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    Home » DIY » Brick Fireplace Makeover

    Brick Fireplace Makeover

    Published by Gail | Published February 2, 2010 | Updated October 3, 2020
    As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

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    I'm so happy my brick fireplace makeover is done! It makes me smile every time I look at it.
    pretty white fireplace
    after
    before
    Wow! Isn't this brick fireplace makeover amazing? How did I put up with that look for so many years?
    brick fireplace makeover
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    brick fireplace makeover
    fireplace makeover
    fireplace makeover
    ugly fireplace makeover
    designing the brick fireplace makeover
    This is the right side of the hearth before. . .
    After I enclosed the hearth with underlayment. That ugly floor area is no longer visible!
    A look at how I used the thin plywood to make a new facade over the brick.
    After which I added a 1x6 for the brick fireplace makeover.
    I love the new look so much!
    fireplace after
    100_5739
    I always,   a.l.w.a.y.s. hated the concrete hearth. It was suppose to be stone, not two slabs of concrete with a seam.
    Please remember I am not a decorator. I used what I have at the house to show off my new mantel. I'm sure I will change it up many, many times before I settle in to something I really like.
    Below is the cost break down. It's more than I expected, but overall, I guess it's not too bad.

    Cost of Brick Fireplace Makeover

    Would I do it again?! You bet! I was so tired of all that dirty brick and concrete!
    Crown Molding (mantel)  8.96
    Crown Molding (ceiling)  12.32
    Lauan 2 sheets  10.28 ea  20.56
    ½ x ¾ Molding (2 pieces for mantel, 1 for hearth) 8’, 8’, 9’ .42 lf  10.50
    2x4’s 9’ free (curb finds) -0-
    1x4’s (3) 6’ 2.78 ea 8.34
    Screen pine trim 24’, 40’   .59 lf  37.76
    1x6 (2) to cover sides of brick on left and right sides  6’  5.27 ea  10.54
    Quarter round  9’  .42 lf  3.78
    Kilz  1 gallon  12.00 (estimated)  12.00
    Semi gloss paint  1 gallon  12.00 (estimated)  12.00
    Black paint  1 qt  7.55  .55
    Wooden applique  free (thanks Jamie)  0-
    Vent 5.00
    Glass shades for light fixtures  2 free (thanks Sherry) -0-
    grand total  149.31
    Misc (caulk, spackling,nails, wood glue, liquid nails)
    If you have any questions, comments please contact me through my e-mail or a comment below.
    EDITED TO ADD:  As of Summer 2010, my fireplace mantel looks like this:
    The fireplace screen? It was brass, and I painted it! See how to paint a brass fireplace screen.
    This has to be my favorite project of all time. I wanted a change for so long and I did it all myself (from scratch). It still makes me smile when I look at it!
    fireplace-makeover-Christmas-mantel
    Christmas 2015 See the easy shutter fireplace screen here.
    How about another update? Summer 2019, AFTER I installed floating laminate flooring! See the easy window project here.
    gail

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    You can check out my other posts here:
    how to faux wood mantel
    painted brick fireplace
    give a brick fireplace a wooden facade
    fireplace pt 4
    adding trim to a wooden fireplace facade
    almost there
    If your fireplace just needs a paint update, be sure to check out Thrift Diving's How to Paint an Old Brick Fireplace.
    beforeAndAfterButton
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    1. Suzanne

      September 22, 2014 at 12:26 pm

      Gail, I love this transformation and am looking to do something similar with a 12ft wall of brick and a 15" raised hearth. My concern is that I still want to use my fireplace. Was thinking of switching it over to gas. Are you still able to use yours? Thanks!

      Reply
      • gail@myrepurposedlife.com

        September 22, 2014 at 11:05 pm

        No, mine is no longer a working fireplace (due to the wooden hearth) If you could do some other treatment to your hearth....oh wait--my mantel is wooden also. But I guess many people have wooden mantels, right?
        good luck!
        gail

    2. NOREEN MAGUIRE TERLECKI

      August 27, 2013 at 9:22 am

      YOU ARE AWESOME...I LOVE SEEING WHAT YOU DO...THE FIREPLACE IS BREATHTAKING...

