Stone and Tile Fireplace Surround Workshop

Home builders, renovation contractors, interior designers and homeowners, plus fireplace and hearth retailers who resell your products.

Per-project pricing for custom jobs, plus repeat supply contracts with builders and retailers for standard surrounds and hearths.

• Stone, tile or concrete fabrication
• Reading plans and measuring on site
• Quoting and managing orders
• Dealing with trade customers

• Zoning and permits for a workshop unit, so confirm manufacturing use with your municipality before signing a lease
• Clearance to combustibles and the building code: surrounds must suit the fireplace unit, so check CSA/ULC requirements and the maker's instructions
• Do not install or modify gas or wood-burning units yourself unless properly certified, as provinces regulate this work
• Silica dust from cutting stone and concrete, so check workplace health and safety rules for dust control and protective equipment
• WCB/WSIB coverage once you hire, plus commercial general liability and product liability insurance
• Heavy materials and lifting, so plan for safe handling and delivery

Startup costs are estimated at typically around $15,000 to $60,000, depending on your unit, cutting equipment and materials. Heavy materials mean you should also plan for safe lifting and delivery.

Monthly revenue is estimated at typically around $5,000 to $25,000, depending on your order volume, materials and whether you also install. Customers include builders, contractors, designers and hearth retailers.

Confirm manufacturing use with your municipality before signing a lease, and check CSA/ULC requirements and the building code for clearances. Provinces regulate gas and wood-burning unit work, and check silica dust rules, WCB/WSIB, and liability insurance.