Hi all! I haven't visited in several years, but have been happily burning my Regency insert. I wanted to share my fireplace remodel and maybe provide some tips for anyone contemplating the same thing.
We had a contractor remodel our complete first floor this year. Our fireplace was very dated and we hated the bricks. I researched several alternatives including several different types of imitation stone. Brochures looked great, but seeing the products in person left a lot to be desired. We ended up choosing a natural stone ledge rock since we were trying to pull out grays with our remodel. I also wanted to do a dry stack, but ended up using some mortar between the thin joints.
Since this area is narrow, I wanted the TV mounted above the mantle, knowing this is not the ideal spot, but I wanted to have full view while in my kitchen...think long area. I asked the contractor to remove a few bricks to recess an outlet. Long story short, from my existing mantle to the ceiling brick facade was not attached to anything on the exterior structure. Approximately 3 1/2 feet needed to be removed, which suited my wife and I since I really wanted sheet rock above the new mantle.
After choosing a stone, I contacted three masons and only one returned my call. He wanted $2,400 labor only. Being the cheapskate that I am, I ended up tackling the project myself. Total cost of the materials were about $820, which included the hearth, stone, veneer cement and some blades.
I also made the mantle and recessed some low voltage LED lights that are controlled by a remote control with dimming capabilities! Total cost was about $120. The new mantle sits approximately 3" off the stone and is removed with one slip bolt which hides the wiring.
Due to some major construction issues(cabinets, new hardwood flooring...) I wasn't able to have a real fire until the other night. No stone fell off, so I guess I did it correctly!
Keep in mind, every stone was cut! I also cut the surround down so more of the natural stone could be seen.
My outdated fireplace!
Added extra bricks that were not attached to anything and brought it up to the wooden beam.
Removed one course of brick so the new hearth would lineup with the insert. No easy feat here and a lot of thought went into this..lol.
Scratch coat added for the new veneer stone to adhere to.
Half done...
My daughter goofing around! Here you can see my antique trunk that I turned into a wood bin. I added a plywood insert which should be able to hold 2 days worth of wood.
We had a contractor remodel our complete first floor this year. Our fireplace was very dated and we hated the bricks. I researched several alternatives including several different types of imitation stone. Brochures looked great, but seeing the products in person left a lot to be desired. We ended up choosing a natural stone ledge rock since we were trying to pull out grays with our remodel. I also wanted to do a dry stack, but ended up using some mortar between the thin joints.
Since this area is narrow, I wanted the TV mounted above the mantle, knowing this is not the ideal spot, but I wanted to have full view while in my kitchen...think long area. I asked the contractor to remove a few bricks to recess an outlet. Long story short, from my existing mantle to the ceiling brick facade was not attached to anything on the exterior structure. Approximately 3 1/2 feet needed to be removed, which suited my wife and I since I really wanted sheet rock above the new mantle.
After choosing a stone, I contacted three masons and only one returned my call. He wanted $2,400 labor only. Being the cheapskate that I am, I ended up tackling the project myself. Total cost of the materials were about $820, which included the hearth, stone, veneer cement and some blades.
I also made the mantle and recessed some low voltage LED lights that are controlled by a remote control with dimming capabilities! Total cost was about $120. The new mantle sits approximately 3" off the stone and is removed with one slip bolt which hides the wiring.
Due to some major construction issues(cabinets, new hardwood flooring...) I wasn't able to have a real fire until the other night. No stone fell off, so I guess I did it correctly!
Keep in mind, every stone was cut! I also cut the surround down so more of the natural stone could be seen.
My outdated fireplace!
Added extra bricks that were not attached to anything and brought it up to the wooden beam.
Removed one course of brick so the new hearth would lineup with the insert. No easy feat here and a lot of thought went into this..lol.
Scratch coat added for the new veneer stone to adhere to.
Half done...
My daughter goofing around! Here you can see my antique trunk that I turned into a wood bin. I added a plywood insert which should be able to hold 2 days worth of wood.
I would love to do something just like you have so masterfully done. You deserve congratulations on your fine work, and all the money saved by doing it yourself. 
