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Fireplace remodel ideas anyone....... cmgray74 07-06-2006
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Posted by on July 6, 2006, 5:10 pm
All,

I have a early 1950's home with a fireplace that was I guess used for
show mostly till about the late 80's. In the 80's the previous owner
bought a really nice insert with multiple blowers etc that will
actually keep my house around 55-60 all through the winter. The owner
also had the flues checked/lined as well. So in all its in good shape
as far as usability. I have in the past used it to completely to heat
the house a full winter and I have used it quite a bit in the past 3
years to keep the gas bills at a minimal. So in all I am really pleased
with it and would like to keep the setup as there is no problem with
the insert/assembly/usability.

The problem arises from the surrounding brick. Over the years the
mantel front shelf area has begun to seperate from the main fireplace
brick stack. I am planning this weekend to tear it down and to rebuild
that section, from the floor up to the shelf with the insert pulled
out. I am not overly afraid of this as I have done quite of bit of
masonry work in the past including rebuilding 1-2 complete foundation
walls and a complete large front porch. The main stack looks to be very
solid. My main problem is mostly decorative in nature I guess.

The brick is the small (2x4? type pavers) that have been painted
multiple coats of white/off white and I want to spruce this area up as
it is the centerpoint of the room or could be but also keep the
functionality where it is at currently. I do not have any kind of floor
hearth or ceramic at this point under the insert on the floor either
and the room has been completely gutted and is currently in the final
stages of finish up including moldings/paint/carpet. I would like to
incorporate a Pennsylvania Slate color thats a river rock type look to
the fireplace area as the adjoining hallway is going to be Pennsylvania
Slate color scheme Ceramic Tile.

So my question is the following;

What ideas can I use to spruce this fireplace up besides what I have
plan?

My plan is as follows, please chime in if you see anything wrong or
have any suggestions, or ideas, pitfalls to avoid etc.

1) First I am removing the insert, cleaning the area , and removing all
loose brick (aggresive to get all possible issues now and in the
future).

2) Rebuild the problem shelf area from floor up.to shelf

After this is where I go astray and can find no supporting info on
except a little help from stone supply shop.

3) I am going to build using (2X2s and 1X2s, wire mesh) a cage around
the whole fireplace area. I am then going to apply a thin set of mortar
all over the screen and let dry

4) Then I am going pick up my stone from the local stone supply. I have
been told I can go 2 different ways here 1) Buy kit stone (lighter then
real stone) and apply it. 2) Buy actual stone (by the pound) and use
it. I am leaning to the By Actual stone as I get to pick out actual
colors and it may be a little more inexpensive in the end but not by
much. The kit stone is supposedly faster. The only negative for real
stone is weight but my house is on a concrete slab, so I think this is
really not a issue. Any feedback on this anyone?

5) Attach the stone using mortar,etc and let dry.

6) Then grout the stone area in and it let dry.

7) Ceramic tile or place a slate/granite hearth at the base under where
the Insert would go to protect the carpet from fire role outs etc.

8) reinsert the fireplace insert

9) rebuild mantel wooden shelf from scratch and stain and install

Then I will remold the rest of the room so I can paint and carpet.

Anyone have any suggestions or ideas on what they have done in the past
with their fireplace?

Any good books,websites, or other media on this subject anyone know
about?

