DIY Fireplace Refacing: Easy Way to Upgrade on a Budget
Tired of that old fireplace?
Your outdated fireplace drags down your entire living space. Every time you look at those worn bricks or dated tiles, you feel stuck with an eyesore that ruins your home’s style. The quotes from contractors make your wallet cry.
I’ve got good news for you. You can give your fireplace a complete makeover without breaking the bank.
I’ll show you simple methods to update your fireplace using basic materials and tools in this guide.
From paint to stone panels, I’ll cover budget-friendly options that look expensive but aren’t. These changes can boost your home’s look and value in one weekend. Ready to recast that ugly fireplace?
Refacing – The Smart Way to Upgrade Your Fireplace
A fireplace update can refresh your entire living space. Refacing instead of rebuilding has a major visual impact, requires less work, and is less expensive.
Refacing your fireplace changes the look of your whole room. It is a focal point that catches the eye when anyone walks in. New materials on the front can shift the style from dated to modern in a single weekend.
Home buyers notice fireplaces right away. A fresh, updated fireplace makes your home more appealing to potential buyers. This small change can boost your property value more than you might expect.
The cost difference between refacing and rebuilding is huge. A full rebuild might cost thousands, while a DIY refacing project often stays under $500. You’ll save on labor costs, permits, and expensive structural work.
Refacing lets you keep what works while fixing what doesn’t. The basic structure stays put, but the look changes completely.
Tools & Materials for DIY Fireplace Refacing
| Category | Tool/Material | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Surface Preparation | Tape & Floor Protection | Protect the surrounding area and floor |
| Vacuum | Remove dirt and grime from the surface | |
| Ardex Feather Finish | Main resurfacing material for the fireplace | |
| Mixing & Application | Electronic Weight Scale | Measure precise mix ratio |
| Mixing Container & Stir Stick | Mix resurfacing material | |
| 6 & 12 Inch Taping Knife | Spread Ardex for a smooth surface | |
| Painting | Rust-Oleum High Heat Paint | Paint the interior firebox |
| Bear Chalk Paint | Create a whitewash effect | |
| Paintbrush (3-inch) | Apply paint smoothly | |
| Finishing | Finishing Trowel | Smooth out the Ardex application |
| Foam Roller | Apply paint evenly over the surface | |
| Caulk & Caulk Gun | Seal edges for a clean, finished look |
Step-by-Step DIY Fireplace Refacing Guide
Step 1: Prep Your Fireplace
Start by tapping off walls around your fireplace. Put drop cloths on the floor to catch spills. Vacuum the brick surface well to remove years of dust and dirt. Good prep work now means better results later.
Step 2: Gather Your Materials
For concrete overlay refacing, you’ll need Ardex Feather Finish, which works well on vertical surfaces. Get taping knives (6-inch and 12-inch), a finishing trowel, heat-resistant paint, chalk paint, brushes, rollers, and caulk. A small scale helps with exact mixing.
Step 3: Mix and Apply Overlay Material
Mix Ardex in small batches since it dries in about 15 minutes. Use your taping knives to spread the mixture over the brick. Fill all gaps for a smooth surface. Work quickly and use a finishing trowel at the end for an even finish.
Step 4: Paint the Fireplace Interior
While the overlay dries, paint inside the fireplace with heat-resistant paint. This paint can handle high temps up to 1200 degrees. Though optional, this step makes the whole project look more complete.
Step 5: Apply Your Chosen Finish
Mix equal parts chalk paint and water for a whitewash effect for a rustic look. For a clean, modern finish, apply a second layer of Ardex, then coat with full-strength chalk paint using a foam roller. Most surfaces need two coats for full coverage.
Step 6: Finishing Touches
Apply caulk where the fireplace meets the wall for a clean edge. Wipe the wall with a damp rag first, then apply caulk and remove excess for a crisp line. Consider adding a mantel as a final touch to complete your new fireplace look.
For a visual tutorial, refer to this video by BYOT :
Breaking Down the Cost of a Fireplace Reface
Refacing your fireplace yourself can save you hundreds or even thousands of dollars. Depending on size and materials, a pro job often costs between $1,500 and $5,000. By doing it yourself, you can cut that cost by 70-80%.
The biggest expense in a fireplace reface is labor. When you DIY, you pay only for materials. Paint costs $30-$50 per gallon. Peel-and-stick tiles run $5-$10 per square foot. Stone veneer sheets cost $8-$15 per square foot. Concrete overlay materials like Ardex run about $30-$50 per bag.
For a typical fireplace, your total material costs might be:
Paint method: $75-$100
Tile method: $100-$250
Stone veneer: $150-$350
Concrete overlay: $100-$200
Find budget-friendly supplies at big box stores like Home Depot and Lowe’s. Check their clearance sections for deals on tile and stone. Online marketplaces often have leftover materials from other projects at lower prices.
Conclusion
Updating your fireplace doesn’t need to drain your wallet or take weeks. With the right materials and some weekend work, you can change the whole look of your living space.
Remember to pick materials that match your style and budget. Take time with prep work. Let each layer dry fully before moving to the next step.
What’s next? Start by gathering ideas that fit your home. Make a list of materials needed for your project. Set aside a weekend when you won’t be rushed.
Do you have questions about your specific fireplace? Please post them in the comments below. I’d love to see your before-and-after photos, too!
Are you ready to start your own fireplace makeover? Your home’s warmth is waiting for a fresh new look.
