Fireplace restoration
#1
10-06-02, 04:01 PM
Fireplace restoration
I have recently moved into an older home (1928) and in the living room there's evidence of a fireplace once being there (i.e. different hardwood in a shape consistent with a hearth, chimney outside) but no opening remains. I'd love to restore this with a new fireplace. Has anyone done this and is it more trouble than it's worth? I'm not sure why someone would totally remove a firepalce like that.
#2
10-08-02, 06:32 PM
Member
Fireplace restoration
The most important consideration will be the condition and function of the chimney and how you plan to use the fireplace.
Is it more trouble than it' worth? That may be determined by the cost of the project versus the return on your investment. Do you plan on using it for burning wood? Or, do you desire to return the fireplace to the room to have a decorative focal point with some gas logs?
A chimney inspector should be able to inspect your chimney and tell you if it is usable for burning. Interviews with contractors about your project will reveal whether or not if it going to be more trouble than it's worth.
I once lived in a 1920s house that had a small coal burning fireplace. The fireplace made a lovely focal point and I installed gas logs. I lived in another 1920s house that once had 3 fireplaces. The one in the livingroom remained, but when I removed the carpet in the library and diningroom I discovered evidence of missing fireplaces. The stone hearth had been removed in the library and it had been replaced with plywood and walls were panelled, so I installed new hardwood over that floor. The diningroom's floor was in great shape, but the tile hearth remained and walls were plastered over and chair rail installed. I bought a large china cabinet and set over the hearth.
Who knows why people tear them out. Tired of cleaning them. Tired of the drafts. Tired of looking at them. Tired of the wasted space. Who knows?
Is it more trouble than it' worth? That may be determined by the cost of the project versus the return on your investment. Do you plan on using it for burning wood? Or, do you desire to return the fireplace to the room to have a decorative focal point with some gas logs?
A chimney inspector should be able to inspect your chimney and tell you if it is usable for burning. Interviews with contractors about your project will reveal whether or not if it going to be more trouble than it's worth.
I once lived in a 1920s house that had a small coal burning fireplace. The fireplace made a lovely focal point and I installed gas logs. I lived in another 1920s house that once had 3 fireplaces. The one in the livingroom remained, but when I removed the carpet in the library and diningroom I discovered evidence of missing fireplaces. The stone hearth had been removed in the library and it had been replaced with plywood and walls were panelled, so I installed new hardwood over that floor. The diningroom's floor was in great shape, but the tile hearth remained and walls were plastered over and chair rail installed. I bought a large china cabinet and set over the hearth.
Who knows why people tear them out. Tired of cleaning them. Tired of the drafts. Tired of looking at them. Tired of the wasted space. Who knows?
