How to fix a stone fireplace surround - safely

The Stone Federation of Great Britain recommends using mechanical fixings to restrain stone fireplace surrounds, rather than adhesives, which are not considered sufficient to provide a safe and secure bond throughout the lifetime of the fireplace surround.

Modular stone or artificial stone fireplaces have many individual components that are assembled to form the fireplace surround. In two separate incidents, the components detached, fell, and killed young children. In both cases, the fireplace surrounds had been in use for only a matter of months after installation.

Typically, the fireplaces are set on top of a solid hearth, with either mortar or another bonding material acting as bedding between the stone components. Use mechanical fixings such as steel brackets, dowels, and screws to hold the components in position and secure them to the wall. Many of the stone pieces can exceed 50kg in weight and the mantel shelf may also have a significant overhang that projects forward of the lintel.

Each stone forming the fireplace must have proper fixings to hold the stone in position against the wall. If the individual components aren’t designed to incorporate or include adequate fixings, or if they are not installed correctly – i.e. mechanically secured together and properly secured to the surrounding wall - it is possible for the mantel shelf to detach and topple over. This can be triggered by passive weight such as heavy items stored on the mantel or by a person pulling down or hanging from the projecting edge of the mantel as a child might do.

Designers - what to include in your designs for stone fire surrounds

• Make sure your design incorporates or includes fixings or fixing kits that are suitable for a range of locations and can be installed onto a variety of floor and wall types. This may include dense and lightweight masonry and timber frame.

Installers - how to install these fireside surrounds

• Ensure you have adequate information from the manufacturer or supplier, which you should follow to safely assemble and install the fireplace surround
• Check that the fire surround is suitable for the wall and floor that it sits on assembly of the fireplace, including the sequence
• Ensure your bonding products are not only correct, but suitable for the particular location
• Understand how the fireplace surround should be secured to different forms of wall construction and finish
• Know the type of mechanical fittings to be used, positioning and fixing to the stone components
• Ensure the homeowner knows the curing time before the fireplace can be used and give them any additional information, such as how much weight may be placed upon the mantel

Further information

If articles like this are of interest to you, have a look at our "How to get it right" series of articles.