Removal of 1970's fireplace

6 years ago

Hi! I'm looking for some advise regarding the removal of a 1970's brick fireplace. I've included a photograph. We plan to then add a wood burner stove in its place. What tools are best to remove these bricks? And is it best to start from the top working our way down?!

Any advise is very much appreciated, it is our first house so very inexperienced when it comes to diy!

Thanks in advance

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Sophie
Original Author

6 years ago

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Comments (15)

Jonathan
6 years ago
There are so many parts to the job it is far more than a Sunday afternoon project- indeed a builder would likely take 3 days and it is going to be messy.
Firstly the gas fire needs to be removed safely by a qualified fitter. Removal of the bricks will need a skip and will be easier with the right equipment, you need to create an aperture in the chimney which will need a lintel, removal of the blocks will leave marks on the wall, ceiling and the chimney breast may have never been plastered so some plastering will be required, perhaps coving, you will have to replace the carpet as removal of the TV niche and current hearth makes the current carpet not wide enough. You may need to add skirting, change the position of sockets.
In my opinion this is too much to take on as an inexperienced DIYer.
Sophie
Original Author
6 years ago
Hi Jonathan,

Thank you so much. We are new to DIY but we have resources to help e.g my partner is a flooring layer, and we have some skilled tradesmen we can call upon. My main concern is that we started chipping away at the bricks with no logic and plan around how we approach it.

As you advised we will begin by getting the gas fire place removed!
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Jonathan
6 years ago
In your position I would knock out the bit at the side with the tv on to see how much mess it creates. I would have the fire removed and then look behind to try and work out what you are dealing with. When you are satisfied that the red bricks you can see are not holding anything up I would remove one from the top where the fireplace joins the wall to make sure they are not tied into the house and only when satisfied that they are not structural start to take them out starting at the top.
The picture is from when I had a chimney breast removed- not the same job as you are doing but it does illustrate the likely mess and confirm that you need to protect your furniture- likely in another room
Sophie
Original Author
6 years ago
Thanks so much. That's really helpful. We have arranged for a gas engineer to come next week to remove fire and we are making a start today on moving the bricks at the side.

We'll keep you posted!
Sophie
Original Author
6 years ago
More photos
Sonia
6 years ago
That is quite an undertaking! I cannot add much to what Jonathan says, but I would agree it may be better to get a professional in to remove that enormous fireplace. It will be a big, messy job, and dangerous as it is so tall. I wish you lots of luck with the refurb.
Sophie
Original Author
6 years ago
Another weeks progress! Now we need to decide what we want to do with the room....
A B
6 years ago
Looking good. Can you not knock out all of them?
Sophie
Original Author
6 years ago
Hi Jen P

Well we could....but these are supporting bricks and surround the chimney.

So our plans are to fill in the gaps (where previously have been for decor. And plaster and paint the rest of the chimney with new gas fire in place. It is relatively low cost.

I'll keep you posted with photos.
Sophie
Original Author
6 years ago
We are considering separately the two rooms also.
Jonathan
6 years ago
Is this definitely the chimney? I ask because the bricks behind which presumably are the outside wall are different. Then again if the chimney were a later addition the wall behind the chimney would be plastered. Is there a chimney of the same proportions in the room above?
Sophie
Original Author
6 years ago
Hi Jonathan

Yes the chimney is to he right of the opening at the bottom with a flue rearing and joining it.

We still can't make a decision of what fireplace to put in its place. We have decided to build a stud wall to separate lounge and back dining room and then knock kitchen to have open plan kitchen diner. The new fireplace will then be an off centre fire in new lounge.

We hadn't appreciated how expensive fireplaces can be!
Jonathan
6 years ago
Perhaps you should consider a flueless gas fire. Installation would be cheaper and there is no need to get a fire surround.
Ellen Langford
3 years ago
Hi, I'm moving to a house with a similar type chimney, hoping for some advise and a picture of your finished product! We too want to slim out the chimney bricking, add a stud wall and make a kitchen diner rather than a living diner..

We are planning on having a go, and if the task seems out of our remit will look into getting someone in to do the job