From Dated Prefab to Modern Gas Feature
Older, builder-grade fireplaces, especially prefab wood-burning units with brass trim, can make a living room feel dated and underperform as a heat source. In this Laurel, Maryland home, the original fireplace no longer fit the space visually or functionally.
The homeowner wanted a clean, modern upgrade that would look intentional, perform reliably, and be built the right way, behind the walls as well as on the surface. That’s where Priddy Chimney Solutions came in.
A Modern Gas Fireplace Upgrade for a Central Maryland Home
This project reflects the type of fireplace conversions Priddy Chimney completes throughout Central Maryland, including Prince George’s County—helping homeowners move away from dated prefab fireplaces and toward efficient, thoughtfully designed gas features.
The home itself is approximately 30 years old, with a builder-installed prefab fireplace typical of many homes in the region. Rather than patching or masking the existing unit, the goal was a full conversion and wall redesign that would feel permanent, balanced, and timeless.
Fireplace Before Redesign
The Goal: Replacing a Dated Prefab Fireplace with a Clean, Efficient Design
- Remove the existing wood-burning prefab fireplace
- Install a modern direct-vent gas fireplace
- Redesign the entire fireplace wall with a floor-to-ceiling stone facade
- Integrate a properly planned TV mounting solution
- Complete the work cleanly in an occupied home
This wasn’t a surface-level update. It was a full fireplace conversion planned from the inside out.
The Fireplace Conversion Process
Safe Removal & Preparation
The existing prefab fireplace and components were carefully removed and disposed of. Before work began, the home was protected with drop cloths, plastic coverings, and walking runners. Daily debris removal helped keep the space organized and livable throughout the project.
Electrical & Infrastructure Planning
Modern fireplace redesigns require early planning. Electrical work included:
- Dedicated power for the new gas fireplace
- Concealed outlets for the TV and components
- Outlet placement designed to stay hidden once the TV was installed
This approach avoids exposed wiring and ensures the finished wall looks clean and intentional.
Gas Line & Direct-Vent Installation Through the Existing Chimney
A dedicated gas line was installed to support the new fireplace. The venting system was routed vertically through the existing chimney chase, preserving the home’s exterior appearance while delivering a sealed, code-compliant direct-vent gas system.
To support long-term durability, a custom stainless steel chimney chase cover was installed to manage water runoff and help protect the chase from moisture intrusion.
Framing & Structural Build-Out for a Stone Fireplace Wall
The fireplace wall was reframed to manufacturer specifications and widened to support a floor-to-ceiling stone surround. Fireblocking was added behind the interior wall, and cement board was installed to create a durable, fire-safe substrate for stone installation.
Structural blocking was also added for:
- TV mounting
- Mantel installation
- Long-term stability of the finished wall
This behind-the-scenes work is critical to how the fireplace looks and performs over time.
Stone Installation, Mantel, and Finish Work
The final phase brought the design together:
- Ledger stone installed from floor to ceiling across the widened facade
- Hearth area prepped and finished with tile
- Non-combustible mantel shelf installed
- Interior paint applied to blend the new feature wall seamlessly into the room
The final fireplace feels proportionate, balanced, and permanent.
The Result: A Clean, Modern, Efficient Fireplace in Laurel, MD
What was once a dated prefab fireplace is now a high-performance gas feature that:
- Provides reliable supplemental heat
- Anchors the living room visually
- Supports a clean TV layout
- Feels timeless rather than trendy
This project highlights how thoughtful planning and proper execution can completely change how a space looks and functions.
Project Highlights
- Wood-burning prefab converted to direct-vent gas
- Floor-to-ceiling ledger stone fireplace wall
- Integrated TV mount with concealed electrical
- Reuse of existing chimney chase for venting
- Custom stainless steel chase cover installation
Interested in a Fireplace Redesign?
Priddy Chimney Solutions is a trusted leader in fireplace conversions and redesigns, serving homeowners throughout Central Maryland, Northern Virginia, and Washington, DC—helping replace outdated fireplaces with clean, modern, high-performing solutions.
