Expert: Dan Griffin - 1/5/2010

Question
Hi, I am looking to buy a house that has one wall built in stone just for a wood burning stove.  I do not want either one the wall or the stove. How do I remove them and make this wall all dry wall

Darla

Answer
Darla, two choices:

Rip it out and repair.  This may be a very thin stone finish that is applied to drywall.  I rather suspect this because a real stone wall would need quite a footing under it to carry it.  You will probably destroy the drywall in the proscess and there will be plenty of dust, etc.  Crowbars, scrapers, and shovels become the tools of choice.  The wood stove will come out easy enough, but you will need to remove the chimney and venting first.  I suspect this will be double or triple wall pipe that is in sections, but the sections may be very stuck together if this unit was used much.

The other choice would be to build a very thin stud wall in front of the stone wall and apply new drywall.  1 1/2" metal studs work really well for this and would allow you to install electrical receps and switches where you want them.  If thiere is already electric in this wall, the system may not work as it is against code to cover up wiring boxes.  An electrician can tell you quite quickly what the wall is made of  and what may be required or possible as to covering the wall.

I hope this helps you make a decision. .