DIY Stone Fireplace Progress

Hello!

I’m pleased to share that we are making some tangible progress on the fireplace, and with any luck, we’ll have it done within a year of starting this never ending project!  But, sometimes that’s the way the DIY cookie crumbles.

For starters, we have stone.

It’s pretty and it’s heavy.  We opted for Brighton Ledgestone from Heritage Stone.  The end goal is for it to look like this when it’s done.

I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t a wee bit nervous about doing this ourselves.  Redoing the kitchen cabinets was a project to say the least, but this one seems more daunting.  But, I take solace in talking to the folks who sold me the stone, since two of them in the office did their own stone work and neither of them are stone masons.  So, there is hope.

We got the top portion of the fireplace framed, and are in the process of finishing off the cement board.  From here, we will attach a lath (rhymes with “bath” – not bathe, as I learned).  Then we will do a scratch coat over the lath before attaching the stone.  Although I’m still reading/researching other methods.  I think we will go with the lath approach.

We have also put up a box that will eventually be the mantel.  We’re still refining the final design, but we’re getting closer.

Still need to figure out the best set up, but diagrams like this one are helping me envision a possible final product.  It’s really a blank canvas!

I still love the look of this fireplace mantel from Simplify, even though our fireplace will be stone.  Clean lines and so classic.

This fireplace (and room) is just a show stopper, isn’t it?  Definitely one of my inspiration photos in pulling this fireplace together.

A wood mantel is also appealing.  But that means that all of your cuts need to be uber-precise.  I’m a big fan of caulk to hide the inevitable imperfections.  But isn’t this stone fireplace spectacular with it’s stained wood mantel and wood ceiling beams?

This is another gorgeous look.  See, endless possibilities!

I’m really getting excited about knocking this project off of our to-do list.  While working with your spouse can make you crazy be a challenge, I think we’ll both be proud of the end result.  I’m already mentally accessorizing the fireplace – it’s been so long!

What is the biggest DIY project you’ve tackled?  Was it a success or an epic fail?  Did you have setbacks along the way?  What did you learn?  Do tell!

4 Comments

  • Reply
    Jennifer @ Dimples and Tangles
    October 21, 2013 at 3:20 pm

    Wow, you're ambitious for taking this on! It's going to be fantastic!

  • Reply
    Lisa @ Shine Your Light
    October 21, 2013 at 6:14 pm

    Jenny I am so so so excited about this project!!!!! The stone is going to be gorgeous! I love the color you chose, especially for the palette in your house. Can't wait to see how it progresses!!

  • Reply
    Christina Marie Dennis
    October 25, 2013 at 4:43 am

    Good luck, Jenny! The stone you've chosen is so gorgeous. I love that mantel from "Simplify", but I also love that reclaimed wood looking one at the bottom – so cool! Our whole house was the most epic DIY we've ever done, but now that we're in here, it feels SO good. There's something wonderful about saying that you've built it with your very own hands!

  • Reply
    Carol
    October 29, 2013 at 12:32 pm

    We have been taking the popcorn ceiling off the whole house, one room at a time. Well when we got down stairs we have an office and then we have a great room that connects with the kitchen. When I say great one big room with one huge ceiling. I decided it was such a mess to do we would just do it all at once so my kitchen is in the office and my den is in the entry. Been this way for a week now, as we then decided to add crown molding. Nerves are in edge and I am hoping to see a light at the end of the tunnel, because just because you dyi, your life doesn't stop you still have to do laundry, school, grocery cook dinner! Ugh, wish I had HELP!!!

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