Thanks for the help,
Chris
SolomonMan


Posted by Phil Scott on July 7, 2006, 2:28 am


> All,
>
> I have a early 1950's home with a fireplace that was I guess
> used for
> show mostly till about the late 80's. In the 80's the
> previous owner
> bought a really nice insert with multiple blowers etc that
> will
> actually keep my house around 55-60 all through the winter.
> The owner
> also had the flues checked/lined as well. So in all its in
> good shape
> as far as usability. I have in the past used it to
> completely to heat
> the house a full winter and I have used it quite a bit in
> the past 3
> years to keep the gas bills at a minimal. So in all I am
> really pleased
> with it and would like to keep the setup as there is no
> problem with
> the insert/assembly/usability.
>
> The problem arises from the surrounding brick. Over the
> years the
> mantel front shelf area has begun to seperate from the main
> fireplace
> brick stack. I am planning this weekend to tear it down and
> to rebuild
> that section, from the floor up to the shelf with the insert
> pulled
> out. I am not overly afraid of this as I have done quite of
> bit of
> masonry work in the past including rebuilding 1-2 complete
> foundation
> walls and a complete large front porch. The main stack looks
> to be very
> solid. My main problem is mostly decorative in nature I
> guess.
>
> The brick is the small (2x4? type pavers) that have been
> painted
> multiple coats of white/off white and I want to spruce this
> area up as
> it is the centerpoint of the room or could be but also keep
> the
> functionality where it is at currently. I do not have any
> kind of floor
> hearth or ceramic at this point under the insert on the
> floor either
> and the room has been completely gutted and is currently in
> the final
> stages of finish up including moldings/paint/carpet. I would
> like to
> incorporate a Pennsylvania Slate color thats a river rock
> type look to
> the fireplace area as the adjoining hallway is going to be
> Pennsylvania
> Slate color scheme Ceramic Tile.
>
> So my question is the following;
>
> What ideas can I use to spruce this fireplace up besides
> what I have
> plan?

its a good plan.

>
> My plan is as follows, please chime in if you see anything
> wrong or
> have any suggestions, or ideas, pitfalls to avoid etc.
>
> 1) First I am removing the insert, cleaning the area , and
> removing all
> loose brick (aggresive to get all possible issues now and in
> the
> future).
>
> 2) Rebuild the problem shelf area from floor up.to shelf
>
> After this is where I go astray and can find no supporting
> info on
> except a little help from stone supply shop.

its just mortar... dont make it too watery... have fun. You
might want to drill the main stack and set some hooked rebar
in it a few inches to secure the mantle structure. being
careful not to create any cracks with the drilling.

its probably not necessary though.



>
> 3) I am going to build using (2X2s and 1X2s, wire mesh) a
> cage around
> the whole fireplace area. I am then going to apply a thin
> set of mortar
> all over the screen and let dry..

Id skip the wood, and mesh and go with solid stone myself.


>
> 4) Then I am going pick up my stone from the local stone
> supply. I have
> been told I can go 2 different ways here 1) Buy kit stone
> (lighter then
> real stone) and apply it. 2) Buy actual stone (by the pound)
> and use
> it. I am leaning to the By Actual stone as I get to pick out
> actual
> colors and it may be a little more inexpensive in the end
> but not by
> much. The kit stone is supposedly faster. The only negative
> for real
> stone is weight but my house is on a concrete slab, so I
> think this is
> really not a issue. Any feedback on this anyone?

use real stone.
kit stone looks good though. your call. depends on the
overall architecture.. kit stone will be cleaner..real stone
might look ancient in 10 years.
a mix maybe.



>
> 5) Attach the stone using mortar,etc and let dry.
>
> 6) Then grout the stone area in and it let dry.

probably use motar instead of grout. its stronger.
maybe you want to add a strenthener to the mix.



>
> 7) Ceramic tile or place a slate/granite hearth at the base
> under where
> the Insert would go to protect the carpet from fire role
> outs etc.

buy a book on fire places with pictures... look at dozens of
them, do it right dont just design it by what you think at the
time.


>
> 8) reinsert the fireplace insert
>
> 9) rebuild mantel wooden shelf from scratch and stain and
> install
>
> Then I will remold the rest of the room so I can paint and
> carpet.

>
> Anyone have any suggestions or ideas on what they have done
> in the past
> with their fireplace?
>
> Any good books,websites, or other media on this subject
> anyone know
> about?


click this link
http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=fireplace+pictures+stone+mantel&btnG=Google+Search

learn how to use googles web search function...notice the
search string I used, dream up yer own.

Phil Scott


>
> Thanks for the help,
> Chris
> SolomonMan
>



Posted by on July 7, 2006, 11:07 am
Phil and all,
Thanks for the advice/opinion.

I did some exact measurements and figures last night on the fireplace
and what I am looking at for square footage. The fireplace is basically
5 foot 1 inch By 8 foot with a shelf step that sticks out about one
foot at about 5 foot up for the mantel shelf so I am figuring that I
need about 50 square feet total +-10%..

