Today, we’re tackling more decisions for the new house – how to finish the fireplace.
Here’s what it’s looking like right now – after installation and framing. The ductwork was running up the side so we framed the other side as well to make it look symmetrical.
One of my favorite details? This little cubby on the dining room side.
Instead of closing it off, my dad suggested making it into a little shelving area. This is the only wall space we’ll have in the dining area, so I can use it for a pseudo-hutch. Plus, it’s the perfect spot for my Roomba to live in peace and harmony.
Anyway…
It’s amazing how many different ways we could finish the fireplace surround. Amazing, as in – KILL ME NOW. Because I love so many different finishes and it’s impossible to narrow down and decide.
What we know:
We chose a unit with a wood burning with rounded top
The fireplace is a wood burning version we purchased locally and had installed. (Locals: We used Fireplaces Plus and highly recommend them.) It’s an RSF Energy Pearl wood burning fireplace and it has an integrated blower. My favorite part of this fireplace over other versions is that the blower is integrated into the design. Many wood burning fireplaces require a separate blower installed above the insert. It’s just a preference but I don’t like that look.
I’m actually counting the fireplace as a compromise between Ryan and I because he liked the rounded top and I didn’t really love it. But I also didn’t care or love any other options more. (Okay. That’s not really a compromise, but stick with me. I need to count every tiny compromise because I’m pretty sure Ryan believes he does all the compromising. Which may or may not be true.)
The wood burning was a non-negotiable from Ryan. We had and used a wood burning fireplace in our last house so we know what it takes and means. But there’s something special about a fire in a wood burning fireplace so we went with it.
We installed a chair-height hearth
Having a raised hearth seems to be out-of-the-ordinary in homes today, but both Ryan and I deemed it necessary.
I like that you don’t have to bend over to add wood to the fire and you can sit on the hearth to warm up with a hot mug of cocoa. Or, let’s be real. Wine.
Also, future photo opps for Henry and space for pretty little holiday vignettes.
Important stuff.
We are adding storage below.
A big bonus of the raised hearth is that the area below can turn into storage for logs and other fire-stuffs. That is a huge bonus for me because our last fireplace always felt cluttered and dirty from all the wood and tools and paper that were needed.
This fireplace via BH&G a gist of the idea of storage – it’s the perfect way to eek out some extra storage space for wood and not have it all over the ground around the fireplace.
It seems like a natural way to get the most out of the space. And I like the idea of having a few “cubbies” to separate wood from paper or matches, like this storage inspiration from Hearth.
Finally, this fireplace from Portola Valley Builders has drawers below the fireplace. This is brilliant, right? It looks really sleek and modern.
And that’s pretty much all we know. Now it’s deciding about the finishing details.
I’ve been all over the place with what I want. But it’s time to start narrowing it down and you are here to help. (What, you didn’t sign up for that? You are hilarious. Moving on.)
Here’s my original toddler sketch to show Ryan what I was thinking: There will be three “cubbies” below – the middle for wood and the sides can each hold a basket or bin for extra stuff.
Fireplace surround
Originally, I was considering stone for around the fireplace, paired with a barn wood mantel and stone hearth. It feels like it could fit in a rustic farmhouse and would have a classic look forever.
I’m especially inspired by the fireplace in my in-laws’ basement.
But, I don’t know? Is it too “lodge-y?” Is that a thing? There won’t be stone anywhere else in the house.
So then I started thinking about planks.
I love planks. Not like, legit planks. That you’d do to get in shape.
No. Just hand me a cookie and plank a wall or around a fireplace.
Planked fireplace via Design Sponge
Barnwood surround via Kristi Murphy
But, due to the fact that our fireplace is wood-burning, we can’t surround the fireplace with wood. Because. Um. Fire. Even the barn wood mantel would have to be really obscenely high above the fireplace.
And then, Lori from Redo Home & Design blew my mind. She wrote a post about planking (or ship lap) around heat sources using cement board siding. This is the same stuff you’d use on your exterior (Hardie Plank) and can be painted.
