FIREPLACE MAKEOVER!!! Start To Finish!

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Finally after 2 years of starring at that ugly lump of bricks in my living room, it's finished! And OMG! does it look fantastic. See for yourself.
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[@witzYT]

That is gorgeous my friend, Im a mason myself and I have to say cutting your own veneer was a feat in and of itself. Creating that from scratch with perfect dry-stack joints, the attention to detail on the mantle, upper paneling and hearth shows what caliber of craftsman you are. Excellent work man, exquisite!

[@ConorMakes]

As a Brick layer or as you guys say a mason I got to say that is sweet stone work buddy. Looking forward to the table

[@bobfortune1]

It is so much fun and rewarding looking back on a job well done, isn’t it? Sometimes I’ll go out late at night after everyone is asleep and look at my work - at least for a couple of days then it just blends in and I’m off to the next project. People who can’t or won’t build will never understand the satisfaction. The fact that you get to look at it every day, that’s it’s not in some customer’s house, is a major bonus.

[@mramanya]

That was a HUGE amount of work. I can see why it is a big relief to finally have it completed. I bet the wifey is happy it is finished as well. Absolutely stunning workmanship! Thanks for sharing with all us you tubers!!

[@larryball3168]

Apparently all that procrastinating gave you plenty time to think about how exactly you wanted to do it cause it turned out gorgeous! Great work!

[@JerryRigEverything]

Awesome work man! Impressive.

[@theyoungbutcher5628]

Wonderful. And you just know that this fireplace will still be around when we are all long gone. You're a true craftsman and real gent, Samurai. All the best from the UK.

[@jeremyburch5850]

After all these years, this is still my favorite project of yours. It is beautiful in every way.

[@donaldshulman6771]

Samurai - Stone fireplaces are so nice in a family room. This stone fireplace is so beautiful - love it!! I especially liked seeing the kids helping out. Plz include them in future vids. Now get to work on the table (bench).

[@nailgunnercolbeck]

Stunning mate, the best things come to those who wait.👍👍👍 all stones hand picked and picked with the boys. Keep it up.

[@morganking3992]

Long time watcher, first time commenter here. Just wanted to say how absolutely incredible this fireplace is. Its always hard to find motivation for projects after building other peoples all day, but you never fail to inspire me to jump in the workshop and get some stuff done. Big props my man. Never stop.

[@aelhamamy]

I only discovered you today, unfortunately, binge-watched about 20 of your videos, this, sir, is my favorite one. AWESOME and SPECTACULAR talent! You are the definition of real passion and seeking perfection. Thanks a lot for inspiring me. Thanks.

[@Cubic5]

I sort of liked the before. It made me feel less bad about all my unfinished things.

[@MadDawg91108]

It turned out just as I figured it would.....AWESOME!!

[@ajkustoms5386]

Ive watched basically all of your videos Samurai, and i can honestly say that you are one of the most frustratingly talented carpenters i have ever watched work! Everything you set out to do, even if its the first time doing that particular task, you do it with such skill that its like you have been doing it for years. I love and hate you all at the same time; love you because your vids are amazing and the talent is mind blowing.... hate you because you make it look sooooo easy. Keep up the great work and videos, love ya man! -AJ

[@klschofield71]

I've said it before and I'll say it again, you are truly a magnificent Samurai Carpenter Craftsman; in every sense of every word.B-E-A-Utiful!!

[@kaycox5555]

Simply terrific

[@ryanpeterson9753]

You have brought great honor to you and your famary.

[@kendavis8046]

Glad to see the completed fireplace! Very nice work, and those of us who frequent this channel are looking forward to the dining room table project.

[@gabrielsteinmann1787]

Wow! What a colossus effort! Handmade fireplace. He’s such a stud!

[@VasilENKO85]

*Good work*

[@djAnakin]

Wow! I've been waiting for this one for so long (can't imagine how it feels for you)! It looks amazing! I disagree with the guy who says the top is too imposing. I think it balances nicely with your style. Well done!

[@LarryTait1]

two years is not too bad. You really have given me the urge to get going on my unfinished wood work. My wife Catherine has been way more patient with me than I deserve; 6 years since I finished the upper cabinetry. To borrow from another saying; the hardest cut to make in your woodworking is the first cut.

[@unclejay2181]

This guy gives incredible attention to detail. Kudos to you my friend.

[@molegrip3860]

Simply outstanding. Thanks for sharing

[@jespermikkelsen4416]

You have fantastic skills and endurance! 👍💪

[@shawnwilson1862]

It's absolutely gorgeous Jesse! Perfect balance of wood to stone with a touch of industrial. Well done!

