DIY ideas for fireplace surround?

11 years ago

Our fireplace surround in this photo is some sort of faux slate. It collects dust and I've spent hours with a scrub brush trying to get it all out - still looks terrible. It's a gas fireplace.

I am thinking of tiling over it, although I've never done such a project. Any ideas or tips for a DIY fix?

Thanks!

Featured Answer

likewhatyoudo

11 years ago

We got this stone from lowes, it is inexpensive and easy DIY. Lowes will make the cuts for you and we glued it on with heavy duty construction adhesive, no grouting. Took us a couple hours with our borrowed tile saw. They have one with grey instead of the gold and cream that we used that might be perfect and you could keep the floor slate. I would go over the top of the slate if it where me doing the work and not take off the old slate. We applied the stone after the mantle was installed and painted. They also have other styles that you might like.

http://www.lowes.com/ProductDisplay?partNumber=354393-93840-20-616&langId=-1&storeId=10151&productId=3477519&catalogId=10051&cmRelshp=req&rel=nofollow&cId=PDIO1

http://www.lowes.com/ProductDisplay?partNumber=354383-93840-20-626&langId=-1&storeId=10151&productId=3362742&catalogId=10051&cmRelshp=req&rel=nofollow&cId=PDIO1

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Comments (6)

Fori
11 years ago
Do you like the slatey grey color? I do. I think tiling it with a natural slate tile would be pretty nice. Do rent a tile saw (or buy one if they're on sale--sometimes it's the same price).

If it's possible to temporarily remove the mantle trim before tiling, the job will be easier, but even if you can't, it's not too bad a job to DIY. You cut everything before you start to stick it down so you'll know if you can do it before you mess up what you already have.
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nanny2a
11 years ago
rtwilliams, you have a lovely room and beautiful DIY fireplace surround! And, since I have two of them, I have to comment on the darling Westie, too! He/she blends in beautifully with the decor!
Susan Rawlings
8 years ago
I have to say I love the look of tile. There are so many to choose from, it would be a huge improvement.
Jubilante
8 years ago
How is it finished off around the black insert/grate? Thanks
msullivan73
6 years ago
Hello, I have the same fireplace surround and was wondering if you ever updated your fireplace? If so, how did it turn out.