      Reply
    3. marla

      February 11, 2011 at 11:30 pm

      Sooooo pretty!! White, crisp & clean. Just the way I like it 😉

      Reply
    4. I Play Outside The Box

      December 21, 2010 at 11:30 am

      Wow...you are so talented!!! That is just beautiful!

      Reply
    5. Carmel @ Our Fifth House

      December 16, 2010 at 5:07 pm

      This is a beautiful transformation! Found you through House of Grace, and I'm now a new follower!

      xo- Carmel

      Reply
    6. Michelle @Shellsshabbyshack

      November 15, 2010 at 3:01 pm

      Oh my! Gail, this is beautiful! I'm amazed at all the projects you take on and how well they turn out. This is a TOTAL transformation. You are such an inspiration. I was just looking at your kitchen makeover and popped over here. Beautiful!

      Reply
    7. forever lost

      October 21, 2010 at 1:46 pm

      OH MY! I just took pictures of my fireplace in our paneled family room, my husband loves the paneling...it is suppose to be very good stuff, I just think it looks like a man cave...love your fireplace...
      hope you have time to come by...I just put up pics of my kitchen and well I didnt do it quiet as professionally as you! but it does look better!

      Reply
    8. Linda

      October 14, 2010 at 7:02 pm

      This is really a fabulous transformation! Really updated the space! Thanks for sharing!

      Reply
    9. High Street Cottage

      October 14, 2010 at 3:10 pm

      I have been wanting to paint the wood on our fireplace since we moved in years ago. But my husband is dead set against it, as he loves the natural wood. So, I can tell you, I'm pretty jealous right now of your lovely white fresh mantel(wink) Fantastic job!

      Reply
    10. aceyaces

      September 25, 2010 at 8:52 pm

      Love your fireplace. I need to paint mine too and I was just wondering what white paint you used? Brand and color. Thanks so much!

      Reply
    11. Samantha2818

      September 25, 2010 at 8:31 am

      You did an amazing job - your fireplace looks fantastic.
      We want to change our surround but don't want to ruin it so are thinking about covering it instead - it's such a good idea to do this.
      ~Sam

      Reply
    12. My Blessed Serendipity Life

      September 25, 2010 at 3:38 am

      It looks so nice and fresh now. Good job!

      -Danielle

      Reply
    13. Bella

      September 16, 2010 at 12:11 am

      Oh wow, I wonder if your tutorial will work to cover up my ugly marble fireplace. Oh that would be great, I can't wait to look over your steps, and see all the rest of your most popular posts. So glad I found you!!!

      Reply
    14. Michelle

      August 21, 2010 at 10:36 pm

      Awesome transformation! You did a wonderful job!!! :o)

      Reply
    15. maría cecilia

      May 30, 2010 at 12:38 am

      Hola Gail, it`s so nice being in your beautiful blog for my first time and finding such a great job you did in your fireplace, I have liked it very much.
      Greetings from Chile,
      Maria Cecilia
      p.s. I found you at Shaunna`s Perfectly imperfect blog!

      Reply
    16. Rasmussen Family

      March 24, 2010 at 3:46 am

      You did an absolute beautiful job. I am in the middle of a fireplace redo and have only tackled painting it. Your fireplace is exactly what I had envisioned for mine but didn't know where to start. I am going to use all your ideas and suggestions as I build the mantel. How did you attach your boards to the brick? Liquid nail??? Thanks so much for your detailed pictures

      Reply
    17. Shannon

      March 14, 2010 at 11:04 pm

      This looks GREAT! We have a gray stone fireplace that runs the length of our room... I SOOO want to do something with it! I think it will be a hard sell to my husband though!

      Reply
    18. oneblessedmama

      February 27, 2010 at 2:58 am

      OH GIRLFRIEND! (can I call you that?) You have SO shown me what in the world I can do to cover my ugly brick , head injury-waiting-to-happen-cause-I-have-3-lil-boys- hearth! AGH!!!!!!!!!! It is now on my to do list!

