This Old House general contractor Tom Silva shows how to beautify an old, ugly brick fireplace. (See below for a shopping list and tools.)
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Tom helped a homeowner update his old fireplace by installing a new custom-built wooden mantle and polished granite hearth. With the old mantle removed, Tom removed some of the bricks at the top of the fireplace with a hammer and chisel to make room for the new mantle. Next, he removed the hearth tiles to make room for the granite. Tom then laid mortar onto the hearth as a setting bed for the new granite. While the mortar was drying, the homeowner cut and installed the granite pieces for the hearth and surround. He used a special construction adhesive to hold the marble in place. To fasten the mantle to the wall, Tom screwed wooden cleats to the wall's framing. He then used finish nails to secure the mantle to the cleats.
Shopping List for How to Upgrade a Mantel, Hearth, and Surround:
- knock-down wood mantel surround and beaded molding
- granite slabs, used to create surround around fireplace opening
- mortar, used to set new granite hearth
- masonry adhesive, used to adhere granite surround to brick fireplace
- pine 2x2s, used to make wall cleats[BR][BR]
- tarps, used to protect floor and control airborne dust
Tools for How to Upgrade a Mantel, Hearth, and Surround:
- masonry hammer and cold chisel, used to remove old brick
- shovel and mortar tub or wheelbarrow, used to mix mortar
- smooth trowel, for spreading mortar
- caulking gun, used to apply masonry adhesive
- screwdriver, for assembling the knock-down mantel
- handsaw, used to cut 2x2 cleats to size
- gas-powered or pneumatic nailer and 2-inch nails, for fastening mantel to cleats
- power miter saw, used to cut beaded trim to length
The custom-built mantle was manufactured and provided by Premier Mantles Incorporated [http://www.premiermantelco.com/].
Pre-manufactured mantle kits are available at many home centers.
The marble hearth and surround was provided by InterContinental Marble Corporation [http://www.icmfireplaces.com/newsite/...].
Additional support was provided by Insul-Mart, LLC [https://thefireplaceshowcase.com/] and Brosco Millwork Distributors [https://www.brosco.com/].
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