DIY Fireplace: Part 1

What you'll need:
[   ] Heavy-grade felt paper                                              [   ] Metal lath, tin snips & utility knife
[   ] Pry bar, stapler, & galv. staples                                   [   ] Drop Cloth & measuring tape
[   ] Type S Mortar & water                                               [   ] Electric drill with mixing bit
[   ] 5-Gal. (std) plastic pail                                               [   ] Hammer & galv. nails

Prep:

Begin with the fun part - Demo! Then calculate how much stone, felt paper and metal lath you need by the square foot area (length x width). Here are 3 companies I would recommend. Increase by 10% when ordering to make sure you have enough. Now - Go shopping!

Scratch Coat:

Begin with the heavy-grade felt paper - your moisture barrier. Roll it out from side to side, cut to length with your utility/X-Acto knife and nail in place. Work from the bottom up and overlap pieces by at least 2 inches. If you're doing the corners of your fireplace do not cut, but round each corner.

Next nail your metal lath over the felt to make a base for the mortal. Metal lath has cups to keep the mortar from dripping down the wall, so install face up. To know if you've done it right move your hand up for a smooth surface, down for a rough surface. Again, overlap by at least 2 inches.

Fill your pail with your mortar mix and water - mix it up (preferably outside). Mix for a few minutes until its consistency looks like mashed potatoes or smooth peanut butter. You want to be able to scoop up the mix, turn your trowel on its side and have it stick briefly before sliding off.

Create your scratch coat by troweling your mortar 1/2" to 3/4" thick onto your metal lath. Once you've made a 2'x2' space, take the notched edge and make groves from side to side. This helps the next layer of mortar mix to grip on to. Finally, let your scratch coat set (check mortar instructions for drying time). See you in 48 hours!

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