Cement board fireplace surround via Redo Your House
It’s waterproof, washable and non-combustable. (Sarah of Thrifty Decor Chick also just posted about this same solution for a kitchen backsplash and she makes me want to plank the walls in there, too.)
Mantel
As an aside, I’m also looking for a mantel solution since I don’t think a legit barn beam will work in the space because of the heat and space requirements.
I’m looking at Magra Hearth Mantels – it’s the look of a wood beam made from non-combustible materials. They look exactly like wood, but you can avoid the space restrictions with wood.
Hearth material
Finally, I have to consider what material the seat of the fireplace hearth will be.
Originally, I thought a huge limestone slab. But apparently I would actually have to sell myself on street corners to be able to afford this. I’m not totally against this, but who really has the time?
Kidding.
Also, stone is a pretty porous material and I’m concerned about it turning black with soot and ash from fires.
So, I was alerted to the option of concrete, which I love. Maybe we could do it ourselves? It would be smooth, simple and clean. It’s noncombustible. It’s pretty cheap.
Sigh. Do you see how every decision suddenly becomes a problem worthy of full binders and spreadsheets and back room deals?
What would you choose?
I feel the need to add a disclaimer that I really do care what you think, but may not listen to your advice. Ask Ryan. He knows. But please tell me anyhow. I want all the information so I can ignore it. Love. You.
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Theresa says
I am pondering this same issue at the moment. Hubby & I have decided on the stone, but the mantle would have to be so high if it is non-combustible that it will look odd. I too am looking at the Magra-Hearth mantles What did you finally decide to do and please post a pic?
Julie says
I love the idea of a light grayish stone and concrete with the wood like mantel or continue the stone on top of cubbies instead of concrete. Planks are too “in” for me:). I would be afraid they would be out of style or overused in a few years. Plus I just love a stone fireplace in the background of Christmas pictures 🙂 I love your in-laws fireplace although it seems large, your fireplace area doesn’t seem as large so I don’t think the stone would overwhelm the room.
Michelle says
We have a stone fireplace, and I love the classic/homey look to it. I DO wish I had a more substantial mantle (that might be a project down the road), but I was so glad the previous owners went with stone.
Gretchen says
Love the storage underneath! and, wow–you have a lot of comments on here; people have a lot to say about your fireplace. Which is good, because it takes the pressure off me because I can’t decide! I love the idea of the planks and that it’s something you don’ t see every day. But I love pretty stone, too. So. I’m sure you’ll make the right choice 🙂
Lana says
Rustic brick–timeless, looks good with any decor, and matches well to your black fireplace. Stone looks bulky and can overwhelm a room.
Terry says
You are building a farm house. What about round fieldstone, or smooth river rock surround, wood (or wood-look) mantel and fire-safe ship lap or planking above the mantel. My concern with an all stone, brick or stacked stone fireplace is that it would be too dominate a presence in the room. Too heavy looking. I like the idea of splitting the fireplace into two complimentary textures.
Terry says
* dominant
KNatGU says
The interesting thing about planking is can it be painted? I would think yes. So if your one for change that in my mind gives you low cost options moving forward in the future. Whereas knowing how much you spent for stone may keep you from ever bringing a paint brush close to it. I assume you’ve seen Sarah at Thrifty Decor Chick’s planked one. http://www.thriftydecorchick.com/2014/09/13-planked-wall-finished-fireplace.html
Also and this sounds sort of not that exciting but my parents beehive fireplace has a stone surround that is rather small and then the rest of it is just drywall or plaster or maybe it is cement I’m not up on these things. Then my mom just has it painted the exact same color as the wall. Here is my lame pict to give you an idea http://www.houzz.com/photos/8849784/Organic-Southwest-southwestern-living-room-phoenix
With an option like that your stone choice is such a smaller part of the equation, therefore easy to incorporated into the design.
