Fireplace Designs

Fireplace Design Articles

Fireplace Makeover Can Change Ambiance Of Room

At some point when you own your home you may decide it is time for a fireplace makeover to either strengthen or beautify the brick and upgrade the mantle to something more than a simple block of stone. Once the decision is made and the materials have picked chosen, part of the process often overlooked is clearing out the room of as much stuff as possible. Tearing out old wood and cutting bricks and stone during a fireplace makeover is a messy project and anything left exposed to the air will quickly become filthy.

Any wood trim can removed first using a pry bar, and if you plan to use the same wood on the new facing, it will have to be done carefully. If not, tear away and use it for kindling in an outdoor fire. There is a good chance that during the removal of old stone or tiles there will be bricks behind the facing. When performing the fireplace makeover these bricks will need to stay in place. They are part of the basic fireplace and form the fire block to the interior walls.

During a fireplace makeover is the perfect time to check the integrity of all the bricks that come into direct contact with the fire. They are made of a special material, made to withstand the heat of the fire. Any cracked bricks will need replaced and any cracks in the mortar will need repaired. This requires special fire proof mortar as regular cement will fall apart with the heat.

Treating Tiles Like Elaborate Glue Job

Once the old surface has been removed, you will want to prep the new surface to accept the new bricks or tile. Any rough spots on the bricks will need grinded smooth and any cracks between the bricks will need filled and smoothed before continuing the fireplace makeover.

Once the surface has been prepared, you can use the tile cement to form a thin layer, using a notched trowel to insure an even layer of cement. Than, using a smooth trowel put a layer of cement on the back of the tile chosen for the fireplace makeover, and then use the notched trowel to create an even coating. Place the tile in place and hold for a few seconds until the two layers of tile cement produce a bond.

After all the tile is in place, add the finishing strips, wood or tile and be sure to wait the time recommended by the tile manufacturer before lighting a fire in the new fireplace. The fireplace makeover will invite attention as friends enter the room due to its new, updated appearance.