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Hey there, DIY enthusiasts and home makeover mavens! Ever looked at your drab old brick fireplace and thought, “Man, this could use a serious facelift”? Well, you’re in luck because we’re about to dive into one heck of a fireplace makeover transformation journey! Picture this: your living room instantly oozing sophistication and charm, all thanks to a little thing called stacked stone and natural stone veneer.
Yup, we’re talking about taking that plain old brick and turning it into a stunning stone fireplace masterpiece that’ll have your guests’ jaws dropping to the floor. Whether you’re aiming to sprinkle some modern flair onto a traditional hearth or simply craving a fresh new look for your interior walls, you’ve stumbled upon the ultimate guide to make it happen.
So grab your tool belt and let’s get ready to rock and roll with this DIY project that’s bound to add heaps of character and beauty and become a focal point of your humble abode!
Before we dive headfirst into this stone refacing remodel extravaganza, let’s take a hot minute to talk about the unsung hero of the show: your trusty old brick fireplace. Now, I know what you’re thinking, “Why do I need to give my fireplace a once-over?” Well, my friend, let me tell you, it’s all about safety and longevity, because nobody wants a crumbling inferno waiting to happen in their living room, right?
So, grab your flashlight and have a look! First up, give that fireplace surround a good once-over — keep an eye out for any sneaky cracks, wobbly bricks, or mortar that’s seen better days. Has the original red brick been painted, had a limewash applied, or maybe even covered with drywall in certain spots? Depending on the unique circumstances of your installation, the fireplace might not be able to be refaced with a real stone veneer and might need to be demo’d and then redone from the wall out.
Trust me, if you ignore these red flags, they’ll just snowball into bigger problems faster than you can say “fire hazard” and spray it down with a fire extinguisher. So, do yourself a solid and give that fireplace the home improvement TLC it deserves before we kick off this epic makeover journey!
Now that you’ve given the outside of the fireplace a thorough once-over, it’s time to shine a light on what’s happening inside! Grab that trusty flashlight once again and let’s take a peek into the depths of the chimney. Be on the lookout for creosote buildup – the highly combustible residue that’s born from burning wood.
Picture this stuff as the unwanted guest at your backyard bonfire: if you let it stick around too long, it’s gonna cause some serious trouble. That’s why it’s crucial to keep an eye out for any excessive buildup and if necessary call in a skilled chimney sweeper for regular clean outs.
The type of stone you choose for a fireplace refacing project can make all the difference in the world, not just in terms of looks but also in practicality. If you’re all about rustic fireplace looks and a cozy vibe, natural stones like sandstone or limestone are great options to consider.
These stones bring a whole lot of warmth and character to the table, effortlessly blending with the timeless appeal of brickwork. Plus, with their earthy colors and unique patterns they’ll make your fireplace once again an eye catching center of attention in your family room, den, or basement.
If a sleek, modern kind of look is more in line with your design ideas, polished granite and marble are awesome stone veneer materials that can be used to reface a brick fireplace as well. Characterized by their smooth and shiny finishes, granite and marble are not just for your countertop.
These stones will stand out against the ruggedness of the bricks, creating a jaw-dropping contrast that’s guaranteed to turn heads. Not only do granite and marble look really snazzy, they’re also tough cookies when it comes to heat resistance. That means you can cozy up by the fire without a care in the world, knowing your fireplace walls can handle the heat like a champ.
In a nutshell, choosing the right stone for your fireplace makeover isn’t just about aesthetics – it’s about finding the perfect balance between style and substance.
There are so many options in fireplace design, from ultra lux to budget-friendly, from easy to install stone wall panel systems
to more traditional hand stacked loose masonry, so whether you’re all about that rustic charm or craving a sleek, modern vibe, there’s a stone out there with your name on it.
For the DIY warriors out there that are tackling a brick fireplace refacing project themselves, having the right tools and materials on hand is the first step for a successful new fireplace installation. To start with, homeowners and contractors should always prioritize safety first – so be sure to grab those goggles, gloves, and dust masks.
As far as tools are concerned you’ll likely need a hammer, chisel, and pry bar depending on the level of demo required on the old brick wall, firebox and built-ins. Backer board or cement board might sometimes be necessary if your old brick isn’t structurally sound and needs to be covered up to create a new solid substrate to bond to. For installing the new stone veneer, a tile saw, mixing buckets, thinset, level, trowels and sponges are all going to come in handy.