I did some research this morning at the Local DIY stores and found some
Composite stone that fits the style I want and it happens to be on sale
as well. I am still not sure 100% whether to use real stone or not. At
first the composite stone was in the neighboorhood of about 500 dollars
just for the composite stone plus the incidentals. With the sale it
drops it to about 400 out the door plus incidentals. I think I am going
to let the price be the final decision as the stone composite comes
with a 50 year warranty. I have to run out to the stone place over
lunch and figure how many pounds per square foot it roughly it takes. I
am leaning towards the natural stone I think because of quick
availibility and I can pick Size and color so installation will be
easier.

I have run into a question that I can not get a straight out answer on.
I hope some one out here in the News Groups can help me with.

To repair the initial block that is coming loose what mortar should I
use to repair it, Can I safely use Quickrete Brand Premix Mortar?

I have to put a layer of material over the screen mesh, what should I
use. Should I use mortar and if so is standard Quickcrete Brand Premix
Mortar ok to use?

Also to Grout it in, I am wondring also what should I use? Should I use
mortar and if so is standard Quickcrete Brand Premix Mortar ok to use?

I was just going to use Quickrete brand mortar originally but did some
reading about the different mortars/masonry mixes and I read Type N can
be used for Chimney/Fireplace work so now I question what I should use
really. I called Quickrete and they told me none of their Products are
fire rated. I doubt it gets that warm really in the area I am working
except maybe mainly right next to the insert. The insert I have is a
big steal black box with front blower that detaches. I was told by the
DIY store that I can use the Quikrete Mortar premix to repair the
block. Does anyone have any opinion on this or Guidance?

