We didn't like the old 80's fake-stone fireplace, so I tore it out today. http://imgur.com/E516jza
We like the idea of a concrete fireplace, but I'm not sure what steps/materials I need.
I'd like to My wife wants me to build something like this (of course, our firebox is higher up, so there will be concrete between it and the base: http://neighbor2neighbor.com/images/uploads/art-of-concrete-fireplace.jpg
I've never worked with concrete.
Do I just screw in some cement board around the fireplace, tape it, then trowel on concrete, or do I need to add metal lath on top of the cement board? Perhaps I don't even need cement board?
For the base, the wife wants a minimal profile like the photo, but we have hardwood (uneven lengths due to the fact that it was put in around the old stones). She also doesn't want a quarter round, but I don't know how to get a clean edge.
I plan to remove the cinder blocks first.
Do I need to build the base with 2x4's, then concrete board over them, or can I just build a form, throw some rebar wire (is that the right term?) in there, and pour in the concrete?
Did I mention that I've never worked with concrete?
I have no idea what I'll need. Special trowels? Pixie dust? I don't even know what mix is best. So I appreciate any help/insight...I'm a total noob, but I like learning and DIY.
As much fun as the drill hammer is, I really don't want to have to do that job again.
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