How To Update A Stone Fireplace
It's been a few weeks since we finished remodelling
our basement for the One Room Challenge. I'm happy with all of the changes we made, but none moreso than our
decision to update the fireplace.
Our stone fireplace makeover happened over a few weeks and was documented on
my
weekly ORC posts, but I thought I'd create a single post with fireplace makeover ideas, share
the step-by-step on how to update a 1970's stone fireplace, and tips on
how to frame a fireplace.
Ideas To Update A Fireplace
Having a fireplace in your home is certainly a treat. Nothing beats sitting
in front of the living room fireplace on a chilly winter night with a cup of
tea in your hand and warm throw on your lap. But what if your fireplace is
an eyesore, dated, and doesn't fit in with the rest of your home.
Can you modernize a fireplace? How do you update a 1970's fireplace?
If your fireplace functions well, a fireplace makeover is an expensive way
to get a whole new look. There are lots of ways to update a stone fireplace
or update a brick fireplace. Be sure to check out local fire codes when
making any changes.
Simple Ways to Update A Fireplace
Before you embark on any updates though, consider
how drastic of a change you want to make? Can you work with the
existing structure and materials?
Do you love the existing stone on your fireplace and just want to give it a
more current style? Perhaps giving it an
over-grouted look is something you can do in a day following
DIY instructions. Or maybe a simple
painting of the brass accents
is enough to make your fireplace feel fresh.
Changing your fireplace decor
is an easy update to consider as well.
Updating an old fireplace can be an expensive undertaking. Looking at
Before and After fireplace photos and defining your budget beforehand can help you narrow down options.
If you're craving significant change, you can achieve that with a bit of
imagination and DIY effort. Here are six ways to update an old fireplace:
1. Paint the stone or brick fireplace
This is a quick and easy budget-friendly option that can be done in an
afternoon which makes it a good choice for older fireplaces that are in good
condition.
Painting the stone or painting the mortar in between the stones is a look
that is currently very popular in 2021. If you like the feel of stone but
want to update it in some way, this is an option to consider.
- For a farmhouse look, you can opt for the trendy "German Schmear" technique which will allow the colour of your original brick to show through but softened and not appear so stark and uniform.
- You can also go for more opaque coverage. Use diluted paint in multiple coats and different colours to add depth and interest.
- Lastly, to give a traditional fireplace a new bold, modern look, go for full coverage and an unexpected paint colour. Apply multiple coats of dark paint on the brick, hearth, and fireplace mantel to create a high-contrast focal point.
Here's an example of how Krista at
The Happy Housie updated her existing fireplace
with a full-coverage paint job in classic white paint. She not only painted
the red brick fireplace with latex paint, she also painted the old firebox
(no longer used) with black high-heat resistant spray paint and added a new
wood mantel. It made a big difference and completely transformed the look!
Peel and Stick Paint Samples:
Picking just the right paint can be tricky so before you embark on this
project - or any paint project - I highly suggest that you invest in
peel and stick paint samples. These are really a revolutionary and
useful product and the easiest way to pick paint!
I like that
these samples can adhere to most surfaces and will stick (temporarily) to drywall,
tile, or brick. They are reusable and repositionable and you can keep them
to use for future projects.
Samplize
(US company, carries Benjamin Moore, Farrow and Ball, Sherwin Williams, and
PPG brands) and
Hello Paint
(Canadian company, carries Benjamin Moore and Sherwin Williams) are two
sites that sell large format peel and stick paint samples.
Peel and stick paint samples are definitely cheaper than buying multiple
small cans of sample paint! See
HERE for a quick video on how I used them in my office project.
2. Install a new mantel
Another way to update your fireplace is to leave the brick intact but change
the mantel. If your brick or tile is in good condition, you might be able to
create a whole new look just by removing and replacing the mantel.
You can achieve different looks with a mantel. Opt for a salvaged vintage
mantel to add unique character. For a rustic look, consider topping your
fireplace with a weathered beam
shelf mantel.