Thanks,
Chris



Phil Scott wrote:
> > All,
> >
> > I have a early 1950's home with a fireplace that was I guess
> > used for
> > show mostly till about the late 80's. In the 80's the
> > previous owner
> > bought a really nice insert with multiple blowers etc that
> > will
> > actually keep my house around 55-60 all through the winter.
> > The owner
> > also had the flues checked/lined as well. So in all its in
> > good shape
> > as far as usability. I have in the past used it to
> > completely to heat
> > the house a full winter and I have used it quite a bit in
> > the past 3
> > years to keep the gas bills at a minimal. So in all I am
> > really pleased
> > with it and would like to keep the setup as there is no
> > problem with
> > the insert/assembly/usability.
> >
> > The problem arises from the surrounding brick. Over the
> > years the
> > mantel front shelf area has begun to seperate from the main
> > fireplace
> > brick stack. I am planning this weekend to tear it down and
> > to rebuild
> > that section, from the floor up to the shelf with the insert
> > pulled
> > out. I am not overly afraid of this as I have done quite of
> > bit of
> > masonry work in the past including rebuilding 1-2 complete
> > foundation
> > walls and a complete large front porch. The main stack looks
> > to be very
> > solid. My main problem is mostly decorative in nature I
> > guess.
> >
> > The brick is the small (2x4? type pavers) that have been
> > painted
> > multiple coats of white/off white and I want to spruce this
> > area up as
> > it is the centerpoint of the room or could be but also keep
> > the
> > functionality where it is at currently. I do not have any
> > kind of floor
> > hearth or ceramic at this point under the insert on the
> > floor either
> > and the room has been completely gutted and is currently in
> > the final
> > stages of finish up including moldings/paint/carpet. I would
> > like to
> > incorporate a Pennsylvania Slate color thats a river rock
> > type look to
> > the fireplace area as the adjoining hallway is going to be
> > Pennsylvania
> > Slate color scheme Ceramic Tile.
> >
> > So my question is the following;
> >
> > What ideas can I use to spruce this fireplace up besides
> > what I have
> > plan?
>
> its a good plan.
>
> >
> > My plan is as follows, please chime in if you see anything
> > wrong or
> > have any suggestions, or ideas, pitfalls to avoid etc.
> >
> > 1) First I am removing the insert, cleaning the area , and
> > removing all
> > loose brick (aggresive to get all possible issues now and in
> > the
> > future).
> >
> > 2) Rebuild the problem shelf area from floor up.to shelf
> >
> > After this is where I go astray and can find no supporting
> > info on
> > except a little help from stone supply shop.
>
> its just mortar... dont make it too watery... have fun. You
> might want to drill the main stack and set some hooked rebar
> in it a few inches to secure the mantle structure. being
> careful not to create any cracks with the drilling.
>
> its probably not necessary though.
>
>
>
> >
> > 3) I am going to build using (2X2s and 1X2s, wire mesh) a
> > cage around
> > the whole fireplace area. I am then going to apply a thin
> > set of mortar
> > all over the screen and let dry..
>
> Id skip the wood, and mesh and go with solid stone myself.
>
>
> >
> > 4) Then I am going pick up my stone from the local stone
> > supply. I have
> > been told I can go 2 different ways here 1) Buy kit stone
> > (lighter then
> > real stone) and apply it. 2) Buy actual stone (by the pound)
> > and use
> > it. I am leaning to the By Actual stone as I get to pick out
> > actual
> > colors and it may be a little more inexpensive in the end
> > but not by
> > much. The kit stone is supposedly faster. The only negative
> > for real
> > stone is weight but my house is on a concrete slab, so I
> > think this is
> > really not a issue. Any feedback on this anyone?
>
> use real stone.
> kit stone looks good though. your call. depends on the
> overall architecture.. kit stone will be cleaner..real stone
> might look ancient in 10 years.
> a mix maybe.
>
>
>
> >
> > 5) Attach the stone using mortar,etc and let dry.
> >
> > 6) Then grout the stone area in and it let dry.
>
> probably use motar instead of grout. its stronger.
> maybe you want to add a strenthener to the mix.
>
>
>
> >
> > 7) Ceramic tile or place a slate/granite hearth at the base
> > under where
> > the Insert would go to protect the carpet from fire role
> > outs etc.
>
> buy a book on fire places with pictures... look at dozens of
> them, do it right dont just design it by what you think at the
> time.
>
>
> >
> > 8) reinsert the fireplace insert
> >
> > 9) rebuild mantel wooden shelf from scratch and stain and
> > install
> >
> > Then I will remold the rest of the room so I can paint and
> > carpet.
>
> >
> > Anyone have any suggestions or ideas on what they have done
> > in the past
> > with their fireplace?
> >
> > Any good books,websites, or other media on this subject
> > anyone know
> > about?
>
>
> click this link
>
http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=fireplace+pictures+stone+mantel&btnG=Google+Search
>
> learn how to use googles web search function...notice the
> search string I used, dream up yer own.
>
> Phil Scott
>
>
> >
> > Thanks for the help,
> > Chris
> > SolomonMan
> >


Posted by Phil Scott on July 7, 2006, 7:31 pm


err...there comes a time when you have to use your own head.
you cant come onto a newsgroup like this and ask which end of
bubble to chew and expect ongoing response.



