How do I update this fireplace cheaply?

No telling, if you're going to keep the stone face, you might as well keep the hearth. My 1st husband was a stone mason and he did fireplaces mainly. Those hearths can be hollow boxes made from 2x4 framing covered in concrete backer board.

Some of the old old fireplaces they are solid brick which you can remove with a stone mason's chisel or a hammer drill with a spade bit (rent from equipment place or Home Depot).

You could try a small area that isn't as much in site at first. I wouldn't white wash the stone slabs on top, I'd maybe do something else with those... maybe a matte color or stone color. It is def. a big project!

Yes, I think a whitewash would look great!

My condolences on you not having a basement lol! I grew up in the northeast and always had one. Here in FLaDuh, I do not.

Re the hearth:

Go back to Old School lol! Seriously, start with a large chisel and heavy hammer. Use the chisel to break the grout line between the block at the corner and the next block. Pry it up, heave it out. Repeat. 😎

Just realize that the flooring may not continue under the area where the "gigantic hearth" is. If it doesn't go underneath and you want to keep the rest of the flooring, you can put down new tile flush with the floor.

If it were me, I'd call the company that gave you the estimate and act all innocent. Make a list of questions: You mostly want/need to know if they think there is a solid brick fireplace and full chimney with the rock later put on as a facade. You could also ask them things such as would they have to remove brick from the chimney in order to inset a new firebox? Do they have any idea what color/type of brick the facade and chimney are?

The more you can pick their brains, the safer your DIY can be. Good luck! 😉

I have seen a video where the stones themselves were painted one color while the grout was painted another so highlight both.

Here is a link that goes into detail regarding painting the stone. I hope this is helpful for you.

https://fireplacepainting.com/painting-a-stone-fireplace/

Also if you white wash this as compared to painting it you can vary the intensity of the white wash from stone to stone by adding more water to the mix. A variety of shades looks more natural. White wash also allows some of the stone colors to show thru looking more natural also.

Hmm... I would probably paint the deep grout. It will take a while because you'll also have to get the deep sides of the rocks. I think the dramatic texture would be FANTASTIC!

You can always go back and regrout... if you do not like the drama. ...But much easier to do that than to try to chip out re-grouting.

By the way... my grout was not a thing of beauty... and there were many patch jobs done by previous owners... of varying quality. I simply embraced that... and since the overall color of the fireplace was the same.

Enjoy the process! ...and post the results here!!!

:-)

Nan

Thank you, Janice. My concern with just painting it is the horribly deep grout lines and big gaps between the stones. Do you think it would accentuate poor grout job to just paint it? It may be worth it to just lighten it up?

Thank you, Patty! I am sure I could find a tutorial online for how to stucco a fireplace!

That is a really fun idea! Thanks!