Stone is a very heavy material, and it is usually a wise decision to get a professional to fit a stone fireplace. Some retailers and manufacturers offer a fireplace fitting service for a fee, or they may be able to put you in touch with a professional good at doing this job to the expected standards.

If your DIY skills are OK and you would like to try to fit a stone fireplace, here is a guide to help you:

1. If you buy a ready-made stone fireplace, it will come with a fixing kit designed to make fitting easier. Follow instructions carefully and make sure you have all the right tools to hand. If you do not feel confident doing the job by yourself, ask the help of a friend.

2. If you are brave enough, you may wish to build your stone fireplace from scratch. The first job will be to decide which type of stone you would like to use and the style of fireplace you are going to build - will it reach from floor to ceiling? Go across the whole wall? Whichever type of stone fireplace you build, the supporting structure will have to be built accordingly. Gather all material and tools together.

3. If you are a complete novice, it may be wise to use a stone fireplace kit rather than individual stones - this will be much easier to put together.

4. If you are building your fireplace from scratch, you will need a template. Measure around the fireplace and make the template, according to measurements, on a wooden board.

5. Pack the stone tightly within the template in the chosen pattern, using a diamond blade saw to cut the stones, in order to ensure a good fit.

6. Mix mortar and put to the back of each stone, using a trowel. Install stones on the hearth first, in desired pattern. There is a wide range of colours of mortar, so choose one that fits to the colour of stone used.

7. Build the fireplace frame, with 2 by 4 pieces of wood and a nail gun. Secure in place.

8. Fix stones to the frame with mortar. When this has dried, fill any spaces between stones with mortar.

9. put grout between the stones, using a damp sponge to wipe any excess away. If slate is used, a sealer will need to be applied.

If this is your first try at fitting a fireplace, it is probably wise to stick to a basic design. If you want something elaborate,it is always best to take the advice of a professional in regard to fitting a stone fireplace.