--
Phil Scott
Ideas are bullet proof.
> Phil and all,
> Thanks for the advice/opinion.
>
> I did some exact measurements and figures last night on the
> fireplace
> and what I am looking at for square footage. The fireplace
> is basically
> 5 foot 1 inch By 8 foot with a shelf step that sticks out
> about one
> foot at about 5 foot up for the mantel shelf so I am
> figuring that I
> need about 50 square feet total +-10%..
>
> I did some research this morning at the Local DIY stores and
> found some
> Composite stone that fits the style I want and it happens to
> be on sale
> as well. I am still not sure 100% whether to use real stone
> or not. At
> first the composite stone was in the neighboorhood of about
> 500 dollars
> just for the composite stone plus the incidentals. With the
> sale it
> drops it to about 400 out the door plus incidentals. I think
> I am going
> to let the price be the final decision as the stone
> composite comes
> with a 50 year warranty. I have to run out to the stone
> place over
> lunch and figure how many pounds per square foot it roughly
> it takes. I
> am leaning towards the natural stone I think because of
> quick
> availibility and I can pick Size and color so installation
> will be
> easier.
>
> I have run into a question that I can not get a straight out
> answer on.
> I hope some one out here in the News Groups can help me
> with.
>
> To repair the initial block that is coming loose what mortar
> should I
> use to repair it, Can I safely use Quickrete Brand Premix
> Mortar?
>
> I have to put a layer of material over the screen mesh, what
> should I
> use. Should I use mortar and if so is standard Quickcrete
> Brand Premix
> Mortar ok to use?
>
> Also to Grout it in, I am wondring also what should I use?
> Should I use
> mortar and if so is standard Quickcrete Brand Premix Mortar
> ok to use?
>
> I was just going to use Quickrete brand mortar originally
> but did some
> reading about the different mortars/masonry mixes and I read
> Type N can
> be used for Chimney/Fireplace work so now I question what I
> should use
> really. I called Quickrete and they told me none of their
> Products are
> fire rated. I doubt it gets that warm really in the area I
> am working
> except maybe mainly right next to the insert. The insert I
> have is a
> big steal black box with front blower that detaches. I was
> told by the
> DIY store that I can use the Quikrete Mortar premix to
> repair the
> block. Does anyone have any opinion on this or Guidance?
>
> Thanks,
> Chris
>
>
>
> Phil Scott wrote:
>> > All,
>> >
>> > I have a early 1950's home with a fireplace that was I
>> > guess
>> > used for
>> > show mostly till about the late 80's. In the 80's the
>> > previous owner
>> > bought a really nice insert with multiple blowers etc
>> > that
>> > will
>> > actually keep my house around 55-60 all through the
>> > winter.
>> > The owner
>> > also had the flues checked/lined as well. So in all its
>> > in
>> > good shape
>> > as far as usability. I have in the past used it to
>> > completely to heat
>> > the house a full winter and I have used it quite a bit in
>> > the past 3
>> > years to keep the gas bills at a minimal. So in all I am
>> > really pleased
>> > with it and would like to keep the setup as there is no
>> > problem with
>> > the insert/assembly/usability.
>> >
>> > The problem arises from the surrounding brick. Over the
>> > years the
>> > mantel front shelf area has begun to seperate from the
>> > main
>> > fireplace
>> > brick stack. I am planning this weekend to tear it down
>> > and
>> > to rebuild
>> > that section, from the floor up to the shelf with the
>> > insert
>> > pulled
>> > out. I am not overly afraid of this as I have done quite
>> > of
>> > bit of
>> > masonry work in the past including rebuilding 1-2
>> > complete
>> > foundation
>> > walls and a complete large front porch. The main stack
>> > looks
>> > to be very
>> > solid. My main problem is mostly decorative in nature I
>> > guess.
>> >
>> > The brick is the small (2x4? type pavers) that have been
>> > painted
