Installing granite surround

Other dramatic options include kynite, which has sweeping reds and grays throughout the slab. With the many color options and combinations, you may be overwhelmed when choosing granite for your fireplace. For instance, if you want your fireplace to be the centerpiece of a room already decorated in whites and beige, avoid using similar colors that will blend in with the look of the fireplace. Choosing a black or reddish color granite for this surround will make the fireplace a featured statement in a lighter-colored room.

The material is extremely durable, it retains its quality, and it holds up under most conditions. In fact, granite very often outlasts the lifespan of the home and the homeowner. When properly cared for, granite is highly resistant to scratches and stains. Installed in the surround of a fireplace, however, it must be regularly cleaned to avoid a buildup of soot and ash on its surface. Cleaning your granite fireplace surround can be done in a matter of minutes. All you need is warm water, a few drops of a mild cleanser or cleaning products specifically designed for use with granite and a soft cloth or sponge.

Dampen the cloth or sponge in the water and gently scrub the granite. If your fireplace features granite tiles with grout lines, make sure to get in those areas, too. It is very important to remove all of the soap residue, as it can, over time, produce a film that makes the granite look dingy. The last step in the cleaning process, use a towel to dry off the surround. You can also use granite polish to ensure a constant shine. When a homeowner decides to renovate a fireplace or install one in a new home, granite is usually at the top of the list.

The durable, quality look delivers a top-of-the-line, luxurious look to any room. Follow these 4 easy steps and you will be ready to enjoy your new fireplace surround facing kit. You will need the following tools and materials to install your facing kit:. Carefully unpack the hearth, header, legs and riser if applicable from the box and inspect for damage that may have occurred during shipment.

If you find damage to any of the fireplace mantel kits, immediately report the damage to the truck driver and note on your bill of lading and notify Mantels Direct. Set each piece on the floor. When installing your hearth, we recommend the use of Micore board may be purchased from us or a similar product to create a buffer between the hearth and floor. This helps in preventing your hearth from breaking once installed, as well as providing additional flame retardance. Carefully place the hearth on the Micore with the face of the marble facing the firebox, polished edge up.

Apply the adhesive around the perimeter of the hearth; leaving two places for handholds, then a couple of "squiggly" lines down the center of the hearth. Be very careful not to have any voids around the perimeter that would cause a corner to break if someone stepped on it. Gently but quickly lower the hearth; this is the most critical time of the installation, as the weight of the marble can cause it to crack if held flat for any length of time.

It is not necessary to apply large amounts of adhesive to the hearth, since it is extremely heavy and the weight helps keep the piece in place. If it were to break, it is easier to remove the hearth if only minimal adhesive is used. When installing a hearth over uneven floors, make sure you cover the entire perimeter of the hearth with adhesive; do not round the corners.

Use a thin set bed underneath the hearth if the floor is really uneven, so that the substructure is perfectly level before the hearth is installed. If you are using an adhesive that contains a water base, we recommend that you place the glue on the sheet rock, since it will absorb the water.

Note: Do not use a water-based adhesive for Verde Oriental Dark or Venatino marble as bleeding or warping may occur. Green marbles will actually produce a white fungus on the surface, in addition to usually warping, when installed with a water-based adhesive.

Also avoid petroleum adhesives, which can stain or etch your marble. Liquid Nails is not a recommended adhesive, as it has been known to bleed through your marble. If bleeding occurs, allow time for the adhesive to cure. Most of the time it will cure out. We recommend Leech F Construction Adhesive, which has been tested as safe for all stones, that we sell may be purchased from us — You will need 3