[@kamurray67]

There are so many words I could use to describe what I see in the fireplace but the only one that really captures it for me is talent!

[@VENKOwood]

*Cool job*

[@johnmccarthy6686]

Skookum, Samurai! Nice work man.

[@daveweber1331]

That field stone arrangement below, and the wood up top... I think that looks a lot better than had it all been stone! Beautiful. Again, I love how those stones "spill" out; not just chopped to make the traditional "fit."

[@cgmark321]

The people who watch your 11 minute video and the criticize cannot have any idea of the time you spent designing and building this. You should be proud of your talents and ability. That is a true work of art. You are a master craftsman. Congratulations!

[@bc65925]

Very nice.

[@jimsjacob]

DANG!! Wish I could give it more than one like. Double thumbs up or a couple exclamation points!! That was awesome. Questions... 1. Was that a light laser to level the top? 2. What was the orange mat you put on the ground around the front and then thinset the pavers to? 3. The clear coat you applied to the stones? Was it that water thin epoxy I’ve seen applied to wood? Thanks for sharing your work. It really motivates me to stop slacking. I have a retaining wall for the past couple of years that looks remarkably like how your fireplace looked. Time to get going an stucco that bugger and so I too can get the “monkey” off of my back.

[@NPTuttle]

James Davis the laser is a PLS cross line level, they're amazing

[@davidherman3987]

Question 2: the orange mat that Samurai put down is made by Schluter. It is called DITRA. It minimizes cracking by allowing the wood floor to expand and contract without affecting the tile work. It replaces the old metal screening that tile guys use.

[@jaylarsen2029]

JRam I

[@jimsjacob]

Thank you all. Good info.

[@mattjames8683]

This is an incredible amount of work!! No one can deny your incredible talent now samurai!

[@Har0ldio00]

The wife and I have had a log burner in our living room for 4 years now we love it so much we are getting a second one in the dining room. They make the home a home fantastic they are.

[@Har0ldio00]

And yours looks awesome. Love the vids pal

[@chrisosh9574]

Niiiice job, I hate fireplaces in corners, I have one in my place, I want toangle it out into the room but if I may I will steal some of your style. Oh, when you cut stone without water, for god's sake wear a mask, my dad spent the last two years of his life too scared to leave his oxygen bottle due to builders lungs.

[@stipcrane]

I need to ask you what is the problem with corner fireplaces? I've done ten of them and I think it is a great use of space. If it is purely aesthetics, I might partially agree, but with today's 70" screen culture the middle of the wall belongs to Samsung or Vizio. Period. There's no other way.

[@chrisosh9574]

Having a fireplace in a corner doesn't work efficiently to heat the room. The exception to that is thermal mass stoves that heat adjacent rooms. Ideally a normal fireplace should be in the middle of one of the longer walls of a room, though if there is any kind of back boiler or forced air built in it is less of a problem. I may be out of date but I have the opinions of five generations of plumbers and heating engineers in my family going back to my Greatgrandfather, also I'm a carpenter so not a pro on heating.

[@stipcrane]

Today's direct vent gas fireplaces are more like a cosmetic accessory than a heating appliance, because they don't have near the efficiency or output of a 96% gas furnace. Wood burning fireplaces lose so much energy energy when not in use that they are rarely installed in a new house. I have a buddy who hates corner fireplaces too, so I was just curious whether yours was a technical, performance, aesthetic, etc reason. I'm planning another corner direct vent gas fireplace this spring because that's how it can be seen from all vantage points and still not steal the best location for a big screen.

[@chrisosh9574]

I live in the sticks near Valencia, Spain at the 450metre level (1500') so hot in summer and cool and windy in winter.I have a Hergom woodburner, it's fairly efficient but I am going to supplement it with hot air solar collectors, I'm off grid have plenty of outside wall space and sunshine in winter. I was going to move the chimney and build a scandi type thermal mass stove in the centre of the house but the benefits aren't big enough compared to the solar and wood stove, plus wood is cheap here. The most efficient is underfloor in my opinion but that would mean major work because Spanish houses built 35 years ago are about 70 years behind the rest of Europe. The nearest city gas is 45Km away, the joys of being a country boy!

[@stipcrane]

Wow! I wouldn't have guessed I was corresponding with someone in Spain. I live in Seattle , Washington, probably 120 miles south of the Samurai on Vancouver Island. I have dreamed many times of having a large Russian or Finnish style thermal mass fireplace, but the costs are prohibitive here. Radiant floor heating is super comfortable in the winter, but then if you want air conditioning for the summer there is no preexisting air distribution system. Studies in Canada have shown that energy savings with radiant floors are merely theoretical and not in the real world. (People tend to turn up the thermostats to 75° to make the air at 4-5' more comfortable.) The easiest & cheapest path to energy savings is insulation and air sealing, buts that's a tough challenge in existing houses. I only build new ones! :) Good luck in your endeavors!

