Expert: Dwain Gregory - 3/11/2006

Question
I have a fireplace that was pre-built, so the bricks and hearth around the fireplace inside my house are not part of the fireplace construction, they were done after the fireplace was installed.  The only wood it has is something like a box built on top of the brick for the mantel. The brick & wood has been painted several times, and is really ugly. I want to remove the mantel & bricks, and redo the fireplace surround & hearth in stone. How hard is that to do?  

Answer
Hello Mr. Guerry,
 If I'm understanding this correcly,the hearth and profile are probably backed by wood and overlayed in masonry.This would make the job at hand a little easier.If not,don't worry,it will take a little more time and effort but it shouldn't be too hard to do.
A hammer and a flat cheisel would probably do the job.Even if the hearth and profile was backed by more masonry, it should separate well.The mantel can be attached different ways.Dowels and or screws are the most common.There again if you are taking the brick off of the profile it should reveal the way the mantel was attached.
 I hope this might help you a bit.If there is anything I might could help you with,don't hesitate to let me know.
             Dwain.