By Pietralivo Stone · Published October 2, 2026
Often, yes. An existing brick fireplace surround can be a candidate for stone veneer without removing all the brick. Whether that makes sense for your home depends on the condition of the masonry, its surface finish and the installation requirements of the stone you choose.
This guide is about updating the visible surround. Changing the firebox, gas equipment, chimney or fireplace appliance is a separate scope of work.
Start with the brick, before choosing a color
Loose brick, deteriorating joints, flaking surfaces or persistent moisture need attention before a new finish is considered. Veneer should not be used to hide a problem with the existing masonry. A photograph can start the conversation, but it cannot establish whether a surface is ready for installation.
Paint and sealers also change the preparation needed. A clean-looking painted fireplace is not automatically a suitable bonding surface. The selected veneer system determines whether surface treatment, a mechanically attached lath and scratch coat, or another approved assembly is appropriate. There is no single preparation method that fits every brick fireplace.
Account for the extra depth
Think about the fireplace from the side as well as from the front. Adding a new facing changes the relationship between the surround, mantel, hearth and adjacent wall. Before ordering, ask how the finished edges will meet each of those features.
- Side returns: Will the stone wrap around the exposed sides or end at a defined edge?
- Mantel: Will the existing mantel still look balanced against the thicker facing?
- Hearth: Is the plan to retain it, coordinate a new finish or handle it as separate work?
- Top edge: Will the stone stop at the mantel or continue toward the ceiling?
A useful planning step is to mark the proposed outer outline with removable tape on adjacent finished surfaces, then look at it from your usual seating position. Use physical samples to judge the stone's depth; a flat photo does not show how far individual pieces project.
Check the fireplace and stone instructions together
The stone's appearance does not determine where it can safely be placed. Review the fireplace model's instructions alongside the veneer manufacturer's requirements, including heat exposure, clearances and any areas that must remain accessible or unobstructed.
For example, Eldorado Stone's FAQ specifies a minimum distance from an open flame for its veneer. That product-specific guidance should not be treated as a universal measurement for every stone or fireplace. Keep decorative cladding outside the firebox unless a product is expressly approved for that use, and resolve the details for your exact appliance before installation.
Choose a finish that works with your room
Bring samples beside your flooring, wall paint and mantel. Look at them during the day and under your evening lighting. A cool gray that looks subtle in a showroom may feel very different next to warm wood at home.
Decide whether you want the fireplace to be a quiet backdrop or the strongest feature in the room. Compare several pieces together rather than choosing from a single small sample. Discuss the joints and corners at the same time: those details help define the final appearance as much as the face of the stone.
Our natural versus manufactured stone guide offers questions to use when comparing products.
What should a project estimate describe?
Ask for a clear description of the area being covered, preparation, selected material, corner treatment and finishing work. Confirm what happens to the existing mantel and hearth, who supplies the stone, and whether protection and cleanup are included. If the existing surface needs further assessment, ask which parts of the estimate remain provisional.
Compare proposals using the same scope. A price for applying the visible stone alone is difficult to compare with one that includes substantial preparation. See our guide to stone veneer installation costs for the main variables.
Photos to send before your first conversation
- A straight-on photo showing the entire fireplace and surrounding wall.
- A side view showing the hearth, mantel and existing projections.
- Close-ups of the brick finish and any visible damage or staining.
- Approximate width and height of the area you want to cover.
- The fireplace model, if known, plus one or two examples of the finish you like.
For a home in Chatsworth, the San Fernando Valley or surrounding Los Angeles communities, send these details with your location to Pietralivo Stone. We can discuss the decorative scope and the next steps for an estimate. Explore our stone fireplace surround service or text your project photos.
Technical references: Mountain View Stone: veneer over existing brick; Eldorado Stone: fireplace and product FAQs. Consult the current instructions for your selected products; this is a planning guide, not a specification for a particular installation.