How to Demolish an Existing Fireplace

Although a fireplace usually adds value to a home, a fireplace that doesn't work or that's drafty and takes up too much space can be an eyesore. If your fireplace is non-structural, it's possible for a do-it-yourselfer to demolish it.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Tarp or dropcloth
• Broom and dustpan or shop-vac
• Hammer
• Chisel
• Grinder
• Dumpster

1. Place a tarpaulin or drop cloth on the floor around the hearth. Clean out the fireboxes with a shop-vac or a broom and dustpan.

2. Put on safety glasses. Break a joint around the grouted area of the hearth with a chisel and stone hammer. Remove a tile away from the wood. Pop out the rest of the tiles with the chisel and hammer.

3. Wear a mask and safety glasses. Remove paint from the header and legs with a grinder. Chisel out any remaining trim.

4. Chip out the mortar around the bricks on the fireplace facade. Break the bricks with a chisel.

5. Open the flue, line it with insulation and then close it. Cover the fireplace hole with drywall and paneling.

6. Remove the chimney bricks with a hammer and chisel.

Tips & Warnings

• Removing and covering a fireplace is expensive and messy. Consider installing a gas insert and giving the fireplace a face lift instead of removing it.
• Talk to a contractor with expertise in fireplace demolition. Ask whether it's safe to remove the fireplace. If a structural fireplace is removed, there will be no support for the chimney, which could cause it to collapse.