| Project by flowchart_jockey | posted 03-04-2010 08:06 AM | 4163 views | 0 times favorited | 10 comments |  |
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This was one of the “half finished” projects that we took on when we purchased our foreclosure. I think it was more like “10% finished,” and they got to do the fun part. We replaced the old woodburner with a new gas fireplace. We plugged up the old chimney and ran the new exhaust out the back wall. The tile is natural (unfilled) travertine. We still need to grout and are trying to figure out how to do it without filling in the holes in the travertine.
-- Why make it easy when you can make it difficult?
10 comments so far
vcooney
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posted 03-04-2010 08:22 AM
Excellent job.
I have heard that you could seal the tile first then grout. And that should help with getting the grout out of the holes when you clean.
Jayp413
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posted 03-04-2010 04:06 PM
WOW! Looks great!
Todd Thomas
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posted 03-04-2010 04:50 PM
great job…..it was good to see the before/starting pictures….........well done
-- Todd- Oak Ridge, TN
dfletcher
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posted 03-04-2010 07:06 PM
Well done, nice job.
flowchart_jockey
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posted 03-05-2010 08:54 PM
Thanks, everyone!
-- Why make it easy when you can make it difficult?
Janice
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posted 03-09-2010 02:04 AM
That is nice. Very unique.
-- Janice
flowchart_jockey
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posted 03-09-2010 04:02 AM
Thank you. I am considering building a mantel for this. In fact, if you notice the tile doesn’t extend all the way to the top opening for that reason. I am stumped on a design, though. I am considering a style with columns that would frame the front face, or a floating style for a lighter feel. We like craftsman inspired designs with some Asian influence. Any ideas from anyone?
-- Why make it easy when you can make it difficult?
BeachedBones
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posted 04-05-2010 04:56 AM
I’m sure you’re probably done by now but if you are still wondering about the grouting. Use a stone sealer on the tiles first, then grout using a pastry bag. You can get cheap ones that’ll work fine for the job. It’ll let you apply grout just to the joints. Then clean the joints with some care and small sponges. You can keep most of the holes clear that way.
Personally I prefer filling the holes with grout. It can make the travertine look more even in color. Plus is much easier to clean. Just keep the grout matching the stone in color. I usually like a grout one shade lighter than the stone.
Tripptee
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posted 11-07-2010 03:49 AM
What about the heat spilling out and up towards the TV? Any issues there?
flowchart_jockey
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posted 11-07-2010 04:26 AM
I was concerned about that as well. I put a thermometer up there before I sheetrocked it and it never got above 85 degrees. Same story after rocking. I will eventually install a mantel shelf, which should deflect even more heat.
-- Why make it easy when you can make it difficult?