Fireplace project - need help on determining first steps

9 years ago

We’ve decided to update our fireplace but are not sure where
to start. We’re hoping Houzzer's can
help. Maybe Corbett will even pop in!

Below is our current fireplace, inspiration fireplace and
fireplace screen/insert thingy (so technical, right?). We are not building bookshelves as shown in
the inspiration photo.

We will DIY it all, including building the fireplace
surround.

In what order should we complete this project? We want glass fireplace doors, stone or
stone veneer accents and new wood surround.

Fireplace projecy · More Info

Pin by Jennifer on Family Room | Pinterest | Fireplaces, Built ins and Living ro · More Info

Fireplace projecy · More Info

Featured Answer

worthy

9 years ago

last modified: 9 years ago

I've done a number of gas fireplaces from scratch. (Same principle with a woodburning unit except nothing can be changed but the surround and mantel.)

The first thing to do is obtain the installation instructions for your gas fireplace unit so you can adhere to its clearance instructions. You may even want a new unit.

If you're planning to lower the fp as in your inspiration photo, you will likely need to reinstall/alter fresh air and exhaust venting and the gas piping; a licensed gasfitter most usually is required for a legal installation.

Worthy FP Natural Gas Zero-clearance with cast iron and polished slate surround.

Once the unit is properly mounted on its new base and venting and gas piping is in place, the rest is straightforward--presuming you have finishing carpentry and tile or stone setting skills.

In the example above, the surround is from another manufacturer. (In normal lighting, space between the legs and unit and the multi-coloured gas fittings behind the lower grille are not visible.)

Identical fp, different surround.

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Comments (6)

Jennifer_in_KS
Original Author
9 years ago
Bumping :)
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Steve Cox
9 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
Here's what I did to my stone fireplace. Just built completely around it. Clare Andre for gas might be more since it puts off a lot more heat. Ours does just fine with a raging wood fire but it's set well back. Found a great step by step blog which I'll try to link. We hired a local contractor to put in the recessed lighting and run electrical to the shelves and behind TV but I hooked up the under cabinet led lights myself

http://www.fourgenerationsoneroof.com/2013/10/fireplace-makeover-begins

http://www.makeit-loveit.com/2013/09/home-improvement-build-your-own-fireplace-mantel-hearth-craftsman-style.html
Steve Cox
9 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago

The final has crown molding up top which isn't in the picture. heres the original room:
Jennifer_in_KS thanked Steve Cox
Jennifer_in_KS
Original Author
9 years ago
Worthy,

Yes, the one in your photo looks exactly like mine. Hmmm, so I have a gas
fireplace unit. That solves the mystery of the out-of-place light switch that
doesn’t work. I bet it was supposed to
be for a blower but it was never hooked up. I honestly thought I could pop by
the local big box hardware store and pick up glass doors, like all my
neighbors.

The previous homeowner did not leave us the gas fireplace
installation instructions. Thanks for
explaining the unit can be lowered and how it should be done. My husband has run gas lines for other
projects but I don’t think it’s worth the time, energy and potential “legal
installation” issue for a small visual change.

I stopped by a local fireplace store after reading your comments. They let me know units like mine are custom
built and stock glass doors would not work.
I would need to replace the entire unit, as you mentioned, or get custom
glass doors. Considering we only have
about a dozen fires annually, the latter is the way we’ll go. Custom glass doors in my area, SE Kansas,
cost about $375.

I appreciate you sharing your knowledge. It was right in front of me but I couldn’t figure
it out.

Jennifer
Jennifer_in_KS
Original Author
9 years ago
Steve,

WOW. That’s an amazing project. It turned out fantastic and I love all the finishing
touches.

Great step by step photos.
I showed them to my husband and he made a lot of sounds – ooh, okay, I
see now, yeah that’s a good idea, ect...
so I’m pretty sure it helped him with his plan :)

Many thanks for the input and information. We now have a better understanding of how to
build the project and a lot more confidence to start it.

Jennifer