skip to main content

Fireplaces Design Dilemma

Stone fireplace mantel

3 years ago

We have ripped out our fireplace and are replacing with split face stone all the way to the ceiling (18ft). The contractor wants to put up the mantel first and stone tile around it. I don’t agree. I think the stone should be completely applied. Then a cleat should be made to be bolted to the stone and
the mantel(with back cut out) should be applied over this and mailed to the cleat. Any comments or suggestions?
I’ve added pictures of the basic structure of the fireplace as well as the tile and wood floor samples.

Comments (3)

PRO
COASTROAD Hearth & Patio
3 years ago
Hi Mary Ann. I saw the photos in the other post. You have probably figured out already that this isn't the best place for fireplace advice. However, from an installation standpoint, it is much preferable to install a mantel shelf first, then the stone. Beyond, that I don't see any issues.

By the way, triple wall chimney pipe is very rarely used on fireplaces anymore, and was never used on gas fireplaces , which is what i am guessing you have. Best wishes on your project. If you feel you would like further explanation, you can contact me directly.
Mary Ann Stone thanked COASTROAD Hearth & Patio
Jesse Fay
3 years ago
your contractor is correct, always put up the mantel first. there are so many issues with putting a mantel over stone including gaps and trying to level it on an uneven surface (like splitstone). plus in 10 years if you decide to change it, only the stone has to come off, not your entire mantel. I did my mantel first and then the stone and I have no regrets.
Mary Ann Stone thanked Jesse Fay
Related Discussions
fieldstone fireplace surround
Q
Comments (11)
The generic term for what you're seeking is "stone veneer." Lots (and lots and lots) of companies sell their own version. Most are a cast product modeled off natural stone, rather than a true stone product. The company we got our stone from is Canyon Stone. Under "Products" look at their Field Stone line, or maybe even Cobble Stone. I appreciated that they will do custom color jobs. E.g. I ordered 30% more brown in my batch, and it was no extra charge. The style I chose is a dry stack, so my installation charges are higher than what I suspect yours would be (larger stones, mortar space, fewer custom cuts). Bids ran $6 - $14 per sq. ft. installed with a dry stack style.
...See More
Identifying stone on fireplace mantel
Q
Comments (5)
Check it with a magnet; They were very crafty at painting cast iron to look exactly like fine marble (and they had amazing foundry and machining skills). With the inherent weakness of marble, that is no disadvantage, if it looks as good in person as it does on the screen. If it is stone, I would be worried that whatever mechanical fasteners keep the tablet attached to the facing is stressing the material a lot when it is moved. I restored a 1850's pink marble mantel made up of a handful of pieces, many of which had broken/fragmented, and the only thing that had held it together was a cement of plaster of paris, and the tablet was basically held down by the wall plaster that it was set into. Cast iron does not have any of those weaknesses. Casey
...See More
Stone fireplace mantel?
Q
Comments (0)
Which color would you recommend for a stone fireplace mantel, white or black? Thanks
...See More
Mantel or no mantel with stone fireplace?
Q
Comments (12)
Sorry, but that is 'stone' that is made using light weight concrete. If you touch it, it might feel like stone but it's not. You can add a mantle. You can purchase them already made if you like on Amazon, but the hard part is that the wood has to be scribed to the face of the stone and that will take a skilled carpenter to do that. Here are some options to bring the room out of the 70's. You can Limewash over the stone if you would like a lighter tone.
...See More
Mary Ann Stone
Original Author
3 years ago
Tom and Jesse thank you so much for your replies. Once my husband explained exactly what the contractor wanted to do with the mantel, I agreed

.Tom- the chimney pipe has been approved by both the fireplace manufactor and the inspector. It is not a triple pipe. The fireplace is gas and was installled six years ago. We slimed it down because it was massively wide and stuck out 2 and half feet from the wall eating up the room. We plan on putting built in cabinets on each side with shelving above to help balance the height of the fireplace. Our house is a second home in the woods of Michigan so we are going for a rustic vibe. I was suprised at the comments here on houzz that said ritz grey splitstone was outdated. I see it everywhere on design sites. Oh well that is what my husband and I like so that's what it will be. :)

Sign Up to Comment

Related Stories

FIREPLACES 9 Inventive Materials for Memorable Fireplace Mantels

By The Inman Company

Bypass plain brick in favor of these choice materials, for a fireplace mantel that's anything but ordinary

FIREPLACES Painted Fireplace Mantels Add Pizzazz

By Love Your Room LLC

These 10 fireplace mantels show how a new coat of paint can create focal-point flair in your interior design

DECORATING GUIDES Mantel Makeover: From Builder's Grade to Live-Edge Wood

By Becky Harris

See how an all-wrong mantel became a gorgeous fireplace focal point at the hands of an interior designer and her carpenter

DECORATING GUIDES Decorating the Mantel: Create a Fireplace Focal Point

By Vanessa Brunner

If the "haphazard disarray" school of style has your mantel as a student, consider these techniques for a more artfully balanced arrangement

DECORATING GUIDES 10 Inspired Ways to Refresh Your Mantel Now

By Charmean Neithart Interiors

Postholiday blahs don't stand a chance on your mantel when you incorporate these ways to accessorize and light it

DECORATING GUIDES 11 Tips for Picture-Perfect Mantel Styling All Year

By Natalie Myers

The garland is gone; the holly is history. But you can keep your mantel arrangements artful no matter which decorations you choose next

FIREPLACES 10 Unexpected Ways to Style a Gorgeous Fall Mantel

By Laura Gaskill

Been there, done that with the pumpkins and corncobs? Try these wonderfully fresh ideas for a beautifully decorated mantel this autumn

HOLIDAYS Houzz Call: Show Us Your Holiday Mantel

By Becky Harris

Do reindeer prance or lights dance above your fireplace during the holidays? Share your decorated mantel with us

TRIM How to Fix a Mirror-Above-the-Mantel Dilemma

By No. 29 Design

Got an unmovable mirror over your fireplace? Use trim to turn it into a feature that will turn heads

HOLIDAYS Houzz Call: Show Us Your Decorated Holiday Mantel

By Annie Thornton

Share your festive fireplace stylings with the Houzz community in the Comments!

Sponsored

MCR ROMERO WORK LLC

Innovative & Creative General Contractors Servicing Franklin County

More Discussions

Formal living room

140

Walkway Around Raised Beds

17

What color trim, shutters, and front door would look best?

9

front of house square landscape design

11

Medium-Sized Tile on Shower Floor??

7