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Cheap Refacing

16 years ago

Hi all! We rent and have an ugly, bulky stone fireplace. I'd like to find some somewhat cheap way to cover it up since actually resurfacing it is kind of out of the question. (my landlord would let me, but at my own expense) I was considernig making basically a 'box' and attaching it over the front, but now I'm concerned that to keep the requisite 8-12" distance from the firebox, that the stone would have to show. I'd like whatever I do to not be truely perminant since this is a rental. Any suggestions?

Here are some photos:

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Comments (5)

SeattlePioneer
16 years ago
My bias would be to convince the landlord of the desirability of installing a gas fireplace insert for you. This would be a huge increase in the heating efficiency of the fireplace, provide an attractive feature for the home and an alternative source of heat should the furnace quit working.

Doing a little shopping at a fireplace shop might give yousome ideas to recommend and a ballpark idea of the cost.

It would get rid of the black steel and brass.
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fandlil
16 years ago
If I understand you correctly, you want to cover the stone fireplace surround because you do not like its looks. You might be able to have a sheet metal fabricator make a fireplace surround that will cover the stone facade. The metal could be powder coated in whatever color you wish, and it could be designed to stand on its own in front of the stone facade, but would not be attached to it. Such an item would probably cost about $300, a wild guess.
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Ok, few things. cabs are maple or birch. don't even consider Minwax for your floors. bottom of the barrel as far as quality goes. if you want the floors redone, call in pro refinisher. maybe think about doing a very light natural, using Bona system. I wouldn't go darker. Cabs themselves are fine. However, I'd want to change the countertops. You can try paint first, but if you want gray subway tile, consider changing out that black granite. these are a similar color. if you went darker on the walls like this, it would make the cabs really stand out. (lighter countertop though) Do a black pendant over the island. I even like the idea of painting just your island black. (but I'd redo the countertops. c-below) tried to give you a black island. for sure you'd need lighter countertops w/this look. if you must keep the black counters, you could try these pendants. There isn't one thing white in that kitchen. doing a white subway tile for the backsplash would look odd. And w/the more modern style, I think if you want white, do something other shape. but if you really want to change something start w/the countertop. I'd do something like this. lighter countertops. Maybe insert some glass in few of the uppers. similar cabs with marble (or a quartz marble) Here's your white subway, but notice the granite. The white tile compliments the granite. Putting white tile against your black countertop would look horrible. here's a light maple with medium gray quartz. It's meh. not much diff that what you have also like this for your pendant. (have you thought about changing your hardware?) if you don't like the dark charcoal paint color idea, here are some others. another option. lighter countertops and a back painted glass backsplash. you'll notice that most of these all have the same light floors like you have. spend your money on new countertops, lighting and backsplash if you want more of a drastic change. options for countertop
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lippysyd
Original Author
16 years ago
seattlepioneer: yeah, unfortunately that wouldn't work because there is no gas in this entire building. It's built on a slab and everything is electric. Not to mention they're having some serious money problems right now, so I don't think there is money for investment. That's why I was thinking of something we could do that wouldn't cost them anything.
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bill_g_web
16 years ago
Not abosultely sure this would pass code, but you might check into cutting cement board to fit over the existing sone veneer and then tiling it. Cement board is commonly used in bathrooms as a tile substrate that won't rot when wet. I assume it won't burn when heated either, and therefore allowed next to the firebox, but I'd check with your inspector.
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mildredpots
16 years ago
It looks like the black part(not sure if that is metal...tile or what) around your fireplace (between the doors and the stone) may be large enough to qualify as the fireproof area? Maybe paint the outside of the doors and the screen with high heat paint, then cover the stone. If that black surface is large enough, then you could probably go ahead with your "box" plan. If no, you maybe could make your box out of non combustible cement board. Here is a link which I hope helps.

Here is a link that might be useful: fireplace refacing
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