How difficult is it to rock an existing sheetrock fireplace?
Question:The area is approx. 11ft. tall 5ft wide and 2ft deep. My husband and I have done many DIY projects, (tiled, tin ceilings, etc) We are just wondering if this one is too difficult. We like the stack rock look. Can anyone offer suggestions on ways we can fit this into our budget. (which is minimal, lol!) or can estimate a cost of having this professionally done?
Answers:
Cost would vary depending on the type of stone and the part of the country you live in. However, Owens Corning makes a cultured stone product that looks like real stone. They have a variety of colors and styles to choose from. This product is also DIY friendly and very easy to work with.
Certainly a company/yard that sells stone would be a place to start, for pricing. The stacked Rock///Field stone, rough look is popular and durable.
It's sold, in the right situation, pretty much ready to do what you're considering. Pretty much with milled sides to allow at least the the back/ against a wall, can be mortared. On drywall, which must obviously, already be safe? in your case, I'd probably install a wire mesh first, and perhaps even "tabs" as are often used in brick work facades.
The mortar can likely be a premix, and since it seems it won't be affected by FIRES in the fireplace, the job should be fairly easy to complete. The stones, (assuming they may be sold by the pallet, probably should be laid out one course at a time to determine how well they will fit together. There will likley be minor color variations as well, which you might consider in the design.
Without knowing the "FIT"...IE: Gaps, you might want to use enough mortar to push out a bit, into those gaps for a better hold, while not having so much that it oozes and becomes like a rough grout.
In any case the look is a great one, and the mess is modest. I can't know your budget, but certainly pricing the job out won't be difficult.
Steven Wolf
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