Kathy says
I’m not a fan of the planking. It feels like it’s “in” now, but could become this decade’s wood paneling. I’d vote for stone, personally. Concrete makes the most sense budget-wise for the seat…assuming you can seal it in some way to keep it clean looking. I like the overall look of the fireplace pic with the drawers (but mainly for the combo of stone and built-ins…I like your open cubby idea). Your in-laws’ fireplace is pretty, but would be too much stone, I think.
Kim Woodward says
Kathy – I totally appreciate you saying that. Because I think that’s my fear. I don’t want to make a design decision that will be totally dated in a few years. (Or even 10-20 years.) I feel like a fireplace is something that needs to have some staying power.
Heart and Haven says
– For my fireplace, I did a stacked stone surround up to the mantel.
We went down to a landscaping/stoneyard and selected flagstone (@ 1/4 pallet)
Our contractor used a wet saw to custom cut thin stacked stone (I found the real stone to be very expensive if you buy the thin stacked stone pre-cut),. Our hearth is the same stone but cut in flagstone pieces, with a dark grout.
It’s more labor intensive to do the cuts, but if Ryan is handy with a wetsaw and doesn’t mind putting in the hours for the cuts. I think our 1/2 pallet of flagstone (materials only) was @ $200.
– Our mantel is a wood 4×6 that we weathered, beat up, antiqued & stained
– I’m planning on doing planking above the mantel to the ceiling.
Amy says
OK so, I pulled together some inspiration photos that have a modern farmhouse feel to them. I think if you’re set on having built in storage, it should be the one main section below the stoop, or off to the side. the 3 storage areas underneath, scream “I’m desperate for storage so every square inch must be an area I must use!” There is something lost in the stoop when it is all open like your 3 idea. I suggest a mix of hard material and planking (soapstone, rock, etc.) It allows you to pic something classic that will evolve with your family.
Check these out for storage and then surround ideas:
http://www.houzz.com/photos/9781130/Calistoga-Farm-House-farmhouse-living-room-san-francisco
http://www.houzz.com/photos/6334302/Shaggy-Bark-Farm-Automation-farmhouse-living-room-philadelphia
http://www.houzz.com/photos/928078/Modern-Farmhouse-Spring-Parade-of-Homes-House-farmhouse-living-room-boise
http://www.houzz.com/photos/22268057/Brook-St-farmhouse-living-room-providence
Good luck!
Kim Woodward says
Thanks so much for your thought. I’m pretty determined to have the three cubbies – practically speaking, there isn’t any wall space around the fireplace for the ugly stuff (papers,matches etc.).
But I loved your inspiration images and thoughts!
Jessie @ Imperfectly Polished says
LOVE your raised hearth and storage underneath! Clean and cozy. We used a stacked stone surround on our fireplace with a reclaimed wood mantle and love how it turned out. We have a wood burning fireplace as well and have been using it for a year now with no issues. We also did concrete for the hearth seat. We had a leftover slab from when we made countertops in our old house and it fit perfectly. Happy accident! I know whatever you guys decide will be gorgeous!
Kim says
Did you share a photo of this? I don’t remember seeing this!
Emily @ imperfect says
I vote stone or brick. I love planks, but I don’t love them as a surround for the fireplace – planks are timeless in places, but I think you want to stick to them as an accent. BUT, ready for me to throw one more option at you? Plank above the mantle where you’re going to display stuff, and stick with a classic material (brick – pretty brick – maybe even white washed – or stacked stone) as the actual surround. That’s my eventual plan for our awful fireplace wall. And by eventual I mean when I’ve paid for all these future college educations.
Kim says
Yeah, I like this option, too. I have been watching Craigslist for stone or brick veneer at a song. I appreciate your feedback – it’s definitely a decision that we won’t be changing so I want it to be classic.
Kim Woodward says
What’s your thought on this stone-look tile? I think this could work. My concern with stone was the scale. http://blog.jennasuedesign.com/2014/10/the-evolution-of-our-living-room-fireplace-more-fall-decorating/
trina @ let's just build a house says
I LOVE the idea of storage underneath. That is an awesome idea. I wish we would have done that. We have real stone, which I LOVE LOVE LOVE but it IS porous and we do have to clean the soot every year. However, a little dawn and vinegar and it cleans up like new.
