Fireplace removal

Debi Horimoto
by Debi Horimoto
I have a fireplace that was changed over from regular fireplace to gas fireplace by the previous owner. I live in Florida so the fireplace is mostly wasted wall space. Has anyone covered up or filled in a fireplace? I shall have to remove hearth which is no problem, but I just don't know how to get rid of fireplace itself. Thanks
  6 answers
  • Susan Susan on Jan 06, 2015
    Providing you have the space to do so you could frame a false wall immediately in front of the fireplace leaving the fireplace intact behind it. Now you don't have to worry about removal, mess etc. Also, were you to ever move, the fireplace may be a selling feature to a future buyer?
  • Sfr427236 Sfr427236 on Jan 06, 2015
    I had a very ugly fireplace in the wrong spot. My daughter and I used a sledge hammer and removed all the brick. Then we removed the tile in front (we had to go to home Depot for a filler because it left a hole in the floor.they had many to choose from.)after brick was out of the way we had a small cement fireplace that sat back quite aways. We framed the wall ,sheet rocked. It looks great I even have a plug in from the fan wiring.
  • Tom Parks Tom Parks on Jan 06, 2015
    If it is a wood burning fireplace that had gas logs installed (which what it sounds like), the thing you probably have to think about is whether you'll want the procedure to be reversible or not, particularly since a (working) fireplace tends to add about 12% to the value of a home when it comes time to sell. I'm a little concerned about burying the fireplace under some camouflage, particularly since there is an active gas line in there. Any gas shutoff should be left accessible without the need for tools to access it. Or the gas line should be completely removed from the fireplace. If you don't care about it being reversible, I'd suggest opening up the wall, removing everything and giving yourself a nice spot for a built-in bookcase or entertainment system. If the fireplace is bumped out of the room, the niche that gets opened up will be about 5' wide and 2' deep. If it is on an outside wall, it will also give you an opportunity to insulate behind the fireplace, which is almost never done in new construction. If the fireplace is bumped into the room, you can get rid of the whole thing, bump-in and all. Repair the drywall and floor and you will have completely regained that space. Roof over the spot where the chimney comes out and you'll be better protected from the weather getting in around the chimney or chase, which are typical spots for leaks. I would think that might be important in Florida. For other advice specific to your situation, I suggest contacting a National Fireplace Institute professional in your area. We do that kind of work all the time. Find your local fireplace expert here: http://nficertified.org/pages_consumers/consumers-1.cfm
  • Sandi Masse Sandi Masse on Jan 06, 2015
    I don't know why you want to remove it just for additional wall space. I would put it back to a firewood burning fireplace, With all the bad weather in Florida you could use it for cooking, light,,etc. for survival, Just being practical,
  • Cornelia Schott Cornelia Schott on Jan 07, 2015
    Does the physical appearance of the fireplace bother you? You did mention it is wasted space. Is there something you can do around the fireplace to make it more pleasing? A picture would help.
  • Barbara Burnham Barbara Burnham on Jan 08, 2015
    I'm all for total removal, but you will a plumber to pull out the Gass line and cap it. You will need a roofer to cover the chimney. You; however, can do everything elses. No resale on fireplace in Florida or other east/west sunbelt states, so don't worry about that. I am all for stealing back your precious real estate!