Chandler Fireplace Upgrade — 3D Stone & Custom Mantel

Watch the Transformation

See the complete before and after transformation in our video walkthrough:

Project Overview

This Chandler, Arizona fireplace reface was part of a larger home renovation and delivered a dramatic upgrade to the living space. By replacing outdated features with modern textures and custom craftsmanship, this fireplace now serves as a warm, inviting, and stylish centerpiece—demonstrating how fireplace transformations can anchor entire rooms and dramatically improve home aesthetics.

We extended the fireplace hearth for a more balanced and substantial design that creates proper visual foundation. Standard shallow hearths can make fireplaces feel undersized and ungrounded. Extending the hearth forward increases visual weight and architectural presence while providing practical benefits—more display space and better seating edge. The substantial hearth establishes proper proportions that support the dramatic vertical stone treatment above.

Dated drywall pop-outs were removed to create a clean, flat face that allows the stone to become the focal element. The 1990s-2000s trend of stepped drywall surrounds has aged poorly and creates busy, dated appearance. Removing these pop-outs and creating smooth wall surface lets the natural stone texture provide all visual interest without competing elements. This streamlined approach feels contemporary and allows the quality materials to shine.

We designed and built a custom mantel for a handcrafted, timeless touch that provides perfect proportions. The custom mantel sits at ideal height for the specific fireplace and room scale while delivering furniture-quality craftsmanship. Handcrafted construction ensures quality hardwood selection, thoughtful joinery, and finishing details that elevate the mantel to architectural element rather than basic shelf. This bespoke feature demonstrates commitment to quality and custom design.

3D stacked stone was installed from the hearth to the ceiling for a bold statement wall that transforms the living room. The floor-to-ceiling stone treatment creates dramatic vertical sweep that emphasizes room height and establishes the fireplace as commanding focal point. Natural stone ledger pieces arranged vertically provide organic texture and dimensional relief that changes with lighting throughout the day. The earth tones bring warmth while the full-height installation creates impressive architectural impact.

The finished result is a modern stacked-stone fireplace that blends natural texture, classic style, and lasting durability—the perfect focal point for this newly updated home. This transformation demonstrates how strategic fireplace upgrades (extended hearth, custom mantel, floor-to-ceiling stone) create luxury focal points that anchor living spaces and enhance home value. Ready to create your own dramatic fireplace transformation? Learn more about our fireplace remodeling services and discover how we can bring custom craftsmanship and quality materials to your Chandler home.

Project Highlights

🏛️ Extended Fireplace Hearth

• Increased visual weight – More balanced, substantial design
• Architectural presence – Proper foundation created
• Practical benefits – Display space and seating edge
• Proper proportions – Supports vertical stone above

🎯 Clean, Flat Face Created

• Dated pop-outs removed – Eliminates 90s/2000s styling
• Smooth wall surface – Stone becomes focal element
• Streamlined approach – Contemporary, uncluttered appearance
• Quality materials shine – No competing elements

🪵 Custom Designed & Built Mantel

• Perfect proportions – Ideal height for space
• Handcrafted quality – Furniture-grade construction
• Timeless design – Classic with custom character
• Architectural element – Beyond basic shelf

🪨 Floor-to-Ceiling 3D Stacked Stone

• Hearth to ceiling installation – Bold statement wall
• Dramatic vertical sweep – Emphasizes room height
• Natural texture throughout – Dimensional organic relief
• Earth tones and warmth – Impressive architectural impact

✅ Modern Stacked-Stone Transformation

• Licensed contractor – ROC #309760, fully insured and bonded
• Part of larger renovation – Coordinated home update
• 1-2 week timeline – Dramatic transformation executed
• Warm, inviting centerpiece – Natural texture, lasting durability

Why This Design Works for Chandler Homes

Extended hearths create proper visual foundation for dramatic vertical fireplace treatments by providing substantial base that balances tall stone surrounds. When floor-to-ceiling stone extends upward without adequate hearth, fireplaces can feel top-heavy or unstable visually. Extended hearths ground the design, create architectural weight at floor level, and establish proper proportions. The hearth extension also provides practical benefits—seating edge for gathering around fire and display surface for décor or candles.

Removing dated drywall pop-outs represents essential step in modernizing 1990s-2000s era fireplaces. The stepped, protruding drywall surrounds popular in that period have aged poorly and immediately date homes. These features create visual clutter and distract from quality stone or tile. Creating clean, flat wall surface allows stone surround to provide all texture and interest without competing elements. This streamlined approach feels current and sophisticated while letting premium materials become the star.

Floor-to-ceiling stacked stone creates maximum drama and architectural presence by emphasizing vertical space and establishing fireplace as room’s dominant feature. In homes with 9-12+ foot ceilings, extending stone to ceiling height makes impressive statement impossible to achieve with standard-height treatments. The continuous vertical line draws eyes upward, makes rooms feel more spacious, and creates focal point that anchors entire living space. This bold approach works particularly well in open-concept homes where fireplace needs strong presence to define gathering areas.

