Anytime you are working with a fireplace, you need to be cautious because changes can be hazardous. If one of those changes is putting stone over a fireplace, is it a good idea?
You can decorate a fireplace with stone veneer, provided you prepare the fireplace properly in advance. Stone veneer is able to handle the heat and will make the overall look of the fireplace beautiful.
There are a number of things to consider to make this job a success. Preparation is one of those, and we will discuss it in detail further in this article.
You need to make sure, however, that everything associated with the installation will be able to handle the heat of the fireplace. For the most part, we are talking about installing a stone veneer on the exterior of the fireplace but what about the interior?
The interior of the fireplace is known as the firebox. This is not something that is typically done as a DIY project because it is critical that it is done properly.
In addition, you may need to pull a permit if you are doing any alterations to the firebox. This will help to ensure that everything is up to code and you are not putting yourself or your home in danger as a result of the work you are doing.
Can You Put Stone Veneer Over Fireplace? (How To)
For the time being, we are going to talk about adding stone veneer to the fireplace and doing so when it is on the outside of the fireplace. If that is the case, you can do so without any problem.
It is still a good idea, however, to check the rating of the stone as well as the mortar to make sure that it is for higher temperatures. As you probably realize, the exterior of the fireplace can get warm but the temperature is not blazing hot like you would experience inside the firebox.
Just make sure that it can handle the heat and you should be good to go.
You also need to consider if you’re going to put a stone veneer that is single pieces or if you are going to do it in sheets. Either can be used, but many people prefer the single pieces because it gives a much more realistic look.
In addition, there is a difference between a stone veneer that is made from actual stone and a faux stone veneer that is made from Portland cement and some other materials. This is a decision you will have to make, but there are some things to keep in mind.
First of all, actual stone is more expensive and heavier. That may not be as big of a deal since you are working in a smaller area with a fireplace, but it is still something to keep in mind.
On the other hand, faux stone is made to look beautiful and if you install it properly, you will not be able to tell the difference.
Before we get started on this project, let’s take a look at some of the potential problems that need to be avoided. It’s a good idea to consider these in advance.
Should You Put Stone Veneer Over Fireplace?
As is the case with any project, you need to consider both the good and the bad. This will help you to prepare for the project and to avoid the pitfalls that can make it go south.
Consider the following issues when installing stone veneer over a fireplace:
Adhering – If you don’t prepare things properly, you will have a difficult time getting the veneer to stick to the existing material on the fireplace. Regardless of whether it is brick or any other material, this is important to consider.
If you follow the instructions below, however, this issue can be avoided. You will be putting a scratch coat on the surface, which essentially roughs things up and makes it possible for the mortar to stick when you apply the veneer.
Safety – Regardless of the DIY project you are doing, it is important to consider your personal safety. That is especially true when working with stone or cement, as well as the mortar you will be mixing. You also need to protect your eyes, ears, and fingers. Here’s how to do so.
1. Respirator – When you are cutting stone or cement or mixing mortar, you will be exposed to silica dust. You should not breathe silica dust because it can lead to some life-threatening conditions, including cancer and silicosis. Be sure to wear an N95 respirator.
2. Safety Glasses – There are plenty of comfortable safety glasses on the market, including some that fit over your prescription glasses. Make sure you wear clean, clear safety glasses at all times when doing a DIY project. Buy new safety glasses if they get scratched.
3. Gloves – Wear the appropriate gloves for the task you are doing. For putting stone veneer over an existing fireplace, this would typically be all-purpose gloves but you can also use Cutlass gloves.
4. Hearing Protection – If you are using any type of power tool for cutting, make sure that you wear hearing protection.
What Tools Do You Need To Put Stone Veneer Over Fireplace?
Let’s gather the tools that are necessary to get this job done. There are very few that you need to have on hand, but gathering them in advance will help you to get the job started and completed without delay.
Bucket
Rags
Scrub Brush
5 Gallon Buckets
Drill with Mixing Paddle
A Variety of Trowels, Including a Notched Trowel
Scrapers
Five-in-One Tool
Levels
Straight Edge
T-Square
Wet Saw
Angle Grinder
Gloves
Respirator
Safety Glasses
Hearing Protection
What Preparations Do You Need To Put Stone Veneer Over Fireplace?
Anytime you do a project at home, it’s important to prepare in advance. Preparing is even more important than doing the actual job because it paves the way for success.
Here are some things to keep in mind when you are putting stone veneer over an existing fireplace. It can make a difference in how the overall job works out.
Cleaning – The surface under the stone veneer should be cleaned and then completely dry. This can be a challenge in some cases, especially if the fireplace has been in operation for a long time.
More than likely, using a pressure washer is going to be out of the question but you can use a bucket with soap and water, and some elbow grease. Depending upon the material that is being cleaned, you may get by with a soft-bristled brush or you may need to use a hard bristle brush or even a wire brush.
After you clean and rinse the surface, allow it to dry thoroughly. Keep in mind that some surfaces, such as brick, can soak in water and it may take a while before they are dried fully.
Repair – Although you are going to be putting a scratch coat on the surface, it’s still important to repair the subsurface and fix any damage. This could be anything from loose bricks to holes in the surface.
It may be time-consuming to fix these problems but it is a very important part of the overall project. By repairing things in advance, you are essentially preparing for success.
Scratch Coat – One other part of the preparation is to apply a scratch coat to the surface. A scratch coat is a thick layer of mortar that is then scratched with a notched trowel.
The purpose of the scratch coat is to create a surface that is slightly imperfect so that the veneer will stick to it. If you are dealing with any type of painted surface, you should apply a screen first.
The screen is cut to size and then you will drill into the surface and hammer in pins that expand once they are inside. Be careful that you are not drilling the entire way through the material or you may compromise its ability to keep the heat where it belongs. You can then apply the scratch coat to the screen.
How To Put Stone Veneer Over Fireplace
Now that the scratch coat is in place, it’s time to install the stone veneer. Here’s how to do it:
1. Start in the Corners – The stone veneer pieces should be put in the corners first. Finish each corner before you put the pieces in the middle. Be careful you aren’t establishing a pattern that will be noticeable.
2. Horizontal Lines – Work your way across the face of the fireplace in horizontal lines. You may not have much to fill in, but you should do so and try not to have a pattern. This will likely require that you cut the stone pieces.
Copyright protected content owner: ReadyToDIY.com and was initially posted on December 18, 2022.
When cutting the stone, make sure that you wear your respirator or cut them with a wet saw. Don’t be too concerned about large gaps in the stone, they will be filled later.
You can then butter the back of the stone and press it in place. Some of the mortar will come off to the side but most should stay behind.
3. Fill in – If there are any large areas without stone, they can be filled in with smaller pieces. You can then grout the stone if desired.
Keep in mind that grouting the stone is not a necessary step. It is just desired by some.
4. Seal – After waiting a few weeks, you can apply a sealer to the surface. Make sure it is heat rated. It will protect the stone from damage and bring out the look you want.
Copyright article owner is ReadyToDiy.com for this article. This post was first published on December 18, 2022.
Stone veneer can be applied over an existing fireplace. You will need to put on a scratch coat of mortar first, as well as clean the surface underneath. You can then apply the stone veneer for the look you desire.
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ReadyToDIY is the owner of this article. This post was published on December 18, 2022.
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