Fireplace Tile and Mantel {our home}

 

One of the options we did NOT take from the builder was the tile fireplace surround. The standard included a porcelain 12x12 tile around the insert, which wasn't what we imagined for our dream fireplace. Rather than select one of the builder options (which we could have made work) we chose to save the money and do it later ourselves (as well as the backsplash, which I will post soon). We asked the builder to leave off the standard 12x12 tile since we would ruin the wall board by removing the tile once we were ready to redo it.

So after multiple weeks of staring at this lovely boring wall and visiting lots of tile shops trying to find a tile that we both agreed upon and was budget friendly, this weekend we started the renovation....

BEFORE: The fireplace and mantle

We started by installing the tile so they we could maximize full size pieces and minimize the cuts. We knew we could build the woodwork around it custom ourselves. With some instructions and tools from our dear friend, Steve, we attempted to install it ourselves. We learned a few lessons along the way and from our backsplash that we had just completed a few weekends before. It was my second tile install and I am pretty happy with the results! It helped that we picked a simple tile similar to the backsplace shape and size.... not the complex irregular shaped tile I tried to convince Paul we should install. Luckily I changed my mind and we went with a more traditional and graceful tile selection (and MUCH more affordable).

NOTE: When budgeting for tile as a first time installer, make sure you realize that sealers are a MUST for stone and ridiculously expensive (in my opinion). We paid $75 for the one we selected.

Close-up view of the travertine tile as we installed it.

Installation of the 3"x6" travertine tile.

Installation of the tile complete (minus sealer and grout).

As we headed out to Home Depot (our regular Saturday night date location), I snapped a photo of this molding in hopes to match it for the columns we planned to add. Unfortunately Home Depot didn't carry it and we ended up deciding while at the store that we would add another layer of molding to separate the top from the columns and help to hide the joint between them (thus we would have to move the existing molding anyways).

Close up of the molding before that sadly we had to remove.

So Paul set to work removing the existing molding and the LONG nails they used to install it. We ended up having to sand underneath quite a bit before installing the new molding we had picked out.

Removal of the existing molding since we couldn't find the same molding in the stores for the columns.

Close up view after the removal of the molding and some sanding.

Most of Paul's Sunday was spent building the columns due to the complexity of the cuts at the corners and the existing trim. After many hours and a sore back, he finally had the columns ready for the trim molding.

After the removal of the molding and some sanding. Also shows the addition of the columns which took most of the work for Paul due to the corner layout and existing trim and conditions.

Close up view of the bottom of the added columns.

All Paul had left was the trim molding on the top panel and the legs.... easy compared to the previously completed work.... especially with our new nail guns!

Installation of the new molding at the top panel.

Using our new nail guns makes the hubby happy! So much easier and faster to install trim!

Next up.... grouting the tile! Then paint.....