HI I’m Jason Tote, the owner of TNT Masonry. This post focuses on updating just the surface of your fireplace without breaking the bank. So that you can modernize the look of the entire room with a modest budget! We reface fireplaces, they are natural focal point, so the condition of yours will sets the stage for the whole room. If you paint the wall and purchase furniture, the old style will only hold the room back. So, let’s reface your fireplace!
Design and MATERIALS
Our first consideration when committing to refacing the fireplace involves helping the customer select the ideal materials for their vision. Today we have many stone manufactures from which we can choose materials from. There is a fireplace refacing material available and ideal for installation on all jobs. Masonry veneers, sometimes called “thin brick” or “thin stone,” are manufactured to look like real brick and stone, they are a fraction of the weight and thickness. Thin brick and cultured stones can be installed on sheetrock and transform your space. These materials are ideal for feature walls and really look amazing with art or family photos hung on them.
Preparing the fireplace
The simplest and therefore most popular refacing technique involves installing the new materials directly over the existing fireplace materials, if there is none, then the neighboring drywall. This method is suitable only when the existing materials are in good shape, that means no loose or crumbling materials. If the materials are not in good shape, The first task involves disassembling the old fireplace facing, so that we can install directly on the drywall behind it. Masonry veneers adhere directly to existing masonry. We use a coat of veneer mortar (adhesive compound strong enough to secure the lightweight refacing materials) that comes recommended by the manufacturer.
You could simply wrap the small border around your fireplace, but you may find the results a little lackluster. Consider instead, running the stone all the way up to the ceiling. This will draw your eye upward and create a substantial focal point for the room. Cutting the stone off at the mantle height tends to may make the room feel short or unfinished. But, when we install it from floor to ceiling the stone will create a desirable flow to the space.
To be or not to be, A mantel
Ultimately, a shelf mantel in your refacing project depends on your desired look of the fireplace. If your existing fireplace has a gorgeous mantle, there’s no reason you have to get rid of it in this room refresh—it can be removed and reinstalled over whatever new refacing material you choose.
Get your fireplace a make over.
We love leaving a happy customer with a fireplace makeover one home at a time. This is rewarding and what we enjoy doing, so it’s the best job we could ask for. Consider us (TNT MASONRY) a family owned and operated business. Give me a call (Jason Tote) today for a free consultation and estimate. (509) 666-2852
