GENERAL GROUTING INFORMATION
(If you have not received and viewed our installation video that we provide after your purchase, please call us immediately and one will be sent to you.) 800-600-8336

Normally the only stones needing a bed of grout are the hearth stones. Any regular grout mix can be used here since it is not visible. Once the hearth is level, set and dry, the entire mantel can be laid up dry, on 1/4" spacers, anchoring each stone to a stud as you go up. L-brackets or brick ties can be used for anchoring. L-brackets are preferred since they are more rigid. It is also recommended that the mantel be set 1/4" off the wall and a grout joint be placed between the mantel and the wall. This is good masonry practice and helps compensate for any variances in the wall. Included with your mantel is a bag of sand which is color-matched to the stone. This is for mixing the finish out grout only! You may use either white Portland cement (never use gray cement) or white sandless mortar mix. The ratio should be the standard 3 parts sand to 1 part cement or mortar mix. If using white Portland cement, a little lime added will increase the adhesion and plasticity of the mortar. A grout bag is the perfect method of injecting the grout into the joints. If using our "Buff" sand, you should sift the larger aggregate out to prevent plugging the tip on the grout bag. Once dry, the joints will appear slightly lighter than the stone. After acid-washing the entire mantel the color will mellow. Be careful to keep excess grout off the surface of the stones since that can leach into the stone causing a permanent white discoloration. That is why we strongly recommend taping the edges of the joints with blue masking tape before handling or grouting. This also helps prevent damage to the edge of the stones during handling or setting.