How To Install Our Panels On A Fireplace
Antico Elements` Stone Panels can be used in a variety of applications including refacing or building a fireplace.
There are two basic ways to use our panels and we’ll explore both scenarios in this page:
-With our Corners
-Without our Corners ( mitering our Panels )
Tools needed: ( same as wood cutting tools )
• Measuring tape and pencil
• Saw ( a table saw, or circular with a straight edge are ideal for this project but other types will work too)
• Nails or screws ( exterior grade if used outdoor and “Tapcons” if installing on masonry, concrete or brick )
• Hammer (or screwdriver/drill if using screws)
• Level
• Construction adhesive, E.G: Liquid Nails or PL.
• Safety Glasses
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Below we’ll use a brick fireplace as an example but these instructions will also work for existing stone, cement boars, plain studs and other materials. Our Stone Panels can be installed directly over these surfaces.
The ideal installation ( not a requirement ) of our panels includes a 4″-6″ frame around the firebox made of tiles or other heat-resistant material. You can use tiles, bricks, and slate. Ideally, this material should be a bit thicker than our panels, approximately 1/8″ more.
Please keep in mind that our panels can be ordered in fire-rated material which is different from fire-proof therefore our panels should not be used inside the firebox area. We strongly suggest ordering the products in fire-rated for those areas that might reach high temperatures.
Please note that even with the fire-rated option, our products are not heat-proof or fire-proof. As a rule of thumb, if you are not comfortable using a piece of hardwood at that distance, you might want to consider increasing the clearance from the firebox of the stove.
.Click HERE to view a real-life example of this type of frame.
If you decide to use our Corners this is the step where you should install them:
Once the corners are installed you can cut our panels to fit between them and cut the opening around the frame/firebox.
Install the panels left to right, bottom row first. The first panel should have the left side “fingers” removed, creating a straight line.
The best way to secure the panels is by placing a few beads of construction adhesive ( E.g. Liquid Nails or PL ) on the back of each panel AND where the panels overlap and interlock, then use some screws.
Make sure to blow off all the dust from where the adhesive will be applied.
We suggest using screws in the middle of the panel (possibly hiding them under a stone) and some around the edges, where panels interlock and overlap. You can cover the screw heads with caulking and paint them with our Touch-Up Kit.
Install the rest of the panels.
If installing multiple rows of panels start from the bottom up. The next row up should start with a half panel to stagger the vertical seam and create a better look:
If you have a raised fireplace with some space below the hearth you can use the leftover material to fill that space. At the corners you can miter the ends of these strips or use a short section of our Corners:
This is how it will look at the end:
If you decide not to use our corners the panels can be easily mitered at the corners. Please refer to our instructions on How To Create A Mitered Corner.
You can miter the end of the panels using a table saw, circular saw with a straight edge, or other wood-cutting tools:
This is how your fireplace will look without our corners:
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Alternatives for treating edges around the firebox opening.
Other ways to treat the edges around the opening are:
– Cutting the panel flush with the opening and touching up the edges.
– Create a narrow return flush with the face of the fireplace. Please refer to our installation page: How To Create A Return
– Cut the exposed edges to butt against an insert or door’s frame.
– Use our Trim Sill to frame the firebox opening and cut the panels to butt against the Trim.
If creating a frame around the opening is not part of your plan you can easily cut the panel flush with the firebox.
After creating the opening use a file or sandpaper to round the edges and create some fake grout lines.
Cover the exposed edges with some caulking or Bondo and use our Touch-Up Kit to match the colors of each stone. This is actually very quick and fun. See the example below.
Below is an example of the edges being sanded and touched up.
If you have a fireplace insert or a frame around the firebox opening that sticks out more than the thickness of the panel, you can cover the exposed edges but butting the panels against the frame. See the image below. CLICK THE IMAGE TO ENLARGE.
A great way to cover the exposed edges is to install our Trim Sills around the firebox opening or insert then cutting the panels to butt against the Trim Sill. CLICK THE IMAGE TO ENLARGE.
Congratulations! Your job is done and you can now enjoy an incredibly realistic stone look.
We are always available for comments and questions during any stage of your project.
Thank you for your interest in Antico Elements’ products!
Feel free to request additions and modifications to these instructions. Send us a comment via email to info(insert @ here)anticoelements.com.
Thanks!