1980's Ugly Brick Fireplace Makeover with lumber and paint.
I'm so happy my brick fireplace makeover is done! It makes me smile every time I look at it.
1980 Dark Brick Fireplace with Stone Mantel
Wow! Isn't this brick fireplace makeover amazing? How did I put up with that look for so many years?
Fresh White Fireplace and Mantel
How to Paint a Brick Fireplace
Meeting Challenges Head On
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.
Boxing in a Stone Mantel & Hearth with Thin Plywood
I love the new look so much!
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.
Adding and securing wood trim pieces.
White Brick Fireplace with Black Firebox
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
- Ā½ x Ā¾ 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-
- 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.
Updates Through the Years
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!
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.
You can check out my other posts here:
how to faux wood mantel
painted brick fireplace
give a brick fireplace a wooden facade
adding trim to a wooden fireplace facade
If your fireplace just needs a paint update, be sure to check out Thrift Diving's How to Paint an Old Brick Fireplace.
Gail Wilson is the author and mastermind behind My Repurposed Life. She is obsessed with finding potential in unexpected places and believes that with a little hard work and imagination, any old thing can be made useful again, including herself!
Gail reinvented herself during a midlife crisis and has found purpose again. She hopes you will find new ideas for old things and pick up a few tools along the way.
Suzanne
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!
gail@myrepurposedlife.com
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
NOREEN MAGUIRE TERLECKI
YOU ARE AWESOME...I LOVE SEEING WHAT YOU DO...THE FIREPLACE IS BREATHTAKING...
marla
Sooooo pretty!! White, crisp & clean. Just the way I like it š
I Play Outside The Box
Wow...you are so talented!!! That is just beautiful!
Carmel @ Our Fifth House
This is a beautiful transformation! Found you through House of Grace, and I'm now a new follower!
xo- Carmel
Michelle @Shellsshabbyshack
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!
forever lost
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!
Linda
This is really a fabulous transformation! Really updated the space! Thanks for sharing!
High Street Cottage
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!
aceyaces
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!
Samantha2818
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
My Blessed Serendipity Life
It looks so nice and fresh now. Good job!
-Danielle
Bella
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!!!
Michelle
Awesome transformation! You did a wonderful job!!! :o)
marĆa cecilia
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!
Rasmussen Family
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
Shannon
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!
oneblessedmama
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!
The DIY Show Off
You did an awesome job! It's gorgeous and I can't believe it's the same fireplace. Amazing. I love it!
Roeshel
Kimm at Reinvented
Oh my gosh, Gail, it's even better than I'd imagined!! š Well done, my friend, well done.
Katie
WOW, that looks awesome!! And I agree with one of your other readers, I think the cost was a bargain considering the end result!
Kelly
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!
Remodelaholic
Thanks for sharing this is such a transformation! You did a great job! I love how bright and cheerful it is!
Chari
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!!!
Denise
This is a fabulous makeover! This updated the whole room@!
fawnda
That is absolutely BEATUIFUL! Wonderful job! I love it! : )
Lori E
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.
Lori E
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.
RainGardener
What a beautiful job you did on your fireplace. It looks great!!!
Nicole@CraftySisters-nc
This turned out great! You inspired and continue to inspire me! Thanks for sharing this fun journey!
:)Nicole
Happy To Be/ Glā„ria
This is just awesome girl...thanks for sharing...hugs and smiles Glā„ria
Diann
Very nice redo! It turned out wonderful!
Stefanie
Incredible!!! SUCH a HUGE change!!!
Dining Delight
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
Maryann @ Domestically-Speaking
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!
Jen C.
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!
Ericka
Love the after! Total transformation...and it must feel great to know you did it yourself! Great Job!
Tammy@InStitches
I am a HUGE fan of painted brick, it looks so nice. Great job !
Andy Porter
It's stunning!!! Great job! I bet it feels like a completely different house!! You rock!!
Beth@The Stories of A to Z
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!
Kandi
You do very nice work. I love the detail. Simply beautiful.
Emily @ Frilly Details
SOOOOOOO pretty!! Great job š
Kirsty
Gail! Wow! It seriously looks amazing! I bet you can hardly stand it! I love it. You did great!
Kathy
Absolutely, beautifully amazing! What a great transformation.
Marianne@Songbird
Stunning makeover! It looks so nice built in that way as if it always was meant to be.
Mama Thompson
Amazing transformation...looks wonderful!
jeanne
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
junkermidge
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
Kim
Very nice transformation. You turned it from old and tired to new and crisp!
Condo Blues
An amazing transformation. Good job! Is it a working fireplace?
Betty (picture circa 1951)
What a great improvement! Good job.
Katherine @ Grass Stains
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!
Pam
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.
Marla at Always Nesting
Can we all yell FABULOUS!!! Amazing redo. You are so talented.
Marla at Always Nesting
Can we all yell FABULOUS!!! Amazing redo. You are so talented.
white flower design
Great job - its came out so wonderful. Gotta love that budget! All the best, Lori
Julie @ followyourheartwoodworking
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!
The Chisholms
It looks WONDERFUL!!! I may have to use some of your tips and tricks soon for myself!!! Congratulations on a job verrrrry well done!
Wendy
Beautiful! It looks so fresh and inviting now!
Treasia Stepp
What a beautiful transformation. You should be so proud of yourself and now it's time to rest and enjoy it. Just gorgeous.
Ashleigh
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.
Get Your Martha On
Wow - lighter and brighter! Great job.
Destination Seaborn
Nice work! I love all the molding and lights! You should be very proud of yourself! Your fireplace looks much better! Lisa
Corn in My Coffee Pot
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.
Colleen
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?!
Suzanne
Wow. That is so amazing. It looks fabulous. I cannot believe you did all that for under $150.
Judi
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 š
P@nmyfreetime.blogspot.com
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
rosemst2t
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
Candace@craftysisters-nc
You should be so proud!
All by yourself too!! ....I am woman hear me roar!
Well done!
Candace:)
Tricia
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. š
Laurie at The Turner Farm
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!