      Reply
    19. The DIY Show Off

      February 18, 2010 at 1:47 pm

      You did an awesome job! It's gorgeous and I can't believe it's the same fireplace. Amazing. I love it!

      Roeshel

      Reply
    20. Kimm at Reinvented

      February 15, 2010 at 2:31 am

      Oh my gosh, Gail, it's even better than I'd imagined!! 🙂 Well done, my friend, well done.

      Reply
    21. Katie

      February 11, 2010 at 3:42 pm

      WOW, that looks awesome!! And I agree with one of your other readers, I think the cost was a bargain considering the end result!

      Reply
    22. Kelly

      February 11, 2010 at 2:53 am

      Wow! I love this! We have a mantel similar to yours (which we love), but it is an oak wood color, which we hate, and the brick is a red. It doesn't fit with our style at all, and we were trying to figure out what to do with it. I love the idea of a white mantel with a black-painted brick. Thanks for the inspiration!

      Reply
    23. Remodelaholic

      February 09, 2010 at 5:25 pm

      Thanks for sharing this is such a transformation! You did a great job! I love how bright and cheerful it is!

      Reply
    24. Chari

      February 09, 2010 at 3:07 pm

      Hi Gail...

      Ohhh my gosh...you did an awesome job with your fireplace! I love how it looks now...much more formal! I love how you added the mouldings to the front of the wood panels...gorgeous! What a fabulous transformation and to think that you did all this by yourself...Girl, I am sooo impressed!!! You sure will have fun decorating that pretty mantel! I agree with you...a large mirror and varying sized of candleholders will be very pretty!!! What an incredible project and my friend, you pulled it off with such finesse!!! Thank you so much for linking up with Sunday Favorites!

      I do apologize at being so late to get by for a visit but I have really been enjoying my daughter and five grandbabies visit! Thank you again for joining in with the fun of Sunday Favorites!

      Warmest winter wishes,
      Chari @Happy To Design

      PS...was just thinking about the expense of your mantel redo...I think that $149 was an excellent price! Wow...talk about getting "bang for your buck"!!! Girl, you did GREAT!!!

      Reply
    25. Denise

      February 08, 2010 at 2:20 pm

      This is a fabulous makeover! This updated the whole room@!

      Reply
    26. fawnda

      February 07, 2010 at 11:37 pm

      That is absolutely BEATUIFUL! Wonderful job! I love it! : )

      Reply
    27. Lori E

      February 07, 2010 at 6:28 pm

      I didn't see any tile or cement board on your list.
      I would hate for your hearth to catch fire. A hearth needs to be fireproof when that close to the fire box.
      That being said it does look fabulous. Sorry if I am being a downer but I want you to be safe.

      Reply
    28. Lori E

      February 07, 2010 at 6:28 pm

      I didn't see any tile or cement board on your list.
      I would hate for your hearth to catch fire. A hearth needs to be fireproof when that close to the fire box.
      That being said it does look fabulous. Sorry if I am being a downer but I want you to be safe.

      Reply
    29. RainGardener

      February 07, 2010 at 5:12 pm

      What a beautiful job you did on your fireplace. It looks great!!!

      Reply
    30. Nicole@CraftySisters-nc

      February 07, 2010 at 3:35 am

      This turned out great! You inspired and continue to inspire me! Thanks for sharing this fun journey!
      :)Nicole

      Reply
    31. Happy To Be/ Gl♥ria

      February 07, 2010 at 2:38 am

      This is just awesome girl...thanks for sharing...hugs and smiles Gl♥ria

      Reply
    32. Diann

      February 07, 2010 at 2:32 am

      Very nice redo! It turned out wonderful!

      Reply
    33. Stefanie

      February 06, 2010 at 7:56 am

      Incredible!!! SUCH a HUGE change!!!