When it comes to the stone product itself, aim for a style and color that is going to match your home’s vibe. And don’t skimp on the thinset / mortar mix – make sure it meets the recommendations detailed by the stone veneer manufacturer’s written or online tutorial. If your project includes installing an updated fireplace insert or new mantel, acquire the necessary hardware required for these units. And since you’ll still be inhabiting the work space, brooms, dustpans and a shop-vac will come in handy to keep your living room livable during the duration of the project.
To prep an existing brick fireplace to be refaced with stone veneer the first step is to thoroughly clean the surface. A stiff bristle brush or a wire brush work well and the goal here is to remove any loose debris, dirt, or soot.
If you’ve got some stubborn stains or buildup that just won’t budge, a mixture of water and mild detergent should do the trick. Gently apply it with a sponge or cloth, giving those pesky spots a little extra TLC until they’re squeaky clean. Even if the fireplace mantel is staying as part of the new installation, it might make sense to remove it and re-install depending on how the unit works.
Once your brick masterpiece is looking fresh and clean, it’s time for the inspection phase. Scour the surface for any cracks, gaps, or uneven areas. High-quality mortar or masonry repair compound can be used to fill these out and smooth it out evenly with a trowel. Your goal is to have a smooth, level, and plumb cementious substrate that the stone veneer can be installed upon so your fireplace transformation can begin.
Let’s talk about getting those stone veneers to fit your fireplace like a glove! First things first, you want to meticulously measure every nook and cranny of your old brick fireplace, taking into account any quirky protrusions or irregularities that might throw a wrench in your plans.
Once you’ve got the measurements down you’ll need to be ready to make the necessary cuts on the stone veneer. The type of stone you’ve chosen will dictate the cutting tools you’ll need, but for the most part a tile wet saw is going to be the primary tool for making clean, precise cuts.
A circular saw fitted with a diamond blade might come in handy around small cut outs or details that require precision, notch cut outs, etc. And don’t forget the trusty rock hammer and / or chisel, which is a mason’s best friend when installing loose masonry pro-fit style products like (Link: Surface Shop’s TerraForm Natural Stone Veneer / https://thesurfaceshop.com/natural-stone-veneer/terraform/). Either way, remember to proceed with caution and prioritize safety!
Now, it’s go time! Carefully cut those stone pieces to fit the exact measurements of your fireplace. Patience and precision are key here, folks. You want those pieces to fit snugly and have clean edges that scream “perfection.” Remember to only mix enough mortar / thinset that you’ll be able to use before its “pot life” expires and no longer has the adhesion power of properly mixed mortar. Keep your space and installation clean as you go, making sure to sponge off any excess thinset / mortar that squeezes onto the face of the stone before it dries off.
Change the freshwater often and you’ll have a much easier and quicker final clean up at the end of the job. Take your time, double-check your measurements, and before you know it, you’ll be well on your way to turning that old brick eyesore into a stone-clad fireplace remodel masterpiece!
And perhaps most importantly, always reference the stone veneer manufacturer’s step by step installation guide to ensure all the correct pre and post installation steps are followed for that specific product, including such details as specific thinsets / mortars to be used, setting patterns of the stone product, and post installation clean up guidelines and sealing instructions.
In conclusion, the process of refacing a brick fireplace with stone involves several crucial steps that cannot be overlooked. It is paramount to assess the condition of the existing fireplace thoroughly, ensuring it can support the weight and adhere properly to the new stone veneer. Selecting the appropriate type of stone for your project is also essential, as it sets the tone for the aesthetics and durability of the fireplace.
Equipping oneself with the necessary tools and supplies, as well as meticulously prepping the existing brick surface for refacing, are key to achieving a professional and long-lasting result. Finally, following the installation instructions diligently ensures the successful integration of the new stone veneer, transforming the fireplace into a stunning focal point of the room.
As you embark on your journey of refacing a worn out, old, tired brick fireplace with stone veneer, consider exploring the diverse selection of products offered by Surface Shop. With our range of high-quality stone veneers including the new All Clad wall and flooring series, as well as expert guidance, you can find the perfect solution to elevate your living space. Don’t hesitate to visit Surface Shop today and turn your fireplace renovation dreams into reality!
Create stunning Natural Stone finishes on your aging brick installation, using our award winning pallet of products. Contact a Surface Shop Pro today to get your samples and pricing.
At Surface Shop, we believe there is a story behind every surface. That’s why we created Surface Culture, an industry leading digital publication that covers a range of topics from How To Guides to Architectural Trends in the world of luxury architectural finishes Browse our articles to dial in your knowledge of how surfaces impact architectural design, or simply use them to get inspired. Either way, we hope you enjoy, and wish you well on your journey toward appreciating materiality in architecture.
