Updating Fireplace

davediy · 08-07-2011, 11:29 AM

Hi,

I'm planning on tackling a project to update our fireplace. I'd like to have updated modern tiles around it, and cover/update the mantel. Can I just cover the uneven stone (see pic) with something like cement board and then tile on top of that? I'm also thinking of covering the shelf with smooth wood, molding, and paint to give it a more updated look. I would appreciate any advice! I'm mainly concerned with covering up that stone and thoughts about the way I'm planning to do this.

Thanks in advance!!

Ron6519 · 08-07-2011, 04:35 PM

I wonder how many times this fireplace has been, "updated"?
How old is the house?
I wouldn't put cement board over the rock, I'd remove the rock and build the frame from that point. You would need to screw the concrete board to the uneven rock. Not a likely scenario in my book.

davediy · 08-07-2011, 04:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ron6519

I wonder how many times this fireplace has been, "updated"?
How old is the house?
I wouldn't put cement board over the rock, I'd remove the rock and build the frame from that point. You would need to screw the concrete board to the uneven rock. Not a likely scenario in my book.

Thanks for your response! The house was built in the mid 80s and I'm guessing this is original to the house. I say that because I've seen lots of 80's homes which have the same fireplace, including the one I grew up in.

Yeah I thought of taking the stone off, but I'm worried that might be difficult. I was sort of thinking to use mortar to smooth out the uneven rock and fill the gaps before putting cement board down... or even tiling directly over the mortar. But you still think it's better to remove the stone, huh?

Ron6519 · 08-07-2011, 05:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by davediy

Thanks for your response! The house was built in the mid 80s and I'm guessing this is original to the house. I say that because I've seen lots of 80's homes which have the same fireplace, including the one I grew up in.

Yeah I thought of taking the stone off, but I'm worried that might be difficult. I was sort of thinking to use mortar to smooth out the uneven rock and fill the gaps before putting cement board down... or even tiling directly over the mortar. But you still think it's better to remove the stone, huh?

What is you experience in this area? A tile surface is dead flat. Do you think you can get the surface close by filling in the uneven areas of the rock and then compensate for the smaller variations when you put up the tile?
If you think you can do it that way, go ahead.
They'll be other suggestions to come along, pick the one you like.

jomama45 · 08-08-2011, 10:30 AM

It's fairly hard to tell from that one picture, but it appears that the current stone material is fairly thin, like maybe 1.5-2" thick, and is possibly even adhered directly to the substrate behind (possibly concrete block.)

If that's the case, I think you'll find it much easier & faster to simply remove the current stone and start with a flat substrate.

ddawg16 · 08-16-2011, 12:48 AM

I feel your pain....

This is what our fireplace looked like when we moved in.....see the paneling? It's 'behind' the brick of the fireplace.

This is what we did to solve the problem. The brick is there there...just behind the wood.