>> > multiple coats of white/off white and I want to spruce
>> > this
>> > area up as
>> > it is the centerpoint of the room or could be but also
>> > keep
>> > the
>> > functionality where it is at currently. I do not have any
>> > kind of floor
>> > hearth or ceramic at this point under the insert on the
>> > floor either
>> > and the room has been completely gutted and is currently
>> > in
>> > the final
>> > stages of finish up including moldings/paint/carpet. I
>> > would
>> > like to
>> > incorporate a Pennsylvania Slate color thats a river rock
>> > type look to
>> > the fireplace area as the adjoining hallway is going to
>> > be
>> > Pennsylvania
>> > Slate color scheme Ceramic Tile.
>> >
>> > So my question is the following;
>> >
>> > What ideas can I use to spruce this fireplace up besides
>> > what I have
>> > plan?
>>
>> its a good plan.
>>
>> >
>> > My plan is as follows, please chime in if you see
>> > anything
>> > wrong or
>> > have any suggestions, or ideas, pitfalls to avoid etc.
>> >
>> > 1) First I am removing the insert, cleaning the area ,
>> > and
>> > removing all
>> > loose brick (aggresive to get all possible issues now and
>> > in
>> > the
>> > future).
>> >
>> > 2) Rebuild the problem shelf area from floor up.to shelf
>> >
>> > After this is where I go astray and can find no
>> > supporting
>> > info on
>> > except a little help from stone supply shop.
>>
>> its just mortar... dont make it too watery... have fun.
>> You
>> might want to drill the main stack and set some hooked
>> rebar
>> in it a few inches to secure the mantle structure. being
>> careful not to create any cracks with the drilling.
>>
>> its probably not necessary though.
>>
>>
>>
>> >
>> > 3) I am going to build using (2X2s and 1X2s, wire mesh) a
>> > cage around
>> > the whole fireplace area. I am then going to apply a thin
>> > set of mortar
>> > all over the screen and let dry..
>>
>> Id skip the wood, and mesh and go with solid stone myself.
>>
>>
>> >
>> > 4) Then I am going pick up my stone from the local stone
>> > supply. I have
>> > been told I can go 2 different ways here 1) Buy kit stone
>> > (lighter then
>> > real stone) and apply it. 2) Buy actual stone (by the
>> > pound)
>> > and use
>> > it. I am leaning to the By Actual stone as I get to pick
>> > out
>> > actual
>> > colors and it may be a little more inexpensive in the end
>> > but not by
>> > much. The kit stone is supposedly faster. The only
>> > negative
>> > for real
>> > stone is weight but my house is on a concrete slab, so I
>> > think this is
>> > really not a issue. Any feedback on this anyone?
>>
>> use real stone.
>> kit stone looks good though. your call. depends on the
>> overall architecture.. kit stone will be cleaner..real
>> stone
>> might look ancient in 10 years.
>> a mix maybe.
>>
>>
>>
>> >
>> > 5) Attach the stone using mortar,etc and let dry.
>> >
>> > 6) Then grout the stone area in and it let dry.
>>
>> probably use motar instead of grout. its stronger.
>> maybe you want to add a strenthener to the mix.
>>
>>
>>
>> >
>> > 7) Ceramic tile or place a slate/granite hearth at the
>> > base
>> > under where
>> > the Insert would go to protect the carpet from fire role
>> > outs etc.
>>
>> buy a book on fire places with pictures... look at dozens
>> of
>> them, do it right dont just design it by what you think at
>> the
>> time.
>>
>>
>> >
>> > 8) reinsert the fireplace insert
>> >
>> > 9) rebuild mantel wooden shelf from scratch and stain and
>> > install
>> >
>> > Then I will remold the rest of the room so I can paint
>> > and
>> > carpet.
>>
>> >
>> > Anyone have any suggestions or ideas on what they have
>> > done
>> > in the past
>> > with their fireplace?
>> >
>> > Any good books,websites, or other media on this subject
>> > anyone know
>> > about?
>>
>>
>> click this link
>>
http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=fireplace+pictures+stone+mantel&btnG=Google+Search
>>
>> learn how to use googles web search function...notice the
>> search string I used, dream up yer own.
>>
>> Phil Scott
>>
>>
>> >
>> > Thanks for the help,
>> > Chris
>> > SolomonMan
>> >
>



