricators typically have a good display area, a sales staff that can answer questions and full service.

The stones for this project are cut to 3/4" thickness.

Stone typically takes four to six weeks to be cut to your specifications.

Once the stone is ready, have it delivered to your project location. The stone is very delicate and needs to be loaded on to A-frames to prevent breaking and shifting during transport.