Natural Stone Fireplace Surround - Ottawa Case study. techniques, photos, masonry services. Stone fireplaces, cultured stone.

Case Study 1 - Chimney Repair Case Study 2 - Concrete Countertop Case Study 3 - Parging Examples, Tools & Techniques Case Study 4 - Fireplace Brick Replacement Case Study 5 - Tile Installation Case Study 6 - Chimney Flue Replacement Case Study 7 - Broken Concrete Step Case Study 8 - Brick Sill Creates Wall Damage Case Study 9 - Brick Retaining Wall Rebuild	Case Study 10 - Basement Window, Cut-out, installation Case Study 11 - Concrete Walkway, Landing Case Study 12 - Stone Wall Rebuild Case Study 13 - Stone Step Rebuild Case Study 14 - Fireplace Surround - Cultured Stone Case Study 15 - Stone Stair Rebuild - in Winter Case Study 16 - Fireplace Surround - Natural Stone Case Study 17 - Stone Retaining Wall Rebuild Case Study 18 - Dry-Stack Stone Retaining Wall Rebuild
Case Study 15 - Fireplace Surround - Natural Stone The Assignment: Restructure the wall, extending it to the ceiling. Remove the brick surround, adapt the firebox opening. Install the real stone surround. Remove the hearth tiles, replace with granite.
	Before Starting The floor is protected with a plastic/foam underlay and a canvas drop sheet. Plastic is draped over furniture, and doorways and vents sealed with plastic.
Opening the wall Two layers of wallboard are found: drywall, and plaster and lath. A wet-dry vac with a HEPA filter is used to clean up.
	Removing the brick surround We pulled the brick and some non-firebrick in the hearth. Firebrick and high-temperature cement was used to restructure the hearth opening.
Updating the wall We found old fibreglass insulation and removed it. We added a vapour barrier and ROXUL, fire-resistant insulation.
	Framing the new wall The new fireplace rises to the ceiling, with new framing. Blocking was added to the existing wall to add screw-in points.
Installing cement board Cement board, with concrete screws, was attached to the framing.
	Cutting stone Protection is required from the stone dust. All the cutting is done outside to keep the home clean.
Installing the natural stone This stone is made by the manufacturer, Real Stone. Panels of the stone are adhered with adhesive to the cement board. Each panel, except corners, measures a square foot. Cuts are required.
	Each row requires cuts Before building, we double-checked the floor's supports. All good.
Stone installed The fireplace's stones are now installed, with braces holding a final row.
	Final steps Here we removed the hearth's terra cotta tiles. The walls have been primed and are being repainted.
Completed A premium, black, granite hearth stone is now installed. The brass grill has been painted black with high temperature paint.

This page last modified: January 16 2011