It is always best to use a qualified fireplace fitter to get a really professional finish but if you would like to do it yourself the following is a simple guide: 

Start with a clear site where the old fireplace, hearth and skirting boards have all been removed and be sure to have your chimney swept and smoke tested before installation. 

Lay the hearth and make sure it is spirit level square to the floor. If the floor is not level use a little sand and cement to level. If you are intending to use solid fuel you need to get the hearth cut in to 3 x equal pieces before fitting to allow expansion joints and then infill the hollow space under the hearth with ballast. If you have chosen a White Marble hearth make sure the ballast is also white. If you are installing a Gas fire it is not necessary to cut the hearth as the heat is not so intense, but be sure to use a Corgi registered tradesman to connect the gas fire.

Measure the frieze and position the legs where you want them to be at either end of the frieze. When you are satisfied that the position is correct glue the legs to the wall using white bathroom tile adhesive or white Gripfill. You should also screw an eye in to the wall just behind each leg at the top, and wire the leg through the eye to make it 100% secure.

Lower the frieze in to position and glue it where it touches the legs.

Glue the Mantel shelf on to the top remembering to also glue the back edge to the wall.

Use the marble slips to frame the fire opening if you need to match the size of the opening to the opening in your wall, or use them as rebates to close the gap between the wall and the fire opening. You can also use ‘Fire Board’ to box out the fire recess and close the gap between the wall and the fireplace opening.

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