Mantel and Fireplace Remodel

This was a recent project for my daughter and son-in-law. It really included the remodeling of the entire living room, including replacement windows, total re-paint, and new chair and crown moulding. I am highlighting the fireplace because that is where most of the technical work was done. The starting point was a painted brick fireplace with flat trim around the brick and a plain mantel that extended about 1/2” beyond the face or the flat wood trim.

With a fair amount of sanding and stripping, the paint was removed from the brick. The wood was only sanded. I extended the nose on the mantel to provide for the trim and moulding. I then made two fluted columns and two plinth bases and attached everything to the existing flat trim. Once primed and painted, I refaced the brick on the fireplace with veneer stone and then trimmed to the edges of the stone with one last trim piece.

The entire living room had one coat of primer on all surfaces (except floor) and two coats of finish wall and trim paint. Chair rails and crown were then installed. There was also a fair amount of refitting and drilling done to the rear of the mantel and the right bookcase to allow for installation of their new home theater system. I think my daughter liked it:)

-- Bill G - West Springfield, MA