Installing a border around a fireplace

[keitht]

I have a stone fireplace. I've already undercut it. I plan on installing a single row of hardwood around it for a border. I can't envision how I can do this without face nailing? Am I missing something?

 

[Dan]

Face nails are common in wood floors, they just aren't noticed. When placing the face nails, try to pick a place in the grain that will hide best with filler. A bit of testing prior to installation can always go a long ways. Keep in mind while doing this the need to maintain fastener spacing. One other note, You'll always see that face nail, because you put it there. Others may not.

 

[highup]

Adding to what Dan said about proper location of the nails within the grain, you can mix different colors of putty to get a better match then just accepting the putty color that comes out of a single container.