Get matched with top fireplace cleaning pros in Oak View, CA

If you already have the tools, like a miter saw, a stud finder, and a nail gun or hammer, installing shiplap costs $500 to $1,000 for supplies. You’ll also spend $200 to $2,200 for the cost of an electric fireplace if you decide to add one into your setup.

You can also hire a carpenter for $35 to $100 per hour, plus the cost of materials, to install shiplap around your fireplace. If you need help installing a fireplace before adding the shiplap, labor can cost $225 to $2,180 for fireplace installation costs. 

The main difference between limewash and German schmear is their core ingredient. Limewash is made from crushed limestone, while German schmear uses a mortar base. This affects their application, appearance, and longevity. German schmear involves applying a thin layer of mortar to brick or stone and then partially wiping it off. In contrast, limewash is a type of paint. German schmear is essentially permanent, lasting one to two decades with minimal maintenance, whereas limewash has a shorter lifespan of five to seven years. Cost-wise, German schmear is about $1 to $4 per square foot and is typically only available in white or gray.

Knowing who to hire to install your fireplace is important when it comes to having a safe place to burn a fire in your home. The best person to contact for installing fireplaces is a mason or general contractor who has a National Fireplace Institute (NFI) specialist certification. If you’re installing wood paneling, then it’s a good idea to also find a pro who is Wood Energy Technology Transfer (WETT)-certified. 

Both of these certifications show that your pro is well-equipped to install fireplaces and inspect your home for the utmost safety.

Yes, you can limewash surfaces other than brick. Plaster, stone, stucco, and concrete can all also be limewashed. Any porous surface that will absorb the wash is a good candidate for limewash, although it won’t help much with waterproofing. If you choose to limewash over paint, you’ll need to prep before applying it to avoid a powdery, chalky finish. Shiny surfaces like metal or glass can’t absorb limewash, so it’s not suited for these.