Advice....gas fireplace insert......what to do with the area around it.

[Humphreyp]

Need help. Tile? Stone? More crummy brick........ideas? Sometimes we all can brainstorm on our own. But sometimes...we need help with ideas......this is what im working with......cape house so not mad sq ft in it.

[Kman]

Are you wanting the front of the insert flush with the brick, or would it set forward just a bit?

[Humphreyp]

I figure it would stand proud of the questionable surface.

I was thinking wood framework. Hardie. Transition tile. And tile. But could not find a worthy picture of such. Everything had wood millwork with mantel.

[muskymike]

Hi Patrick, if you are going to frame anything I would use metal studs. Use Durock to fill in and then tile or use stone.

[Humphreyp]

I agree with metal studs now that i think about it. Why durock an not hardi? Personal preference? Or heat related? Not too familiar with fireplace work.

[Igman]

I am looking at resurfacing a brick fireplace as well, so this has my interest. All this talk about heat got me thinking...

I was curious if you should not use a leveling system (plastic) on a fireplace? Would it be affected by the heat?

[BelkTile]

Your options are endless, glass mosaic, metal mosaic. Check out a couple of these pictures:

[Humphreyp]

They may be endless. But morphing into existing brick and tileing something other than more brick is a bit cosmetically challenging. The project is on hold at the moment because of this.

[ss3964spd]

Patrick, I covered my brick faced wood burning FP with natural slate, from the hearth to the ceiling, mortared directly to the brick with no grout lines. The slate works with the room design, and has been installed for probably 10 years now.

Your effort will be more challenging since there is some framing involved but, as Mike mentioned, metal studs and Durock will do the trick.

[Humphreyp]

I didn't think of going over the entire brick with new material.

That changes things. Framing is whatever. Easy

[ss3964spd]

Before and afters of mine, Patrick, just for visual reference. I had to remove some bricks in order to run the conduit, electrical, and install the box, but I reinstalled them after that before installing the slate. We did have a new door set made but have no photos of it.