Posted by Mulan on July 8, 2006, 4:11 am
Why the metal mesh covered with mortar is that a safety thing to seal
out gas or something? I just put put in a gas insert and framed it and
then covered the frame with granite tile - why the mesh?
Phil Scott wrote:
> err...there comes a time when you have to use your own head.
> you cant come onto a newsgroup like this and ask which end of
> bubble to chew and expect ongoing response.
>
>
>
> --
> Phil Scott
> Ideas are bullet proof.
> > Phil and all,
> > Thanks for the advice/opinion.
> >
> > I did some exact measurements and figures last night on the
> > fireplace
> > and what I am looking at for square footage. The fireplace
> > is basically
> > 5 foot 1 inch By 8 foot with a shelf step that sticks out
> > about one
> > foot at about 5 foot up for the mantel shelf so I am
> > figuring that I
> > need about 50 square feet total +-10%..
> >
> > I did some research this morning at the Local DIY stores and
> > found some
> > Composite stone that fits the style I want and it happens to
> > be on sale
> > as well. I am still not sure 100% whether to use real stone
> > or not. At
> > first the composite stone was in the neighboorhood of about
> > 500 dollars
> > just for the composite stone plus the incidentals. With the
> > sale it
> > drops it to about 400 out the door plus incidentals. I think
> > I am going
> > to let the price be the final decision as the stone
> > composite comes
> > with a 50 year warranty. I have to run out to the stone
> > place over
> > lunch and figure how many pounds per square foot it roughly
> > it takes. I
> > am leaning towards the natural stone I think because of
> > quick
> > availibility and I can pick Size and color so installation
> > will be
> > easier.
> >
> > I have run into a question that I can not get a straight out
> > answer on.
> > I hope some one out here in the News Groups can help me
> > with.
> >
> > To repair the initial block that is coming loose what mortar
> > should I
> > use to repair it, Can I safely use Quickrete Brand Premix
> > Mortar?
> >
> > I have to put a layer of material over the screen mesh, what
> > should I
> > use. Should I use mortar and if so is standard Quickcrete
> > Brand Premix
> > Mortar ok to use?
> >
> > Also to Grout it in, I am wondring also what should I use?
> > Should I use
> > mortar and if so is standard Quickcrete Brand Premix Mortar
> > ok to use?
> >
> > I was just going to use Quickrete brand mortar originally
> > but did some
> > reading about the different mortars/masonry mixes and I read
> > Type N can
> > be used for Chimney/Fireplace work so now I question what I
> > should use
> > really. I called Quickrete and they told me none of their
> > Products are
> > fire rated. I doubt it gets that warm really in the area I
> > am working
> > except maybe mainly right next to the insert. The insert I
> > have is a
> > big steal black box with front blower that detaches. I was
> > told by the
> > DIY store that I can use the Quikrete Mortar premix to
> > repair the
> > block. Does anyone have any opinion on this or Guidance?
> >
> > Thanks,
> > Chris
> >
> >
> >
> > Phil Scott wrote:
> >> > All,
> >> >
> >> > I have a early 1950's home with a fireplace that was I
> >> > guess
> >> > used for
> >> > show mostly till about the late 80's. In the 80's the
> >> > previous owner
> >> > bought a really nice insert with multiple blowers etc
> >> > that
> >> > will
> >> > actually keep my house around 55-60 all through the
> >> > winter.
> >> > The owner
> >> > also had the flues checked/lined as well. So in all its
> >> > in
> >> > good shape
> >> > as far as usability. I have in the past used it to
> >> > completely to heat
> >> > the house a full winter and I have used it quite a bit in
> >> > the past 3
> >> > years to keep the gas bills at a minimal. So in all I am
> >> > really pleased
> >> > with it and would like to keep the setup as there is no
> >> > problem with
> >> > the insert/assembly/usability.
> >> >
> >> > The problem arises from the surrounding brick. Over the
> >> > years the
> >> > mantel front shelf area has begun to seperate from the
> >> > main
> >> > fireplace
> >> > brick stack. I am planning this weekend to tear it down
> >> > and
> >> > to rebuild
> >> > that section, from the floor up to the shelf with the
> >> > insert
> >> > pulled
> >> > out. I am not overly afraid of this as I have done quite
> >> > of
> >> > bit of
> >> > masonry work in the past including rebuilding 1-2
> >> > complete
> >> > foundation
> >> > walls and a complete large front porch. The main stack
> >> > looks
> >> > to be very
