Fireplaces are a focal point in any home, and if yours is in need of a facelift, stone veneer is a great option. It's not as difficult or expensive as you might think, and with just a little time and effort you can have a beautiful new fireplace. Here are 5 easy steps to follow for successful interior stone fireplace refacing.
1. Choose your stone veneer. Natural stone or manufactured stone, the choice is yours!
2. Measure the area you will be working on.
3. Clean the surface of the existing fireplace.
4. Apply mortar to the back of the stones and place them onto the fireplace surface.
5. Use a grout float to apply grout in between the stones and smooth it out evenly.fi
Choose your stone veneer. Natural stone or manufactured stone, the choice is yours!
When it comes to selecting the best stone veneer for your home’s exterior, you have two options to choose from - natural stone or manufactured stone. Natural stone offers the classic and timeless look of real stones that have been used across centuries, while manufactured stone offers versatility to fit any style of architecture. Ultimately, your decision will come down to whether you prefer the realness of natural stone or the convenience and affordability of manufactured stone. It is important to consider not just aesthetic value but also durability and cost effectiveness when making your decision. Buy only high quality specialty materials that are specially developed for interior stone fireplace refacing!
Measure the area you will be working on.
Measurement is an important step in any project, for it determines the size of the area you will be working on. Knowing exactly how much space you have to work with allows you to plan ahead and develop creative solutions that fit your requirements. This, of course, will also help to accurately estimate how many materials will be needed for the implementation of the project. Always calculate with a reserve of 10-15% - this will ensure that everything will be enough, and there will be a little left for possible minor repairs in the future.
Clean the surface of the existing fireplace.
Cleaning the surface of an existing fireplace before refacing can help to ensure a much greater safety and comfort measure for your home. Professional cleaning services use special tools to remove soot, grime, and other particles from the surface for a more efficient clean. Additionally, professional cleaning will help protect surfaces from future damage caused by inadequate coverage of creosote buildup. With well cleaned surfaces, your stone fireplace refacing project will be easier to complete and will have long-lasting results.
Apply mortar to the back of the stones and place them onto the fireplace surface.
Make sure you use an appropriate adhesive for your specific stone type and begin by troweling a skim coat 1/4 inch thick layer of the mixture onto the rear of each stone. Through stacking and stick, the mortar will keep all your stones in place for years to come, creating a secure foundation that should withstand frequent use and temperature changes. Don't worry too much if you aren't an expert; masonry has been around since 5000 BC so it's good practice to look up instructions and source experienced advice.
Use a grout float to apply grout in between the stones and smooth it out evenly.
Applying grout in between stones for tile and masonry projects is a straightforward concept, but executing the application and ensuring smooth, even results can be a challenge. To make this job as easy as possible, many professionals recommend using a grout float. This is an essential tool made from plastic or rubber which allows you to spread and shape the grout over your tiled surface. Not only will it help you evenly distribute the product, but it can also aid in creating a strong bond between all of the stone pieces. Before applying your grout onto any surface, ensure that you select a float that is most suitable for your task at hand.
You can find a selection of specially developed stone fireplace refacing product by following the links below:
