The fireplace is often called the heart of the home, a natural gathering place that offers warmth and serves as a focal point for any living space. Beyond its traditional function, the fireplace also presents a significant design opportunity. Whether your home style is rustic, modern, traditional, or something unique, the fireplace can be a key element in defining that aesthetic.
Transform Your Fireplace with Stone Veneer
Refacing your fireplace with stone veneer is an excellent way to update its look, enhance your home’s ambiance, and even increase its value. It can transform a dated or simple structure into a stunning architectural feature, creating a brand new centerpiece for your room. The best part is that stone veneer can be applied directly to a variety of existing surfaces, such as brick or concrete, or to new construction with a proper backing, like cement board.
DIY it: Refacing Your Fireplace with Stone Veneer is a Manageable Project
While the idea of refacing a fireplace might seem like a big undertaking, it’s a completely manageable project for a dedicated DIYer or an easy job for a professional. The key to a beautiful, long-lasting result is proper planning and preparation. With the right approach, you’ll be well on your way to a stunning transformation.
The Five Steps to Refacing Your Fireplace with Stone Veneer
Ready to get started? Here are five easy steps to refacing your fireplace with stone veneer.
Step 1: Choose Your Stone Veneer
This is where the fun begins! Your choice of stone veneer will set the tone for your entire room, so it’s a good idea to take your time and explore all the options. We highly recommend ordering samples from Horizon Stone to see how the textures and colors look in your actual space and under different lighting conditions. You can also visit or speak with a Horizon Stone expert who can help you find the perfect style to match your vision.
Step 2: Check the Fireplace’s Condition
Before you begin any work, assess the current state of your fireplace. Look for any loose bricks, crumbling mortar, or cracks. The surface must be solid, clean, and stable before applying the stone veneer. If you find any issues, you’ll need to repair them first to ensure a successful, long-lasting installation.
Step 3: Prepare the Surface
Once your fireplace is in good shape, it’s time to prep the surface. If you’re applying the veneer over brick or concrete, make sure it’s clean of any soot, dirt, or dust. For surfaces that aren’t a solid masonry base, like a drywall surround, you’ll need to install cement board first to create a proper foundation. Finally, apply a coat of mortar over the entire surface to create a rough texture that allows the stone to grip onto it.
Step 4: Install the Stone Veneer
With your surface prepped and your stone veneer laid out, you’re ready for the main event. Mix your mortar to a thick, paste-like consistency, and start applying the stone pieces from the bottom up. It’s a good idea to lay out your pattern on the ground first to ensure you have a mix of sizes and shapes. Apply the mortar to the back of each stone and firmly press it into the scratch coat, making sure each piece is level as you go.
Step 5: Finish and Seal Your Stone Veneer
After all the stone pieces are in place and the mortar has cured, you can move on to the final touches. Depending on the type of stone veneer you choose, you may need to apply mortar to the joints (this is called grouting) to fill in the gaps and create a finished look. The color of the mortar is important, so be sure to choose one that complements your stone veneer to achieve the perfect look. Once the mortar is completely dry and you’ve cleaned off any excess, you can apply a high-quality masonry sealer. This will protect your beautiful new fireplace from stains and moisture, keeping it looking great for years to come.
Design Inspiration for your Stone Veneer Fireplace from Horizon Stone
Refacing your fireplace with stone veneer is a truly rewarding project that can dramatically change the look and feel of your living space. By following these five steps and giving yourself time for proper planning and prep, you can turn a daunting task into a completely manageable and enjoyable home upgrade. For some design inspiration, be sure to visit our “Adding Stone to your Interior” Pinterest board. To complete the look, don’t forget to check out our gorgeous stone fireplace accessories, which will help enhance the overall design of your new stone veneer fireplace.
Safety Considerations and Guidance from Horizon Stone
For additional guidance or to order stone veneer samples, reach out to us on our Contact Us page or visit our Distributor Locator page to find a Horizon Stone distributor near you. Remember, it’s also crucial to follow all local building codes and regulations to ensure your project is both beautiful and safe. Soon, you’ll be able to relax by a stunning, brand-new fireplace that truly serves as the beautiful centerpiece of your home.