Everything You Should Know Before Resurfacing Your Fireplace

Because fireplaces tend to be situated in most living rooms they are also a central focal point of the room. As such, having a fireplace that best complements your space can improve your entire living room just by making improving your fireplace. One of the most common ways to do that is through resurfacing fireplaces. Resurfaced fireplaces can revitalize a space and it provides an easy way to modernize your home as well. 

We break down everything you should know before you resurface your fireplace. 

Resurfaced Fireplaces: How Much of an Overhaul Do You Need to Do? 

Before you begin pouring that concrete, hold up. Contact your local building authorities for any rules or regulations you will need to adhere to when resurfacing your fireplace. The last thing you want to do is to complete a beautiful fireplace only to find out it’s a fire hazard. 

For any repairs that need to be done consult a professional first, your fireplace is going to be a huge heat source and you want your home to be properly protected. 

Once you know all the rules and regulations, now is the time to decide how to plan out your renovation. If your fireplace isn’t in the best shape, adding inserts could be a good alternative. They are more affordable than redoing your entire hearth and can make it easy to redo the look of it.  

For fireplaces in good shape resurfacing will give you the best results, but how do you pick how you want it to look? 

What Material Do You Want to Resurface Your Fireplace With? 

Fireplaces no longer just have to be stone or brick, there are a huge selection of building material options to choose from that can make your fireplace look incredible

  • Stucco or Concrete: These are some of the most popular options to resurface a fireplace as they are most affordable. These options are great if you want your fireplace to have a smooth, finished look to it. 
  • Ceramic or Porcelain: Less common, but one of the most attractive options since they can be customized with unique patterns.  
  • Veneers: A more affordable choice than stone or bricks while being almost indiscernible from either material. They’re also lighter and come in a variety of colours to better match with your room aesthetic and paint while still looking like the real deal. 
  • Stone: There’s a reason stone endures for fireplaces: it’s truly authentic. However, it’s the least affordable option on this list so it can be a pricier commitment for people who want to choose this as a resurfacing option. The most popular kinds of stone include quartz, granite, marble, and slate. 

When to Leave Resurfacing to the Professionals 

Although making resurfaced fireplaces might seem like a fairly straightforward do-it-yourself project, that’s not always the case. We recommend getting professionals to do it for you if your fireplace is in bad shape or in need of repairs. If you need to save time, choosing professionals will also be faster as well.  If your fireplace is in good shape and you’re confident in your handyperson skills, then resurfacing your fireplace on your own can be immensely rewarding.