Renovating a brick wall with firepalce

12 years ago

I am struggling to decide what to do with this ugly fireplace. The room is stuck in the 80's and I want a clean, fresh look. The difficulty is that the propane stove is recessed so materials in the recess (and 24 inch above stove) must be non combustable. The sides can be gyp rocked to the corner of the recessed part. Have looked at tiling the recess and hearth but concerned that still might look dated. Not a huge fan of painted brick. Thinking of hard wood or maybe cork on the floor. Any ideas greatly appreciated.

Featured Answer

PRO

B.Hale Contracting Services Ltd.

12 years ago

If money is really tight probably the best option would be to parge over the brick to give it a smooth finish. As for the recess maybe a few 'floating' shelves in there after parging to give it a built in look.when budget is an issue sometimes it's about working with what you have and making it work!

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Comments (7)

PRO
B.Hale Contracting Services Ltd.
12 years ago
I would bump out fireplace flush with wall and cover brick with veneer stone
PRO
POLKA GIRL DESIGN
12 years ago
I get your pain. I'd look into the cost of ripping the entire thing out so you're not stuck with the recessed look which is fairly ackward looking. Another idea is to build out the center so it's flushed with the sides and create a great mantle with your choice of tile. Drywall the sides and maybe use a wood veneer to accent the wall.
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majuch
Original Author
12 years ago
unfortunately can't bring the propane fireplace forward as it is an insert vented through stainless steel liner. I would have to buy new propane fireplace and vent through wall to outside which would really bump up the cost.
User
12 years ago
If you can't bump out the middle part can you recess the brick on either side to make it flush with the middle part? If you are going to get messy and tear down the brick I would see if that is possible. Then you could go drywall and stacked stone around the fireplace and mount the tv over it. Or you can tile part of or the whole wall?
majuch
Original Author
12 years ago
Thanks for all the suggestions. I spoke to my contractor about removing the brick but he was rather nervous about the prospect - felt it could be a can of worms.
Parging - now that's a thought. Didn't know anything about it so just looked it up.
PRO
Specialty Doors
12 years ago
I like the brick, perhaps a herringbone pattern on the hearth \ change the mantel and some rustic ( change in decor & flooring ) might do the trick. If you prefer to change the brick, try changing out a faux stack stone or river rock, it can be easily installed over the existing finishes.