How to remove current fireplace surround and or mantel?

Carla
by Carla
We have this limestone looking surround and mantel installed by the builder, it has been painted but still is not what we like. How do I get this off of my wall so I can install a different one or even just get the mantel part off so I can resurface the surround and put in a different mantel. Would love any suggestions!
Front view
Side view.
  6 answers
  • Rose Broadway Rose Broadway on Aug 04, 2017

    Whatever you do, you're going to have to use some force to release it. Use a hammer first to try and get the mantel off, then use a crowbar to pry it all from the wall. Be mindful that you are going to have to do some repair work on the wall afterward.

  • Rwc16057941 Rwc16057941 on Aug 04, 2017

    You will need a hammer , pry bar, utility knife.

    First cut any caulking that would be at the wall between the wood and wall.

    Put the pry bar just under the front of the top shelf and use the hammer to push the pry bar between the shelf and moulding then pry upwards and repeat pulling the rest off off . You will have damage to the drywall no matter how careful you are .patch the drywall and install what you like

    Ron Callighan



    • Carla Carla on Aug 06, 2017

      Thank you, Ron. I appreciate your input. Getting kind of antsy now about drywall repair. I've done it before, it's just not my favorite thing to do.....

    • Carla Carla on Aug 06, 2017

      Thanks so much! I will definitely look into these

  • Sunny C Sunny C on Aug 04, 2017

    Hello Carla; For what it is worth, I Love your Fireplace!!!

    It resembles an Antique one that I enjoyed, while staying in a Home in England.......

    More than likely, you will have a hard time getting the Mantel off of the wall.

    I would suggest that you try using a crowbar.

    Is there anyway instead that you could repaint the Mantel???

    It really looks so Lovely!!!

    I hope that this helps you, and gives you ideas!!! Take Care!

    • Carla Carla on Aug 06, 2017

      Thanks Sunny, I painted it myself before, it used to be white. Loved it when it stayed white but the hubby kept saying it looked like styrofoam.....so I painted it.

  • Sharon Sharon on Aug 04, 2017

    I would first score around the fireplace to break the seal of any painting done. Then I would look for any indentations on the surface to see if you can find screws. They make have added filler so it might just be a slight concave indentation. Remove the filler if you find them.

    If not check the mantel real carefully cause this is usually the last piece added on, remove it first. The mantel could be on anchor bolts so once the paint is free, you should be able to pry it loose. If need be get a pry bar, and put a piece of wood against the wall to prevent damage. Once the mantel is removed you should be able to look behind the surround uprights to see how they are fastened to the wall.

    You might also contact an architectural recycler and have them come give you an estimate for removal. They get to keep the surround and sell it. You might also try Habitat for Humanity Restore too.

    • Carla Carla on Aug 06, 2017

      Thank you Sharon, if comes down to it I will certainly Habitat for Humanity in mind. Starting to think about maybe just putting a wood or faux wood mantle to cover the original.

  • Sunny C Sunny C on Aug 06, 2017

    Hello Carla; You are Welcome.

    Please tell Hubby what I said about that the Mantel, as it truly looks like an Antique one, in England!!!

    What if you repainted it White, but did it in a watered down white.

    This would be watered way down so that the brown would still show through.

    It would look White-washed, and it would look like an Antique, still.

    Good Luck with what you do decide to do. Take Care!