Re-Facing Fireplace Wall with Veneer

bamatide · 06-06-2009, 12:40 PM

Hi. I am thinking about putting a stone or brick veneer over the finished drywall around my current fireplace. The fireplace itself was added after our home was built, it is ventless and the wall encasing is completely hollow....besides studs. The wall encasing the fireplace pretrudes out from the side wall about 2 feet. See pictures attached.

I have not decided if I am going to replace the current mantle or just keep the existing one. I have my LCD mounted and I ran all wires behind the TV, up through the attic and into our media closet. I'm not too concerned right now if I have to leave a small area of exposed wall behind the TV that is not veneered, as it will be out of sight.

Does anyone have experience with a project like this...veneering over drywall? Should I just use a galvanized mesh lathe and morter scratch coat, should I use a vapor barrier, where should I look for veneer stone, can you cut it and what do you use,etc?

Any information is extremely appreciated!

Thanks.
Matt

Ron6519 · 06-06-2009, 04:14 PM

Each manufacturer will have guidelines. Pick the stone you like and follow the instructions.
Prior to purchase, check out to see if your situation is compatible with theirs without major restructuring on your part.
Ron