How to Build a Stone-Veneer Fireplace Surround

Selecting and laying out the stones on a template helps you visualize how they'll look installed. Tape plastic sheeting or an old drop cloth to a flat surface, and use painter's tape to outline the shape of your fireplace on it. Begin by placing the corner pieces that will wrap the opening and sides of the fireplace. Then fill in the rest of the field, leaving a joint about as wide as a finger between each stone and staggering stones of different sizes, shapes, and colors to achieve the look you want. The corner pieces used for the header at the top of the fireplace opening will be installed vertically instead of horizontally, so opt for stones of similar height in this area.