Refacing a Brick Fireplace With Concrete

Alyssa Davis - 07/16/2012

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Fireplaces can be the best part of a room's decor or they can be the worst. There is nothing like an unattractive fireplace to make decorating a nightmare. One of the main fireplace faux pas styles is the bright red brick fireplace. Not only is this style outdated, but it is also very difficult to coordinate with other aspects of the room's decor. Instead of lamenting the fact that the fireplace is not all you want it to be, think outside the box. There are many different ways to cover up that unattractive brick finish and install something better. One of the best ways is to reface the brick with a concrete finish. Not only will it change the look of the fireplace, it will also change the look of the room.

Concrete?
When you think about concrete, the first thoughts that come to mind may be no more attractive to you than the bricks that are currently there. Take heart in the fact that concrete is now a lot different than it used to be. It is commonly used for kitchen and bathroom countertops and makes the old, tired finishes come alive. It can easily do the same for your tired, brick fireplace.

First Steps
Before you rush out to the home improvement store to purchase bags of instant concrete, take a few minutes to think about what you want the fireplace to look like. In most cases you will just be finishing or covering over the area that is already bricked. If you are planning to move beyond that area, you will need to prepare the area and make sure that the concrete will adhere to the surface. You must decide whether you want the fireplace to be ornate or simple in design. This will determine any prep work that you have to do beforehand. It is also a good idea to think about the finish of the concrete. Determine if you want it colored, flecked with mica or adorned with river rocks before the concrete sets completely. The additions that you want to add will determine how long the project takes and what types of materials and tools you will need.

How To
Once you have decided on all of the details and you have a firm picture in your mind, and possibly your sketchpad, of what you want the fireplace to look like, it is time to begin. Purchase some quick-setting concrete from your local home improvement store. Before you mix it up, be sure that the brick surface is cleaned and ready for the concrete. Spread it on evenly and smoothly with a trowel. It may be easier to work in small sections, so that the area does not dry before you have a chance to add any adornments that you have chosen. Once the concrete is applied, let it set and dry completely before lighting up the next fire.

By refacing your old, brick fireplace, you add new depth to your room. A brilliant focal point is instantly created and you have the ability to match it to any type of decor you desire. Even if your brick fireplace is extremely unattractive, you can still make it one of the most beautiful parts of your home by refacing it with concrete.

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Author, Alyssa Davis, is http://Metal-Wall-Art.com's number one design specialist on decorating with welcome signs metal wall art and metal wall coat racks.

Source: http://www.newsdx.com/articles/162496-refacing-a-brick-fireplace-with-concrete/

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