With the introduction of zero clearance fireplaces the challenge has been to come up with a wrapper that has lots of curb appeal. For the past fifteen years Weishuhn Drywall LLC has been using gypsum wallboard products to build attractive, elegant fireplace surrounds that are affordable. Whether the designs are simple or marvelously complex we have been privileged to design and install our custom surrounds in some of the finest homes in Catawba Island, Marblehead, and Johnson’s Island.
The following pictures are just a few of the many surrounds that we have built, and because every installation is different no two fireplaces are identical. Please feel free to use the pictures as a springboard for your own creative inspiration. We can turn those ideas into a pleasing reality for you.
The Process
Using drywall pieces that are fitted together to make the base of the surround, not only provides a non-combustible material but also a weight saving factor. Minimal load bearing means you can do huge things without the huge expense of the usual substructure reinforcement. For example, if you “face” a fireplace with brick or a natural stone the floor joists would have to be doubled or even tripled. Depending upon the estimated weight factor there may even be the need to install steel I-beams and jack posts to ensure the fireplace doesn’t end up in the basement theater room.
Once the gypsum board is cut and fitted, it is coated with a speed set material and filled out. Once all the surfaces have been coated and shaped we apply the texture, which gives the project a masonry look.
We can also use EIFS products to coat the gypsum board. This process provides an extremely durable surround that looks and feels like a masonry product, and gives the designer an even greater latitude in creativity.