Stuck with a mantel that doesn't suit your style? Take inspiration from
this project
where they've removed a wood mantel and replaced it with a DIY shaker style
mantel. Checking In With Chelsea offers free plans on her website on
how to build this DIY mantel.
3. Convert to a gas fireplace
Do you prefer less maintenance and an updated look? Converting your existing
wood burning fireplace to a gas fireplace can give your fireplace a more
modern feel, while heating up your room quicker and easier.
Gas fireplaces are more efficient, require less cleanup, and easier to use
than their wood burning counterparts. There are
several methods to consider and
different gas inserts
to achieve the look you want.
4. Retile the surround or the hearth
Tiling or retiling a fireplace
requires a few days effort, but it can dramatically change the look of your
fireplace. The
installation method
used will depend on whether you are removing the old tile or placing the new
tile directly on top.
If you like the look of real stone or brick, consider masonry veneers. These lightweight, artificial stone products can update your fireplace
while maintaining the warmth and texture of stone.
You can also retile using ceramic, stone, porcelain, or glass tiles.
Depending on the tile design, you can incorporate any style from traditional
to modern, ornate to minimal.
Laying fireplace tile
is a project even a novice DIYer can do so don't be afraid to give it a try.
Here's a few of the tile options we considered for our old fireplace. You
can see more
in this post.
The tiles are from
The Tile Shop. They offer a great selection of tiles from glazed to honed finishes,
small to elongated tile sizes. Ultimately we went with the
Retro Perla Ceramic Subway Tile in 3"x12" which has more of a handcrafted look.
5. Reface or resurface the fireplace
Cladding the fireplace in a new material, such as pine boards, MDF, or a
granite slab, can bring new life and change the shape of bulky stone
fireplaces. This is a more labour intensive change but if you want to
entirely eliminate any visual remnants of an old, dated fireplace, you might
consider completely refacing it.
In our situation, there was no way to retain the materials and shape of
our 1970's stone fireplace when what we craved was a clean-lined, modern
coastal look. We were not fans of the multi-coloured, almost "fake"
looking stone and how the fireplace appeared recessed into the wall with a
large hearth. I love stone fireplaces in the right context but this
updated, modern basement was not the right fit.
Our desire was to have a fireplace that was more of a focal point in the
room and was contemporary and fresh in it's style. We decided to proceed with Option 5, and resurface our fireplace using
shiplap, tile, and paint.
How To Frame Around An Old Fireplace
Our floor to ceiling fireplace makeover involved updating every surface,
from the stone, to the hearth, surround, and gas insert. I recognize this
complete transformation might not be to everyone's taste, but we were able
to get an entirely new look without having to rip out the old
fireplace.
We don't shy away from DIY projects and I'd consider this one as an
intermediate level project. Here's the step by step instructions we followed
for our DIY fireplace makeover and how to frame around a fireplace:
Step 1: Consult With The Professionals
Before any fireplace remodel, you'll want to ensure your fireplace is in
good working order. We considered getting a new gas insert but it was
surprisingly difficult to find one that fit this small firebox. The insert
was in good working condition and could be updated with a new coat of high
heat paint, so we decided to work with it.
Our fireplace hadn't been serviced in quite some time so first we called in
a fireplace technician to clean and service the unit. The technician also
confirmed that we could safely move the unit forward 2", so that it would
sit in front of the new tile surround.
As you'll see, we also had a licensed electrician bring in power to within
the fireplace framing, for the insert plug and for a new TV which would hang
above the fireplace. Bring in the professionals before proceeding with any
structural changes.
Step 2: Construct The Fireplace Framing
Our new fireplace design involved building a new frame in front of the old
stone fireplace. We felt new fireplace framing would be much easier than
attempting to remove the old stone, or trying to mortar the old stone and
create a new level surface. The three stone shelves were easily knocked
off with a hammer and new wood framing around the fireplace was built
using
2"x3" studs from The Home Depot.