> >> > solid. My main problem is mostly decorative in nature I
> >> > guess.
> >> >
> >> > The brick is the small (2x4? type pavers) that have been
> >> > painted
> >> > multiple coats of white/off white and I want to spruce
> >> > this
> >> > area up as
> >> > it is the centerpoint of the room or could be but also
> >> > keep
> >> > the
> >> > functionality where it is at currently. I do not have any
> >> > kind of floor
> >> > hearth or ceramic at this point under the insert on the
> >> > floor either
> >> > and the room has been completely gutted and is currently
> >> > in
> >> > the final
> >> > stages of finish up including moldings/paint/carpet. I
> >> > would
> >> > like to
> >> > incorporate a Pennsylvania Slate color thats a river rock
> >> > type look to
> >> > the fireplace area as the adjoining hallway is going to
> >> > be
> >> > Pennsylvania
> >> > Slate color scheme Ceramic Tile.
> >> >
> >> > So my question is the following;
> >> >
> >> > What ideas can I use to spruce this fireplace up besides
> >> > what I have
> >> > plan?
> >>
> >> its a good plan.
> >>
> >> >
> >> > My plan is as follows, please chime in if you see
> >> > anything
> >> > wrong or
> >> > have any suggestions, or ideas, pitfalls to avoid etc.
> >> >
> >> > 1) First I am removing the insert, cleaning the area ,
> >> > and
> >> > removing all
> >> > loose brick (aggresive to get all possible issues now and
> >> > in
> >> > the
> >> > future).
> >> >
> >> > 2) Rebuild the problem shelf area from floor up.to shelf
> >> >
> >> > After this is where I go astray and can find no
> >> > supporting
> >> > info on
> >> > except a little help from stone supply shop.
> >>
> >> its just mortar... dont make it too watery... have fun.
> >> You
> >> might want to drill the main stack and set some hooked
> >> rebar
> >> in it a few inches to secure the mantle structure. being
> >> careful not to create any cracks with the drilling.
> >>
> >> its probably not necessary though.
> >>
> >>
> >>
> >> >
> >> > 3) I am going to build using (2X2s and 1X2s, wire mesh) a
> >> > cage around
> >> > the whole fireplace area. I am then going to apply a thin
> >> > set of mortar
> >> > all over the screen and let dry..
> >>
> >> Id skip the wood, and mesh and go with solid stone myself.
> >>
> >>
> >> >
> >> > 4) Then I am going pick up my stone from the local stone
> >> > supply. I have
> >> > been told I can go 2 different ways here 1) Buy kit stone
> >> > (lighter then
> >> > real stone) and apply it. 2) Buy actual stone (by the
> >> > pound)
> >> > and use
> >> > it. I am leaning to the By Actual stone as I get to pick
> >> > out
> >> > actual
> >> > colors and it may be a little more inexpensive in the end
> >> > but not by
> >> > much. The kit stone is supposedly faster. The only
> >> > negative
> >> > for real
> >> > stone is weight but my house is on a concrete slab, so I
> >> > think this is
> >> > really not a issue. Any feedback on this anyone?
> >>
> >> use real stone.
> >> kit stone looks good though. your call. depends on the
> >> overall architecture.. kit stone will be cleaner..real
> >> stone
> >> might look ancient in 10 years.
> >> a mix maybe.
> >>
> >>
> >>
> >> >
> >> > 5) Attach the stone using mortar,etc and let dry.
> >> >
> >> > 6) Then grout the stone area in and it let dry.
> >>
> >> probably use motar instead of grout. its stronger.
> >> maybe you want to add a strenthener to the mix.
> >>
> >>
> >>
> >> >
> >> > 7) Ceramic tile or place a slate/granite hearth at the
> >> > base
> >> > under where
> >> > the Insert would go to protect the carpet from fire role
> >> > outs etc.
> >>
> >> buy a book on fire places with pictures... look at dozens
> >> of
> >> them, do it right dont just design it by what you think at
> >> the
> >> time.
> >>
> >>
> >> >
> >> > 8) reinsert the fireplace insert
> >> >
> >> > 9) rebuild mantel wooden shelf from scratch and stain and
> >> > install
> >> >
> >> > Then I will remold the rest of the room so I can paint
> >> > and
> >> > carpet.
> >>
> >> >
> >> > Anyone have any suggestions or ideas on what they have
> >> > done
> >> > in the past
> >> > with their fireplace?
> >> >
> >> > Any good books,websites, or other media on this subject
> >> > anyone know
> >> > about?
> >>
> >>
> >> click this link
> >>
http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=fireplace+pictures+stone+mantel&btnG=Google+Search
> >>
> >> learn how to use googles web search function...notice the
> >> search string I used, dream up yer own.
> >>
> >> Phil Scott
> >>
> >>
> >> >
> >> > Thanks for the help,
> >> > Chris
> >> > SolomonMan
> >> >
> >


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