Stone and Concrete Hearth and Surround Workshop

Home builders, remodeling contractors, interior designers, fireplace and hearth retailers, and homeowners.

Price per piece or per project. Repeat orders from builders and retailers give steadier work, and custom designs earn higher prices.

• Casting, cutting or tile and stone work
• Measuring and drawing simple plans
• Quoting and managing orders
• Lifting and handling heavy materials safely

• Building codes and manufacturer instructions for clearances and non-combustible materials; check with your local building department
• Whether any of your products count as fireplaces or inserts that need testing or listing; check before selling them
• General liability and product liability insurance, plus workers' compensation once you hire
• Dust control and worker safety rules for cutting stone or concrete (silica dust); check OSHA guidance
• Zoning, local business license and sales tax registration for your state

Startup costs are typically around $15,000 to $60,000, depending on your rented unit, casting, cutting and handling equipment, and materials. Costs vary with the products and volumes you plan to produce.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $5,000 to $25,000, depending on how many standard and custom pieces you sell and your pricing to builders, retailers and homeowners. These are estimates only.

Check building codes and manufacturer instructions on clearances and non-combustible materials with your local building department. Also check whether any products count as fireplaces or inserts needing testing, OSHA guidance on silica dust, and zoning and licensing.