Get matched with top fireplace cleaning pros in Lewiston, ID

If you’re deciding between limewash versus whitewash, know that both have a chalky matte appearance. Limewash is made from lime, water, and sometimes pigment, while whitewash consists of lime, water, white chalk, and binders (though you can get a similar look with watered-down white paint). Whitewash has fewer options for color customization, and it sits on surfaces instead of being absorbed into them, which can trap moisture. Whitewashing costs less—about $1.40 to $4.20 per square foot.

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.

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. 

You may have some limitations when looking for materials and a design to reface your gas fireplace versus what’s available for a traditional wood-burning fireplace. Some gas fireplace surround ideas include stone, concrete, brick, tile, wood, steel, and plaster. However, you should check with the manufacturer of your gas fireplace model to determine if you have any limitations on what you can use.