How complicated is it to remove one row of bricks from a fireplace face
#1
11-01-13, 02:55 PM
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How complicated is it to remove one row of bricks from a fireplace face
I need to remove the mantle, remove top row of bricks, then replace the mantle. Then bring the Sheetrock down to meet the lower mantel (hopefully not very noticeably)
How complicated should I expect this to be?
the house was built in '91.
I've inserted a picture.
thanks for your help.
How complicated should I expect this to be?
the house was built in '91.
I've inserted a picture.
thanks for your help.
#2
11-01-13, 03:08 PM
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Since it's a straight line across the top row of bricks removing it is relatively easy. I find repairs like the sheetrock to be more difficult. Technically it's easy but feathering the repaired area in with the existing, painted wall is difficult. Getting the texture of the finished paint to match is tough. The painted wall has a texture from the roller while the sanded mud is much smoother. Painting over the entire wall is a given but I've always still been able to spot the repair. Successive layers of paint conceal it more but it's a technique I've never mastered.
#3
11-01-13, 03:18 PM
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Thanks.
the whole room is going to be repainted so, in theory, it should allow for less noticable transition from existing painted drywall to the new piece.
Also, what should I expect to find directly behind that layer of bricks? meaning, I'm expecting that the bricks will go to the studs, which should allow enough depth so that the drywall matches up. Am I in the right tract?
the whole room is going to be repainted so, in theory, it should allow for less noticable transition from existing painted drywall to the new piece.
Also, what should I expect to find directly behind that layer of bricks? meaning, I'm expecting that the bricks will go to the studs, which should allow enough depth so that the drywall matches up. Am I in the right tract?
#4
11-01-13, 03:21 PM
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You've checked that this won't violate code, right? Sometimes the local code has the mantle pretty high above the fireplace.
#5
11-01-13, 03:37 PM
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Yes.
this thing is pretty ridiculously high. 34.5in above fireplace opening, 63in x 63in overall. 93.5in high ceiling.
this thing is pretty ridiculously high. 34.5in above fireplace opening, 63in x 63in overall. 93.5in high ceiling.
#6
11-01-13, 03:42 PM
Just from looking at it, it seems way too tall for such a narrow mantel. I think the mantel triangulation formula would allow a lower mantel, just let us know if you plan on doing a deeper mantel. The soldier course should be easy enough to remove, if done carefully. What you will find underneath is anyone's guess. Sheetrock (hope not) OSB and lath, probably. Whatever you find, you will need to cut it out and build up the surface either using more sheetrock and mud, or mud to smooth out what you have.
#7
11-01-13, 03:51 PM
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I would actually make it lower than that, but if I do that, it might look funny (wide and short). I think messing with the sides would be opening up a can of worms.
PS,
maybe a stupid question, but what is the formula?
I tried looking for it, but dont see it.
PS,
maybe a stupid question, but what is the formula?
I tried looking for it, but dont see it.
#8
11-01-13, 04:03 PM
Not a stupid question at all. I will attach it, but you may have to blow it up a little to make out the numbers. Let me know if it doesn't work.
#9
11-02-13, 04:29 AM
The painted wall has a texture from the roller while the sanded mud is much smoother
#10
11-12-13, 02:10 PM
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You will have to remove 3 rows of brick as the center brick are soldiered (unless you cut the brick) and they are king size brick.
#11
11-12-13, 02:25 PM
I think we were of the consensus that the OP meant the soldier course, along with the three on the side. But thanks for the clarification.
