Stone Veneer Fireplace – Winchester, MA

At this home renovation in Winchester, MA, the original brick fireplace is looking outdated and the owners would like to replace it with a stone veneer fireplace.  The new fireplace will be built out from the wall, and carried to the ceiling to give a more substantial/authentic appearance that mimics a full height stone chimney.

Stone Veneer Fireplace – Installation

The first step is to build the firebox with brick and block.  Special fire brick goes inside the fireplace so that they won’t crack under heat, and concrete block is used to build the rest.  The upper portion of the fireplace face is carried to the ceiling with wood framing, and covered with cement board.  A reclaimed wooden barn beam will be installed as the mantle.  And a slab of blue granite will be used for the hearth.

Stone Fireplace – Thin Stone Veneer

Once the fireplace is blocked and framed, the veneer stone can be installed.  This particular stone is a thin veneer product.  The stone is sourced locally and then sawn to about 1″ thick at a manufacturing facility. The stones are then mortared right to the backing with a special high bond mortar.  Thin veneer can be cheaper and more convenient in certain situations, and, when done right can look just like natural, full thickness stone.

The veneer stone is fit tightly without mortar in the joints to give a dry laid look.  The stone must be fit carefully and often chipped and cut to achieve the tight joints.  We also try to keep the stones running mostly level to mimic an authentic stacked stone look.

Stone Veneer Fireplace – Completion

The veneer stone is carried to the ceiling, wrapped around the corners, and the fireplace is complete.  Electrical conduit and a mounting plate has been left for a tv, and the reclaimed mantle will be stained to match the surrounding wood.

The resulting fireplace will provide a handsome, central feature for this home with a timeless natural stone look.

Stone Veneer Fireplace, MA

Stone Veneer Fireplace, MA