Quality Products, Quality Craftmanship

Since 1996

Step by Step Installation Instructions for Fireplace Do-It Yourself kits.
Once you have decided which corner in the room to locate the fireplace there must be at least 53" from the corner out to any obstruction.
Step 1
Step 1 A
osition hearth base into corner, make sure both hearth sides are against corner walls.
Step 2
With a marker against front of hearth, mark lines on carpet to template hearth. Note: If hardwood is in this area proceed to Step 5.
Step 3
Remove hearth from corner and remove carpet and carpet pad.
Step 4
Reposition hearth into corner, level hearth with shims if needed. Secure down with 3" screws. If concrete floor glue down with construction adhesive.
Step 5
Position upright framing onto hearth back against walls. Measure from front of hearth to upright framing to square up. Should be equal. Secure framing to hearth with 3" screws ( supplied )
Step 6
Draw level lines back to corner on wall from top of framing.
Step 7
Install mantel support to level lines tight into corner. Find wall studs and secure with 3" screws (supplied)
Step 8
Attach upright framing to mantel support with 3" screws (supplied
Step 9
Run 1/2" gas line (supplied by other) to right side of opening with shut off valve (supplied in kit)
Step 10
Run 1/2" gas line (supplied by other) to right side of opening with shut off valve (supplied in kit)
Step 11
Sit fireplace onto hearth and connect gas line to valve in fireplace with supplied flex shut off gas valve. Route low voltage wire (small brown wire supplied) into the remodel box or switch in bottom of unit. Hook up to standard switch not supplied. Refer to installation manual if needed. Bend out mounting tabs, two per each side of fireplace and secure to framing with 1-1/4" screw (supplied) as shown in this picture.
Step 12
Install OSB Sheeting on sides and top of framing with 1-1/4" screws (supplied).
Step 13
Install top shelf mantel by gluing or using finishing nails.
Step 14
Cut lathe to fit with tin snips (not provided). Attach wire lathe with 3/8" staples using a staple gun (staples and staple gun not provided). Must cover all sheeting and exposed hearth. Overlap lathe onto fireplace 1" on sides and top. Secure lathe more using 1-1/4" screws every 9" plus or minus.
Step 15
Scratch coat lathe with veneer stone mortar mix. Mix to a thick paste consistency. Using flat trowel force mortar into lathe with upward motion.
Step 16
Start laying the hearth face stone first. Pick and chose the stone by first laying all the stone out to see the sizes. Set stone up against hearth to dry fit. You may have to cut some stone (circular saw with 7-1/4" masonry sawing blade not provided) to fit. Mud the back of each stone with a 1/4" to 1/2" of mortar mix to adhere to position chosen on hearth. Push stone in moving slightly back and forth to achieve the desired position. Once stone is left to set do not move again or this will cause a loss of bonding.
Step 17
Place the hearth blocks on top of the hearth, dry fit. Remove one at a time to mud down. Apply a 1/2" pre mixed mortar under each hearth piece. Try to maintain the top surface to be level by moving hearth piece back and forth to obtain the desired height. If one becomes to low you can remove hearth piece and apply additional mortar underneath. Once hearth pieces are installed grout joints on top and under front of hearth pieces. When grouting fill grout bag one quarter to one half full with mortar mix then twist tight and squeeze to fill joint. Fill completely to bottom of joint. If mortar is to firm it will not flow from grout bag smoothly. Simply add a very small amount of water and mix well to thin mortar.
Step 18
Hearth stone mortar joints will dry very quickly. When you cannot push your finger into the joint easily it is then time to scrap excessive mortar away using a grout stick (not provided). After five additional minutes sweep with a small whisk broom (not provided) to create a smooth finish. Cover the top of the hearth area with cardboard or sheet to protect top of hearth finish.
Step 19
Start to lay the face stone. Once again if stones cannot be found to fit just right they can be cut with the previously noted circular saw. Stagger the mortar joints as shown. Try to keep the joints one finger width as shown.
Step 20
Step 21
Step 22
Step 23
Step 24
Reminder****
When working with the mortar mix it will slowly set up with time.  You can add small amounts of water and mix to bring back to working consistency.  
Never let mortar joints become to hard.  If left to long drying you will not be able to scrap out and finish properly.  

Additional tool kits are available for purchase.  To be added soon.