~/ram/notes/fireplace-feature-wall/README.md

A New Face for the Fireplace

I gave the brick fireplace a new face: a simple, dark feature wall with the television above it and the original brick hearth still visible below. These photos follow the project from exposed timber framing through the surface preparation to the finished wall.

The finished charcoal fireplace wall with the television mounted above the brick hearth.
The finished charcoal fireplace wall with the television mounted above the brick hearth.

Behind the finished wall

The timber frame established the shape of the new wall. My layout notes and progress photos capture the structure before the panels covered it.

Timber framing taking shape around the existing brick fireplace.
Timber framing taking shape around the existing brick fireplace.
Measurements marked on a progress photo to work out the framing layout.
Measurements marked on a progress photo to work out the framing layout.
The upper wall covered, with the timber structure still visible below.
The upper wall covered, with the timber structure still visible below.
A close look at the framing around the fireplace opening.
A close look at the framing around the fireplace opening.
The enclosure taking shape around the smaller rectangular opening.
The enclosure taking shape around the smaller rectangular opening.

Bringing it together

With the enclosure in place, the visible work shifted to the surface: filling the joints and fixing points, smoothing the face, and adding the charcoal finish. The brick hearth gives the new wall a little of the original fireplace’s texture.

Panel joints and fixing points filled before the final finish.
Panel joints and fixing points filled before the final finish.
The smooth, light surface before the dark finish.
The smooth, light surface before the dark finish.
The painted feature wall before the television was mounted.
The painted feature wall before the television was mounted.