Brick Fireplace Conversion

13 years ago

We are updating our brick fireplace. It was recently housing a large wood burning stove that we decided to remove to replace with a gas log.

Our main problem is the brick opening is far too big to just frame in a gas log. So, we are throwing around different ideas and I need some opinions.

Our first option was to frame all the brick in with drywall so the new log will fit properly. I'm afraid the hearth will look awkward whether we leave the brick exposed or frame it in.

Our 2nd option would be to just drywall in the box leaving the brick exposed above the mantel and below where the hearth is. Then if we do leave it exposed, should we paint it?

I'm super anal, and suck at this home remodel business. Any example projects or suggestions would be great.

Featured Answer

apple_pie_order

13 years ago

You need advice from fireplace and chimney pros. There are safety issues at stake.

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Comments (16)

hannahjohnson85
13 years ago
The issue you have here is that you have a large, outstanding hearth. Because of this, I would be hesitant to drywall it. I would suggest putting in a decorative mantle, adding brick so that it will burn properly without smoking, and possibly painting the brick.
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keestey
13 years ago
Once you get the operational issues sorted...I would paint the brick the same color as your walls. I would leave the bricks natural behind the log.
Painting brick is easy, dilute paint half and half with water. Brush on and rub off. The downside is once painted you cannot go back to natural.
User thanked keestey
PRO
COASTROAD Hearth & Patio
13 years ago
Here's a place to start - find your local fireplace nerds: http://www.hpba.org/locator

I really doubt a set of gas logs is going to do what you want it to do in that situation. I'd probably recommend doing something like this, given the clean lines you appear to favor everywhere else:

Amoroso Design · More Info

You've got a great blank canvas there.
User thanked COASTROAD Hearth & Patio
Nancy Travisinteriors
13 years ago
I would dry wall the whole thing incl hearth, if you can't remove it and match wood.you have a modern loos. So keep firepl simple paint it a charcoal. When dry walling is time to reduce firepl. Add gas line but instead of logs go fire and Ice look. All firepl stores carry. Much more modern and updated.
User thanked Nancy Travisinteriors
Nancy Travisinteriors
13 years ago
Ad a big palm on other side of fireplace. Re arrange furn. So sofa looks at firepl. And a chair on either side of sofa. Rug rug towards firepl. A 24" round or square coffe table. Add roman shade to window. On a red like chair. Over firepl a tall 4-5 foot contemporary art in reds. Hang vertically.
rinked
13 years ago
Have the technical part checked and find a hearth you like. When you're going to paint the upper part of the bricks (so the the wall keeps it's texture), a mason might be able to add bricks to fill out the gap.
User thanked rinked
rinked
13 years ago
Found an open gas fireplace with a fan (not sure what to think of it though..):
New Kitchen · More Info
PRO
Frank's Home Maintenance and General Contracting
13 years ago
Here is what we did, we shortened the opening then framed as pictured below.
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rinked
13 years ago
last modified: 13 years ago
Only filled the gap (tiles or cement?):
User thanked rinked
Christopher Avila
13 years ago
Grey tile like below.
User thanked Christopher Avila
PRO
Frank's Home Maintenance and General Contracting
13 years ago
Since it was gas we just installed a large piece of granite for our surround top, then built a short mantel with a 12 inch top to kick the heat away from the tv.
User thanked Frank's Home Maintenance and General Contracting
Angie Brinkman
13 years ago
First - I love your style! I have same hardwoods. It looks like you are modern so, I agree with other comments to cover the whole thing up, will look much sleeker. Don't feel that you need to keep any part of the brick exposed because it is there. Gas is way different as far as codes go than with a wood burning fireplace so you can use different materials. Drywall is cheap or cover w cement board and use any tile. You can even cover w wood and stain or paint.
User thanked Angie Brinkman
cindyguent
13 years ago
Here's what we did. Hearth was not as high, though.
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User
Original Author
13 years ago
I forgot I posted this and didn't notice there was this much action! Thanks for all the ideas and suggestions! We have a professional coming this morning to discuss our options. If I remember, I will post pictures of the finished project!
cindyguent
12 years ago
What did your professional recommend?