Refocusing on the refurbishment of the fireplace

Our primary source of heat no longer has to be a fireplace, but the home hearth still has charm. But not every existing fireplace has the aesthetics you’re looking for, and a comprehensive makeover may be expensive and time-consuming. Thankfully, there are many of alternatives for remodeling a fireplace that don’t need much effort.

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What goes into renovating a fireplace?

Although the word is broad, the fireplace is composed of several components. The brick box that houses the fire in the chamber is called the firebox. It needs to be constructed using particular materials and standards. This adds to the area’s complexity and expense of change. But the other main parts would offer a simpler, more economical, and visually pleasing makeover for the fireplace.

This comprises the surround, which is the wall surface outside the firebox; the mantel, which is the shelf on the wall above the firebox; and the hearth, which is the brick, tile, or stone “shelf” that protrudes into the space at knee or floor level. These elements are all capable of undergoing drastic changes.

Is the mantel more classic or modern?

You may alter your fireplace’s mantel whether it’s there or not. It is also entirely removable, which is a common option in contemporary design. This method creates a streamlined and uncluttered design, whereas a mantel typically appeals to more conventional preferences.

You may consult with your interior designer and/or contractor, or browse Pinterest for a plethora of design inspiration. When it comes to repurposing different materials for a mantel, people become quite inventive. Anything you want to do is allowed. You may either have a wooden mantel made “off the rack” or have a cabinet maker or contractor build one to your specifications.

The versatile fireplace

In many respects, the mantel and the hearth are comparable. Hearths have been abandoned in contemporary and postmodern dwellings for many years. Once upon a time, the fireplace grate was situated directly at floor level on the inner hearth. These days, having a raised hearth that you can sit on and adorn with flowers or other artwork is more and more common.

Once more, you may use your fireplace to accomplish almost whatever you like. Tile, stone, and concrete are ideal because of its position. Although steel has an excellent appearance, its conductive nature may make it unsafe, depending on how everything functions as a whole. Though it’s a good idea to question your contractor, it’s doable.

Casting the hearth

Remodeling a fireplace naturally involves replacing the surround. Preserving wood and other flammable objects away from the firebox is your primary priority. Although it normally won’t be difficult, it’s still a good idea to discuss with your contractor and/or designer. The surround may be made of metal, wood, stone, or tile. Since there is no need to contact the surface when the fire is raging, metal wouldn’t necessarily be harmful in this situation.

Painting an old brick surround is another simple way to provide a dramatic design. You may refresh brick by painting, staining, or whitewashing it. For a little more refinement, consider adding wooden trim, such as the frame of a door or window.

Replace doors with fireproof ones

A redesign is frequently inspired by the fireplace doors. Doors used to be big and cumbersome, but they saved energy. These days, doors—also referred to as inserts—look fantastic, function flawlessly, and preserve a certain level of energy efficiency.

Remodeling a fireplace may be done quickly, cheaply, and dramatically. Painting an existing fireplace surround will cost around $100. Installing a stone or ceramic tile surround for an existing, simple fireplace in your house might run you $200 or more. A brand-new mantel may cost $200 or more.

When you’re prepared to begin remodeling your house, talk to your general contractor about incorporating this job into the larger plan. In only one or two weekends, you may make over your fireplace to create a feature you’ll be glad to use frequently.

Frequently asked questions

How can a fireplace be remodeled?

The existing brick surround of a fireplace can be painted, stained, or whitewashed as a simple makeover. In addition, you can resurface the fireplace, install new doors or a new mantle, or remove and restore the old mantel. Enhancing the three fireplace components’ appearance is the main goal of the project. The procedure may be easy, quick, and enjoyable.

Who should I engage to renovate my fireplace?

If you have other sections of the house planned for remodeling, ask your designer or general contractor about include a fireplace remodel in the main project scope. If the logistics of permits, scheduling, and labor are previously arranged, time will be saved. A contractor specializing in Sweetening will have collaborated with subcontractors with extensive fireplace knowledge.

How can a stone fireplace be remodeled?

After coming up with a broad plan for the renovation, your first step should be to consult your contractor about the current fireplace. Without actually seeing a fireplace, it may be quite difficult to determine what can be done to it. For a feature like a fireplace, it’s usually advisable to have an expert include code compliance in their recommendations.

How much does remodeling a fireplace cost?

An existing fireplace surround may be painted for less than $100. If the fireplace in your house is currently simple and unadorned, you may upgrade it with a new mantle for $200 and up, and a stone or ceramic tile surround for $200 and up. Stone, concrete, repurposed wood, and wood are examples of mantel materials.