      Reply
    34. Dining Delight

      February 05, 2010 at 11:38 pm

      Oh! I love this! Our fireplace looks so similar to yours only we have painted it white already. I need hubby to look at what you have done with the bottom half of yours! Have fun decorating your mantel - it is great to be able to change it up how you want!

      DD

      Reply
    35. Maryann @ Domestically-Speaking

      February 05, 2010 at 8:24 pm

      Drooling... LOVE IT! You did a great job... love the white and black contrast... and molding... always adore that. Thanks for joining the Power of Paint Party!

      Reply
    36. Jen C.

      February 05, 2010 at 5:28 pm

      Wow! I am soooo showing this to my husband! Ours is coming along, but what this could do!!! Thanks for sharing your inspiration, and also the details. That was a lot of work and it is amazing!

      Reply
    37. Ericka

      February 05, 2010 at 4:50 pm

      Love the after! Total transformation...and it must feel great to know you did it yourself! Great Job!

      Reply
    38. Tammy@InStitches

      February 05, 2010 at 3:51 pm

      I am a HUGE fan of painted brick, it looks so nice. Great job !

      Reply
    39. Andy Porter

      February 05, 2010 at 3:45 pm

      It's stunning!!! Great job! I bet it feels like a completely different house!! You rock!!

      Reply
    40. Beth@The Stories of A to Z

      February 05, 2010 at 3:08 pm

      Oh my goodness! How beautiful and for so little money! You should be proud of yourself :). As far as decorating your mantel goes, check out all of my mantel review parties for some quick inspiration. I am continually inspired by what everyone comes up with each week. Thanks so much for linking up!

      Reply
    41. Kandi

      February 05, 2010 at 6:53 am

      You do very nice work. I love the detail. Simply beautiful.

      Reply
    42. Emily @ Frilly Details

      February 03, 2010 at 8:50 pm

      SOOOOOOO pretty!! Great job 🙂

      Reply
    43. Kirsty

      February 03, 2010 at 7:08 pm

      Gail! Wow! It seriously looks amazing! I bet you can hardly stand it! I love it. You did great!

      Reply
    44. Kathy

      February 03, 2010 at 3:34 pm

      Absolutely, beautifully amazing! What a great transformation.

      Reply
    45. Marianne@Songbird

      February 03, 2010 at 6:11 am

      Stunning makeover! It looks so nice built in that way as if it always was meant to be.

      Reply
    46. Mama Thompson

      February 03, 2010 at 4:57 am

      Amazing transformation...looks wonderful!

      Reply
    47. jeanne

      February 03, 2010 at 6:34 am

      Gail, your fireplace looks fabulous. The detail is lovely. A far cry better than the before. Good for you on doing such a wonderful makeover. The best part is how reasonable it was. Beautiful incredible difference.

      Hugs, Jeanne

      Reply
    48. junkermidge

      February 03, 2010 at 1:08 am

      Gail, your fireplace turned out spectacular. And the way you dressed it up is just fine. I'd like to see anyone get a fireplace that gorgeous for $150.00 You rock!
      Midge

      Reply
    49. Kim

      February 02, 2010 at 11:03 pm

      Very nice transformation. You turned it from old and tired to new and crisp!

      Reply
    50. Condo Blues

      February 02, 2010 at 10:28 pm

      An amazing transformation. Good job! Is it a working fireplace?

      Reply
    51. Betty (picture circa 1951)

      February 02, 2010 at 8:37 pm

      What a great improvement! Good job.

      Reply
    52. Katherine @ Grass Stains

      February 02, 2010 at 8:25 pm

      It looks WONDERFUL and like you spent WELL MORE than what you spent on it. So crisp and clean, and great for all seasons. Great job!

      Reply
    53. Pam

      February 02, 2010 at 4:24 pm

      Beautiful! It turned out so good and you did a great job. Cost was not bad for what you did either, it would have cost a lot more to have someone do it for you! You rock.

      Reply
    54. Marla at Always Nesting

      February 02, 2010 at 3:30 pm

      Can we all yell FABULOUS!!! Amazing redo. You are so talented.