Natural stacked stone brings Arizona’s landscape indoors while providing timeless material choice that won’t date. The earth tones—tans, browns, grays—echo desert surroundings while the organic texture creates authentic connection to outdoor environment. Unlike trendy tile patterns or colors that can feel dated in 5-10 years, natural stone maintains appeal across design eras. The three-dimensional ledger pieces create shadow lines and depth that artificial materials cannot replicate, ensuring lasting beauty and value.

Chandler Fireplace Remodeling Expertise

This fireplace is one of many dramatic transformations we’ve completed throughout Chandler, from Ocotillo to Fulton Ranch, from Sun Groves to Pecos Ranch. Our experience with floor-to-ceiling stone installations, custom carpentry, and modernizing dated fireplaces means we can help Chandler homeowners create stunning focal points that anchor living spaces.

We work with quality stone suppliers for authentic stacked ledger materials and coordinate structural modifications, custom carpentry, and professional installation seamlessly. This expertise ensures superior outcomes for Chandler homeowners pursuing fireplace transformations.

Ready to Transform Your Chandler Fireplace?

Whether you’re planning floor-to-ceiling stone, custom mantel, hearth extension, fireplace reface, or any home improvement project, we’d love to help bring your vision to life. As a licensed general contractor (ROC #309760) serving Chandler, Gilbert, Tempe, Mesa, Scottsdale, and throughout the Valley, we have the expertise to handle dramatic fireplace transformations with quality craftsmanship.

Get Your Free Estimate Today →

We’ll schedule a free in-home consultation to discuss your goals, assess your space, provide detailed recommendations, and answer all your questions. No pressure, just honest advice from experienced professionals who’ve completed hundreds of successful home transformations throughout Chandler and the Valley.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I extend my fireplace hearth?

Extend fireplace hearths when current hearth is shallow and fireplace feels undersized, you’re installing floor-to-ceiling treatment that needs visual grounding, you want seating/display space around fireplace, or you’re doing comprehensive fireplace remodel anyway. Standard shallow hearths (12-18″ deep) often feel inadequate with dramatic vertical treatments. Extended hearths (24-36″+ deep) create substantial presence, proper proportions, and practical benefits. Professional assessment can determine ideal hearth dimensions for your specific fireplace and room. The investment in hearth extension pays dividends through balanced, impressive final result.

How do I update a 1990s fireplace with drywall pop-outs?

Update dated drywall pop-out fireplaces by removing stepped drywall to create flat surface, installing quality stone or tile surround (stacked stone, marble, contemporary tile), adding custom mantel for architectural interest, and potentially extending hearth for better proportions. The key is eliminating the dated stepped drywall that immediately ages the fireplace. Flat surface allows quality materials to shine without visual competition. Consider floor-to-ceiling treatment for maximum impact. Professional remodeling transforms these dated features into contemporary focal points that enhance rather than date homes.

What’s the best stone for a floor-to-ceiling fireplace?

Best stones for floor-to-ceiling fireplaces include stacked stone ledger (natural texture, dramatic vertical impact), slate (contemporary clean lines, works vertically), and marble or granite panels (luxury appearance, modern elegance). Stacked stone works particularly well because horizontal ledger pattern emphasizes vertical sweep while natural texture provides interest across large surface. Avoid very busy patterns or stark contrasts that become overwhelming at large scale. Neutral earth tones in natural materials provide lasting appeal. Professional guidance ensures stone selection suits your specific fireplace size, room proportions, and design goals.

How long does a fireplace remodel take?

Fireplace remodel timelines vary by scope: simple surround update (new tile or stone) takes 2-3 days, moderate remodel (hearth extension, surround, mantel) takes 5-10 days, and comprehensive transformation (hearth work, custom mantel, floor-to-ceiling stone) takes 1-2 weeks. Factors affecting duration include structural modifications required, custom carpentry needs, stone material installation complexity, and drying/curing times. Most fireplace remodels complete within 1-2 weeks from start to finish. Professional contractors provide accurate timelines during consultation based on specific project scope.

Have more questions? Visit our fireplace FAQ page for comprehensive answers about hearth extensions, stone selection, and fireplace transformations.

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Explore Our Remodeling Services

Interested in a similar transformation? We specialize in fireplace refacing and remodeling throughout the East Valley. Our services include:

🔥 Fireplace & Tile Services

• Virtual Showroom 3D Design Consultation – See your project before we build
• Fireplace Refacing & Remodeling →
• Tile Backsplash Installation →
• Tile Flooring Installation →

📍 Service Areas

We provide professional remodeling services throughout the East Valley:

Gilbert | Chandler | Mesa | Tempe | Scottsdale | Ahwatukee