[@rakashaagain]

Not 33 acre... Best brewery in Canada or at least in vancouver. Cheers buddy!

[@TheSamuraiCarpenter]

JM Lav my all time favourite. Had a friend bring some over to the island for me.

[@Hiroak]

I've never liked the beach/river rock fire places until now that is nice. That mantel and the wood with the rock go well together.

[@joeshaft]

my word that is some serious amount of work and skill right there! you can keep your april wilkersons and laura kampfs. You, kyle toth, matt cremona, mark spagnolo and jimmy diresta are just easily some of the very best out there. serious skills Jesse

[@oobaka1967]

What's it like to be a god among us mere mortals?

[@TheSamuraiCarpenter]

oobaka1967 exhausting.

[@bushcraftbillycan]

love the stone bottom part. top looks like a church organ

[@chrisis9030]

So? What's your point if I may inquire?

[@bushcraftbillycan]

my point if you need me to explain is that in my opinion I enjoy the look of the stone fireplace bottom. the top would not look out of place in church on Sunday, straddled by old Mrs Barkley knocking out some strangled morbid tune. if that is the look that he was going for then obviously it has been achieved.

[@chrisis9030]

Yup... my feeling exactly. That top...

[@monabale8263]

panels are in japanese style. very much in keeping with the stone work style

[@chrisis9030]

+ Mona Bale I can't see how these simple panels are specifically japanese in style. They could be placed anywhere - BUT here. In my eyes there's no connection between any of the parts of this fireplace, not even a trace of harmony. And proportionally it's out of whack. I can hardly believe this was Jesse's idea after seeing all his good stuff.

[@josecuervo4749]

Thanks for finally posting another reno video. I think that this whole house renovation has been some of my favorite things on your channel. The fireplace project was a huge undertaking and the results, to me, are absolutely beautiful. I totally look forward to your table project as I'm also doing a table project.....Buon Capo d'anon.

[@edgarcisneros6771]

Holy crap! That came out awesome! A bow to you, sir...

[@smokingcheeba420]

For chisel my ninja.

[@smokingcheeba420]

Put this on a shirt.

[@ollie4dad]

I guess it's okay.... If you are into that whole born from nature as commissioned by God thing...... Damn Son!

[@bfitz1977]

That's a thing of beauty, Samurai has his swagger back!

[@akquicksilver]

Your fireplace has been born again! Looks fantastic!

[@DanielMores]

Hmm, I'm probably an ass for saying it but I think the wooden top part is too imposing, too dominant. The rocks are amazing, I think they might have a more prominent role if the top part was painted like the wall without grid thing.

[@gabrielemagnabosco8926]

I like as it is, ut I get where you're coming from. Perhaps he was aiming for extra space to hang things, like swords or things

[@tomruth9487]

I think it's always hard to make something that sticks that far out into the room look graceful. It's sort of like when you design a kitchen, it's best if you can build the refrigerator into a wall somehow. It's always the elephant in the room.

[@garrycole9187]

I agree, molding on top maybe was not needed. or maybe it should be white to match the window molding. My taste so everyone likes different things.

[@jesteris25]

I tend to agree with you but it is a carpentry show and we don't have to look at it every day

[@smokingcheeba420]

Your all right. The stone all the way up would of looked amazing but not so functional. The crown is fine. He's a carpenter not a mason.

[@budwoodman1716]

Beautiful job. Anyone would be proud to have that very fire place in their home.

[@scottlomas5509]

Wow the things you can do blows me away man. Your a true crafts men.

[@yummboy2]

Great job on the rock work, the mantle, the paneling, the whole package looks terrific!

[@9009matorres]

Actually thought I was gonna dislike this video but it’s one of the most beautiful projects you’ve done. Very well done. I’m literally in awe.

[@MattheoBorey]

Wow, you built a house in your house. I love the looks of it. What an insane amount of work.

[@michaelhumphries8550]

The vision for your projects is awesome. Your skills are world class!

[@lorenzogonzalez9892]

Greetings and hope that happiness and health smile in your home in 2018. Now yes, every detail of your fireplace is appreciated. You gave me an idea to try to make one in the project that I have for my retirement home in the mountains. A hug.

[@ericjohn3664]

Very well done. The skill and patience you have is truly admirable. All the scribing and detail is fantastic. As usual, well done.

[@EIRENARCH1]

there are no words to describe what i just saw. You sir are a top craftsman

[@fbomb11967]

WOW! Beautiful work. Also I love that you got your boys to help , too many kids nowadays sit around and do nothing.

