If you’re looking for a way to modernize the look of your living room without breaking the bank, covering your stone fireplace with drywall is a great option.
Not only does it add an instant warmth and coziness to any room, but this project can be completed in just a few days with minimal effort – no special tools or materials required!
In this post, we’ll show you exactly how to cover a stone fireplace with drywall and give you tips on getting the best results possible. Read on to find out more!
Can You Drywall over a Stone Fireplace?
Yes, you can drywall over a stone fireplace. However, there are some important considerations to keep in mind before taking this approach. First and foremost, the stones must be securely attached to the wall or surface behind them. If they move or shift when touched, then additional steps will need to be taken to stabilize them before drywalling. If the stones are firmly in place, you can then move forward with the drywall installation.
When drywalling over a stone fireplace, it is essential to use heavy-duty screws and anchors when installing the drywall. This will help ensure that the wall stays in place and does not become loose from its attachment points down the road. Additionally, it is important to use drywall that is specifically designed for fireplaces. This type of drywall will be more resistant to heat and other elements from the fireplace, which can easily damage regular drywall.
Once you have installed the drywall securely over your stone fireplace, make sure to finish the exposed edges with a joint compound. After this has dried, sand it down so you have a smooth surface that can then be painted or wallpapered if desired. With these steps taken care of, your stone fireplace will now be safely covered with durable drywall!
10 Methods on How to Cover a Stone Fireplace with Drywall
1. Remove the Stone Fireplace Surround
Carefully remove all stones from the fireplace surround using a chisel and hammer. Make sure all pieces of stone are removed in one piece, as you will need them to cover the fireplace. If you need to break up a stone, you can use a sledgehammer and chisel. If the mortar between the stones is crumbling, use a wire brush to scrape it off.
2. Create a Fireproof Base
Create a fireproof base for your drywall by covering the entire fireplace opening with cement board. Make sure all seams are taped and mudded to ensure fire resistance. To ensure the cement board sticks to the stone, staple wire meshes to it before attaching it. Use a drill with masonry bits and screws to attach the cement board to the stone.
Although this step is not required, it is recommended for extra fire protection. Try to keep the cement board as tightly fitted to the surface of the stone. Any gaps should be filled with fireproof caulking or mortar.
3. Secure the Drywall in Place
Measure and cut drywall to fit each wall of the fireplace surround. Secure it in place with screws. If there is a large gap between the edges of two pieces of drywall, fill it with joint compound and sand to create a smooth finish. Be sure to wear a dust mask while sanding.
Although the drywall is secured, you may want to add some additional support in the form of furring strips. These are thin strips of wood cut to the exact length of the wall and screwed into place. This will help keep the drywall in position while you work on other parts of the project.
4. Cover the Drywall with Fireproof Tape
Once the drywall is in place, cover all of the seams with fireproof tape. This will help to prevent heat from penetrating and damaging the drywall. It’s important to use fireproof tape specifically, as it has a high-temperature tolerance.
Measure the seams before cutting, and apply the tape with an adhesive. Make sure to press firmly so that the tape fully adheres. Although this step is not necessary, it will help to protect the drywall should a fire occur.
5. Apply Drywall Compound
Apply a layer of drywall compound around the edge of the drywall to help secure it in place. Make sure all seams are filled with compound and that there is a consistent layer of coverage. Allow the compound to dry before proceeding. If there are any drywall cracks, fill those with the compound as well. However, be careful not to overdo it, as too much compound can cause the drywall to bulge.
6. Install the Stone Mantle
With the fireplace surround ready, install the stone mantle by bolting or attaching it to the sides of the fireplace opening. Make sure to use fireproof adhesive to ensure safety. Once the mantle is securely attached, you can begin to install the drywall. Though the mantle is not necessary to complete the project, it does add a nice finishing touch and gives the fireplace more of an authentic look.
7. Secure a Wooden Frame for the Stone Fireplace Surround
Build a wooden frame around the perimeter of your fireplace opening and secure it in place with screws. This will provide extra stability for any stones you plan on adding back into the fireplace surround.
While you can use any kind of wood for the frame, pressure-treated lumber is best since it will resist rot and water damage better. Measure each side of the fireplace opening and cut lumber to fit. Then, screw the pieces together at each corner and attach them to the wall in several places with additional screws.
8. Apply Mortar Around the Wooden Frame
Apply mortar to the wooden frame and fill in any gaps between the wood and fireplace opening. Make sure to smooth out any uneven or rough surfaces. Let the mortar dry for 24 hours. If the fireplace is large, you may need to use steel studs instead of wood. Try to match the size of the studs to the width and length of the fireplace opening.
9. Attach Stone Fireplace Surround
Once the mortar is hard, attach the stone fireplace surround pieces back into their respective places. Secure them with masonry nails or screws if needed. You can also apply additional mortar to the joints if necessary. Use a dust mask when working with stone and mortar, as the material may contain particles that could be harmful when inhaled.
10. Finish Covering the Stone Fireplace with Drywall
Finish off your drywall covering by applying a skim coat of plaster over all of the drywall seams and edges. You may also wish to paint or color-tint your plaster before it dries so that it matches better with your existing décor. Allow everything to dry completely before using your newly-covered stone fireplace.
Following these ten steps to cover a stone fireplace with drywall will ensure that you have a safe, beautiful, and fireproof fireplace for years to come. With proper planning and execution, your stone fireplace will look just as good as new!
Things to Consider When Covering Stone Fireplace with Drywall
1. Weight and Strength
Drywall is not as strong or as heavy as stone, so you’ll need to make sure your drywall is thick enough, and securely fastened to the wall, in order for it to be able to bear the weight of a stone fireplace. Additionally, if you are working with an uneven or slanted wall, you will need even thicker drywall to make sure it is flush against the wall and secured properly.
2. Fire Safety
When covering stone fireplaces with drywall, it is very important to ensure that the drywall you use is fireproof. This will help prevent any accidental fires from occurring and protect your family from potential harm. It’s also important to make sure all seams are taped and mudded properly; this will not only give you a more finished look but will also keep the drywall secure and fireproof.
3. Aesthetics
Covering a stone fireplace with drywall can change the overall look of your home in a few ways. It may be necessary to remove some stone in order to properly fit your drywall, which can create an uneven surface or expose other materials underneath. Additionally, drywall is not as visually appealing as stone, so you may want to consider adding a trim or border along the edges of the drywall in order to create a more pleasing look.
Conclusion
So there you have it, a step-by-step guide on how to cover a stone fireplace with drywall. This project isn’t too difficult, but it is time-consuming.
It’s important to take your time and do a good job so that you end up with a smooth surface that looks great. If you follow these steps, you should have no problem achieving this. Thanks for reading!
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