The fireplace framing sat flush against the face of the stone, and extended
two inches beyond the left and right sides of the stone. Proportionally,
this would look good against the planned tile surround and gas insert frame.
We decided we keep the fireplace simple and would not have a mantel.
Step 3: Create A Chase for Cables
As we planned to have a TV above the fireplace, we used this opportunity to
build in a way to hide the TV cable wires. You definitely want to anticipate
any needs like this upfront so that you end up with a clean look at the end.
Using plumbing pipes, we created a chase from the middle of the center stud
down to the bottom right corner of the fireplace. The plan was to have the
cables come out at that location and then feed them down to a media cabinet
on the right side of the fireplace. The media cabinet would hold our cable
box.
To feed the cables through the chase, we came up with this solution. We fed
a long piece of floral wire with a jingle bell on the end through the chase.
We kept some extra wire at the top entry point, and wrapped it around the
stud to hold it in place.
Once the TV was installed, we would wrap that top end of the floral wire
around the TV cables and pull them through the chase, without worrying they
would get stuck inside. The openings of the chase would be covered with
electrical brush plates to allow the cables to move freely.
Step 4: Install The Substrates
This fireplace design required two substrates, or layers of material sitting
beneath other materials. The first was the plywood substrate to support the
TV. Having this backing in the general vicinity of the TV would make
installation of the TV easier than trying to secure the TV to individual
studs.
The second substrate was the
cement backerboard
for the tile. The building code requires that you have non-combustible
material within the first 6" from the fireplace face. We cut the cement
board to fit the surround area and to within 3" of the insert. The gap
between the cement board and insert would be covered by the gas insert
cover.
Step 5: Install The Cladding
With everything in place - electrical, wire chase, substrates - we could
then close up the structure and add the cladding on top of the
framing.
We started with a first full piece lined up along the top of the surround and
working our way upwards to the ceiling and downwards to the hearth from there.
The left and right edges were mitred to ensure a clean wraparound on the
sides.
Step 6: Paint The Shiplap
After install, we filled any gaps with
Dap DryDex and painted the shiplap in Benjamin Moore Simply White, to match the
rest of the basement.
Step 7: Install And Grout The Tile
Tile installation came next. We used
Retro Perla, a glazed ceramic tile with an irregular edge. The organic, natural feel of
the tiles contrasted nicely against the clean lines of the shiplap.
We paired the warm grey tile with sanded grout in
Snow White by Polyblend. It provided a subtle contrast that wasn't too stark and
bright.
Step 8: Paint The Hearth
Next step was to paint the hearth. I wanted to use paint I already had on hand
and swatched many different colours. I ended up selecting a colour that was
close to the original concrete hearth. The small tester sample was more than
enough to paint the hearth. I applied it with a foam roller brush to ensure
good coverage and even application.
Step 9: Finishing Touches
This fireplace makeover wouldn't be complete without a few final
touches.
- We added baseboard beneath the hearth, to hide the original stone base. The baseboard was cut down to size and painted in Simply White as well.
- We spraypainted the gas insert frame with high heat paint in matte black
- We added a stained wood wrap. Because of the new framing, the tile surround sat recessed and we needed to cover the transition between the tile and shiplap. A simple wood wrap added warmth and tied in the other wood elements around the room.
Step 10: Hang The TV
The last and final step was to mount
the TV. Surprisingly, we were able to secure the small cable box behind the TV
using velcro straps; we didn't need to use the cable chase after all! We've
kept the floral wire and jingle bell in place though, just in case we need
that functionality in future.
It took some time and a lot of steps, but we're thrilled with our updated
fireplace! This beautiful fireplace has made a huge difference in our
enjoyment of the basement.
One more fireplace Before and After and you'll see how we took this from
dark and dated, to bright and fresh.
See more of this basement transformation
here.
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