Deb's Fireplace Dream

OK, I admit, it's hard to think "fireplace" when the temps are over 100 degrees. But what better time to take on a project? Since we moved in, Deb has envisioned a "mountain lodge" type of fireplace and mantel. After five years it was time to pursue it. The old fireplace was designed to burn wood, but had a gas log in it. There was a blower, ostensibly to provide heat to the room. Yeah, right...with noise like a loud bathroom fan (can't use it and watch TV) and so much heat you might think you had a hot flash while in the snow. See below for the original look)



We started by selecting a fireplace that could actually provide heat. It's a "furnace rated" unit that provides up to 45,000 BTU of heat output. That's enough for a small house, and should do an excellent job of keeping the great room/kitchen, office area warm. We like cool bedrooms at night, and this will generate heat in the center of the house, and cooler areas at the edges.

The old fireplace was removed, and the new insert roughed in.



We had an opportunity to get a great piece of wood to serve as the mantel. A large hewn log from the old Inn in Prescott. It probably saw decades of service as their mantel, and still had some cigarette burns and scars to prove it. After some sanding and an oil finish, the top is as smooth as glass. Some attractive stone was procured and the work was scheduled to be done.

First step, tear out the old hearth and mantel box...all sheetrock and plywood. Then start framing up the new hearth, column supports and backing for the stone.



Stone is being set...


And as always, a floor supervisor to assist...



And after 5 days...of labor, voila! Here's the finished project!


Products used:
Heatilator CNXT4842 (heatilator.com)
Tivoli Stone "Toscana Plateau" (tivolistone.com)