[@davecsaszarable]

My grandfather was a carpenter. I never met him, but some of his pieces are still in used in two different continents. It's such great thing to see a family guy put so much love in his work. Not to mention how proud you are of your family. Thanks for sharing such positive message

[@tomzeaman8985]

Nice job! Now that's the Samurai Carpenter I look forward to watch when I watch it!

[@steveblackwood3410]

I have to give it up to you.... your work ethic and ability to improvise/problem solve are pretty impressive. Very nice job!

[@argotungsten4336]

Wow! 2 years ?!? The is one patient lady u have. God bless her . Most women would have blown their top if they had to wait 2 years . Great job on the fireplace

[@DataDawg59369]

You do some absolutely beautiful work. Thank you for sharing your talents with the world.

[@frankie2234]

The fireplace turned out so nice !!!!! Worth the wait. I like the "wetlook" on the stones.

[@josephkerley363]

Excellent work Samurai! And Lady Samurai smiled!

[@boardluva108]

Your kids are so lucky to have you, Samurai. I'm sure you feel lucky to have them as well. One day they will brag to all of their friends how amazing your work is. I think the beauty about woodworking and masonry (any trade really) is that the work you do will outlast your days here on Earth. Keep up the stunning and extremely precise work you do! Cheers.

[@mattgarcia440]

Unbelievable craftsmanship and great artistic eye to boot, great job !!!

[@multi_misa72]

just like the old school samurai video! just out of this world.

[@SalisburyKarateClub]

I like the fireplace, including the huge woodwork on the top, I think it's fairly well balanced.

[@hungryarch7319]

That jointery on that slab....exquisite.

[@xoncention3265]

Great to tick the fireplace off your to do list. Trust you have the time to sit back and enjoy. Well done.

[@jasonnordgren1844]

Holy crap man! That is incredibly beautiful. You are a true artist sir!

[@AEXdesignhouse]

I took a deep breath in between before and after pic. It looks so wonderful

[@sheepdogtanker4651]

Dude, the fireplace kicks ass!!!, AWESOME!!!

[@kiwdwks]

Awesome fireplace...you should feel absolutely proud.

[@JohnMason-Hill]

Seriously. Is there nothing you can’t do? Stunning!!

[@matthewstrickland1773]

Woah. Absolutely incredible. plus that scribe was insanely on point.

[@GaryMeolaJr]

You are extremely talented with your hands. Great work.

[@gsardokla]

Outstanding! Don't see how it could have been done any better. Should be featured in major home/architectural magazines throughout N. America. A champion job, and...Champion skivvies!

[@joellaurin9007]

That's the nicest fireplace I have ever seen!

[@mac1980ification]

everything you touch you change into masterpiece, awesome

[@proudpennsylvanian330]

Beautiful stonework. As good as any I've seen. Great work Samurai!

[@jbb5470]

Fantastic build and great video! What ever you are charging for your work, its not enough! Top notch craftsmanship!

[@rickhettich9500]

I've been a mason for several decades, and although i'm not a fan of that type of stone you did a great job here. It looks great. :)

[@diydad9153]

Those joints have to be some of the biggest mortise and tenon I have ever seen very well done sir!

[@heartwood6501]

Best looking fireplace I’ve ever seen , all the best for 2018 year of the samurai

[@More-Space-In-Ear]

Now doesn’t that look better...awesome job mate, well done...peace has resumed in the household once again 😉👍🏼😊

[@shawnkennedy23]

I have to say that your projects inspire me. Great job.

[@mkushin]

That beer was well deserved. Awesome project.

[@teddougherty6963]

Jesse - as always an incredible job - you inspire me to create my brother. Thanks for sharing your gift

[@MicahMartinDIY]

Using that wire to transfer the shape was straight genius!!

[@jacobtocila8760]

Very glad to see that it's done! Inspirational, what more can I say? Can't wait to see how the dining table turns out.

[@SkullFarms]

I think this is the best thing so far. Awesome.

[@cliffcarlo180]

That really is a truly stunning fireplace, well done you. You certainly deserved that beer for a job very well done.🍻

[@jordanbarlow2097]

Amazing piece of art you have created

[@MrsgoMezNYC]

WOW - you are freakin' AMAZING ! and you did it all by yourself !!! WOW

[@eln74]

Cheers sensei, tnx for sharing it, not only with your pupils, but with the whole world!!! 👊🏻📐🗜🍻

[@elrickinslayer5821]

Absolutely wicked job,Jesse. Positively baronial.

[@danbev8542]

WOW! Beautiful work! You have great taste and execution! I liked the log holder solution.