My parents have a concrete hearth. it’s 31 years old and looks smooth and clean as the day they did it. Go with the concrete, we did stone, but only because my dad picked up awesome stone for us for FREE.
Kim says
Happy to hear about the concrete – I think that’s going to be our best option for the long term.
Katja | Shift Ctrl Art says
I love the planked look. Would it pass code?. In ca I think there is a minimum 12inch clearance to any combustible material requirement from the box. Maybe a woodlooking tile would be awesome. There are so many to choose from now.
Kim says
The concrete board is noncombustible so it should be kosher.
Kim Woodward says
And what about this tile/stone look? http://blog.jennasuedesign.com/2014/10/the-evolution-of-our-living-room-fireplace-more-fall-decorating/
Not sure about the wood look tile – thoughts?
http://www.ourfifthhouse.com/2015/05/basement-fireplace-makeover.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed:+OurFifthHouse+(our+fifth+house)
Christine says
I much prefer a narrow, stacked stone look to a round, river rock look. Looks more… Polished? Intentional? Transitional? I don’t even know the right word.
So many options, do NOT envy you having to make the final decision!
We had the cement slab on our fireplace growing up, smooth on top and rough edges so it looked almost like stone. lots of pictures sitting there so I like the idea of a higher fireplace and storage underneath. Whatever you decide wil look great!
PAppel says
Planks, concrete and non-combustible mantle get my vote.
Kim Woodward says
Thanks!
deb says
Maybe painted brick or the cement board siding planks? I like the look of the cement board as long as everyone’s sure it’s fireproof. I have fire-fear issues! We had a wood-burning stove and it always got incredibly hot. Granted it was years ago…
And concrete for the hearth sounds like it might work well – not too expensive and you could stain it if you want to (although you’d need to be sure you knew EXACTLY what you wanted before that)!! Love the idea of the storage under it, whether with or without doors. Non-combustible wood beam sounds good for the mantel. Some of the mantels pictured above look so high to me. I actually really like your in-laws’ fireplace a lot. Good luck!
Kim says
Yeah, the heat is my biggest concern right now! I am reading it’s non combustible but better safe than sorry.
Christine says
I’m all about white planked walls (see my Facebook comments) how far away does wood or mantel have to be from firebox? Could you do almost a tile surround, then the hardy board above it? Do you have leftover hardy board from the siding project? I’m just loving the white -sorry to be obnoxious with all the comments, apparently I feel strongly about fireplaces, who knew? 🙂
Kim says
Tile? Gosh, I don’t know what tile I’d even start with.
Kim Woodward says
Now you have me searching Pinterest for tile – I sort of like this stone-look tile. http://blog.jennasuedesign.com/2014/10/the-evolution-of-our-living-room-fireplace-more-fall-decorating/
Kristin says
Keep it as neutral as possible. My old fireplace was stone (and quartz) and while it was beautiful and fabulous, it dictated the scheme of EVERYTHING else in the main living area. I love the idea of the hardy board ship lap.
Kim Woodward says
Yes – that’s EXACTLY what I know I want. Something classic and neutral. I’m actually even concerned about some stones or bricks for this reason. But I know I can find something classic. Just gotta keep looking.
Anne says
You have amazing inspiration photos! I love fireplace number 3 Portola Valley. It is classic and beautiful. I think number 1 is too plain. Number 2 looks like what a builder would choose. Number 3 looks personal and timeless! I so love your inlaw’s fireplace but it would be nice to have your own look which has more of a modern farmhouse style. Good luck!
Kim says
Thanks, Anne! Those three options were really just highlighting the storage underneath the hearth. I love the drawers, too. It’s clever. But we will also need some open storage for wood. Anyhow – we will have to figure out something that’s a combo of the three. 🙂