How to Install Marble as a Fireplace Surround
If you have been looking for a way to update the appearance of your fireplace you should highly consider surrounding it with marble. It is a great way to bring new life to a dull looking fireplace. Marble has become extremely popular as a covering for a fireplace over the last couple of years.
How to Install Marble as a Fireplace Surround
- Use a tape measure to take the measurements of the fireplace. This is done to determine how much marble you are going to need for the project.
- Decide of the color of marble you want to use.
- Fill in the unlevel places on the fireplace with a coat of thinset, which can be purchased at your local home improvement store.
- Clean the cement and the wood thoroughly before applying the marble.
- Use a trowel to apply a layer of thinset to the floor and the hearth.
- Lift the marble hearth and set it in place. This may require help because this piece is heavy and you do not want to break it.
- Tap the hearth with a rubber mallet to release any air bubbles that may be trapped.
- Apply sheetrock to the walls of the fireplace and secure using cement nails.
- Apply some thinset to the top of the sheetrock using a trowel.
- Install the first two rows of marble tiles using spacers between each row.
- Continue installing the tiles until you reach the bottom.
- Allow the tiles to set overnight.
- Seal the marble with grout and allow it to dry.
- Use a damp cloth to remove any excess grout.
- Apply grout sealer after the grout has dried thoroughly.