How to ship lap a fireplace with cement board

My mission? Create this look for my fireplace…..

From the minute I saw our townhouse, I knew I wanted to ship lap the fireplace with cement board.

This is what I started with on move in day…very 1980’s.

Shortly after that we removed the “mantel” and had the TV wired and hung above the fireplace.

The hearth was the matching blue tiles.

We started by demo-ing the existing trim and blue tile. (I kept the existing blue floor tile in tact. I’ll show you my simple plan to give that hearth a new look later without having to hire a mason or do major demolition.)

I used cement board as the ship lap because cement board is fire resistant.

You MUST use a fire resistant material around your fireplace.

*You CAN NOT use wood to ship lap on your fireplace* that is a fire hazard.

First, cut a header piece the width of your entire space. The “1st” piece in the photo below.

Add vertical pieces on the left and right of your space. 2nd and 3rd piece on the photo above.

Then, fill in the space from top to bottom with the cement boards you pre cut.

I used liquid nails and some finishing nails to attached the cement board to the wall.

Use a level to level each piece of cement board as you go.

You’ll have to measure and cut a space for the electrical outlet.

After all the cement board was in place, I primed and painted it.

Next, I need to figure out a solution for the hearth. The 4 inch blue tiles have got to go. You may see a sneak peek at my first attempt at a hearth solution in some of the photos…

I also need to add a mantel. Stay tuned while I figure out those 2 items.

Are you ready to ship lap your fireplace with cement board?

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Don’t forget to schedule an online design plan plan with me. More details and a video on how to have me help you with your home HERE