fireplace refacing

michigan

I need advice. I've just got a 1950s house and the first thing that you see once you enter is this fireplace 10feet by 4 feet. It looks scary and I am wondering what are my options. What comes to my mind is to
cover it with cement board and put new shiny tile on top of it? I am not planning on using the fireplace. Can I cover the hole too? Should I cap the chimney first or can this be done later? Do I need to call the chimney specialists first or can I survive without it. There is no gas, no electricity that comes to the fireplace. just two doors (in the floow and on top of the hole). I never had a fireplace before, so, sorry for the vague explanation

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oh'mike

You don't need cement board----

A couple of options----I'd suggest some wood raised panel work on the left side --along with a new mantle--

And tile or natural stone on the remaining face---

or tile the entire thing----no---that needs to be broken up---

Tile? Use hardened nails with washers to hold wire mesh---(plaster lathe) over the existing stone--skim coat with coarse mortar---then tile---

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Fix'n it

i kinda like that fire place. with the right decorating and a few upgrades, i think it could look nice.

ymmv

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michigan

Sorry, could you, please, clarify it a little bit for me. Being an armature "do-it-yourselfer" I have just started my learning... How wood raised panel work looks like and what kind of upgrades are possible. Maybe you have some pictures to post for me. Thank you very much!!!