The 70s were full of vibrant, lively colors and popping patterns, with peaking home décor. While seemingly plain from the outside, the houses were much cozier inside. The nature-inspired aesthetic of that era is still in style. Still, many homeowners want to remodel their homes, including the fireplace. The stone fireplace adds a vintage touch to the house. But if you are bored of the old style, you can add a modern edge with a bit of change. In this article, we’ll tell you all there is to know about how to update a 1970s stone fireplace.
Removing Stone Fireplace Facade
You can hire a professional to take care of the removal procedure. It is a time-consuming method, requiring a lot of effort. Nonetheless, you can do it on your own if you are willing to. It is also better to let a fireplace or chimney repair company inspect it before you start tearing it down.
The steps for removing the stone façade include:
- Start by placing a drop cloth around the fireplace for collecting dust, brick, or motor pieces.
- Wear protective eye gear and masks to stay safe from dust and debris.
- Now, remove the wooden mantelpiece if your fireplace has one. Take a chisel and place it where wood meets the brick. Then, hit the chisel with a hammer.
- After removing the mantel, check if the mortar keeps the brick in position. If yes, then hit it with a mallet until it cracks. Make sure to hit it behind the stone.
- Keep hitting the mortar from right to left. Remove the stones when the mortar gets loose.
- Lastly, clear out every piece of mortar and stone.
Once your 1970s fireplace has no stone remaining, you can update it however you want.
How Can You Update a 1970s Stone Fireplace?
Do you want to add a modern edge to your 1970s brick fireplace? Here are some ideas that you can go for:
Wooden Paneling for Stone Fireplace
There are many ways you can decorate your fireplace if you opt for wooden paneling, as it adds simplicity to your living space. You can go for white panels or mahogany ones, depending on how you want your fireplace to look. Moreover, wood paneling requires less time for drying than concrete. You can also enhance it by hanging artwork!
Try Stone Veneers
Stone veneers are an excellent way to refresh your fireplace. They are a cheaper and better alternative to update your 1970s stone fireplace. In addition, they are light and don’t need much effort to install. However, make sure to get high-quality stone veneers.
Modernize Your Stone Fireplace with Tiles
Nothing adds a modern sleekness to your fireplace like tiles. Replacing stones with tiles really upgrades the appearance of your fireplace. Colorful tiles contrast the stones and liven up your fireplace. Or you can go for a classic and monochromatic look. Tiles not only provide a polished finish, but they are also easier to clean.
What to do now?
In conclusion, you can update your 1970s stone fireplace in multiple ways. Whether you decide to paint the stones, add wooden paneling, try veneers, or use tiles, your fireplace will burn the brightest.
Maintaining your chimney and fireplace is just as important as upgrading them. Therefore, contact Dr Chimney for inspection, repair, and various chimney services. Call us to repair your chimney today!