      Reply
    55. Marla at Always Nesting

      February 02, 2010 at 3:30 pm

      Can we all yell FABULOUS!!! Amazing redo. You are so talented.

      Reply
    56. white flower design

      February 02, 2010 at 2:33 pm

      Great job - its came out so wonderful. Gotta love that budget! All the best, Lori

      Reply
    57. Julie @ followyourheartwoodworking

      February 02, 2010 at 2:04 pm

      You did a fantastic job and I'm sure you have inspired many others to do something similar in their own homes. I agree, you should post it everywhere you can find!

      Reply
    58. The Chisholms

      February 02, 2010 at 1:47 pm

      It looks WONDERFUL!!! I may have to use some of your tips and tricks soon for myself!!! Congratulations on a job verrrrry well done!

      Reply
    59. Wendy

      February 02, 2010 at 1:24 pm

      Beautiful! It looks so fresh and inviting now!

      Reply
    60. Treasia Stepp

      February 02, 2010 at 5:50 am

      What a beautiful transformation. You should be so proud of yourself and now it's time to rest and enjoy it. Just gorgeous.

      Reply
    61. Ashleigh

      February 02, 2010 at 5:33 am

      This is so cool! I dream of re-doing my mantle but have always thought it would be way to expensive. I love your little spreadsheet of costs because it showed me this project doesn't have to be too far off.

      Reply
    62. Get Your Martha On

      February 02, 2010 at 4:24 am

      Wow - lighter and brighter! Great job.

      Reply
    63. Destination Seaborn

      February 02, 2010 at 4:17 am

      Nice work! I love all the molding and lights! You should be very proud of yourself! Your fireplace looks much better! Lisa

      Reply
    64. Corn in My Coffee Pot

      February 02, 2010 at 3:35 am

      well, can I just say it?

      B- E- A- YOOtiful!
      Great job and I love that you did for so little money.

      those are the things that 'wow' me.
      making something beautiful with so little.
      again , great job.

      Reply
    65. Colleen

      February 02, 2010 at 3:25 am

      Oh. My. Gosh. It is JUST gorgeous! I can't believe you knocked out such a massive project in such a short time and for so little! Way to go!!
      I hate my fireplace--will you come here next?!

      Reply
    66. Suzanne

      February 02, 2010 at 2:38 am

      Wow. That is so amazing. It looks fabulous. I cannot believe you did all that for under $150.

      Reply
    67. Judi

      February 02, 2010 at 2:26 am

      Gail, Your fireplace makeover is amazing! I love what you did to update and change from the drab to the dazzling. You must be so elated with the results. You give us so much hope...that we can accomplish just about anything no matter the size of the project.
      ~judi 😉

      Reply
    68. P@nmyfreetime.blogspot.com

      February 02, 2010 at 2:11 am

      wow that is an amazing transformation! i love the new look! i would be standing in front of it all the time and never get anything else done! lol

      Reply
    69. rosemst2t

      February 02, 2010 at 2:02 am

      WOW! What an awesome job you did on that! Simply amazing what you can do!
      You certainly deserve a break after that huge project.
      Kudos,
      Rose

      Reply
    70. Candace@craftysisters-nc

      February 02, 2010 at 2:01 am

      You should be so proud!

      All by yourself too!! ....I am woman hear me roar!

      Well done!

      Candace:)

      Reply
    71. Tricia

      February 02, 2010 at 1:58 am

      Gail, it's beautiful! You did such a wonderful job, and I think that $149 is an incredible bottom line! So happy for you. Now you can look at it and think happy thoughts instead of of dark, dirty thoughts. Uh, wait. You know what I mean. (I'm such a dork! That came out wrong. 😉

      Reply
    72. Laurie at The Turner Farm

      February 02, 2010 at 1:54 am

      Wow! you did an incredible job! Not sure how I stumbled onto your blog, but been blog stalking you throught your process of rebuilding your fireplace. It's beautiful. LOVE! Will be checking out some of your other projects. Thanks for sharing!

      Reply

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