How can I safely remove the concrete surround from my fireplace without damaging the plaster, and what is the best method to fix and finish it for tiling or leaving as bare brick?
Hey everyone!
So, I’m not exactly a DIY pro, but I’m looking to make some changes to my fireplace. Right now, it has a concrete surround and hearth that I want to remove. I’m a bit worried it might cause some cracking or pull off the plaster. Any tips on how to fix this? I was thinking of using some PVA, followed by undercoat plaster, and then finishing plaster for the cracks/brick, but I’m not sure if that’s the best approach.
I’m considering either tiling the inside of the fireplace (check out the left picture) or leaving it as bare brick. But if I go with the bare brick option, how can I get a clean line of plaster to stop right at the edge?
Thanks in advance for any advice!
(And just a heads up, I’m posting anonymously because my family would tease me for attempting DIY.)
Can I ask something before I answer: You’re not actually planning to use that as a real fireplace, are you?
Well, I did have plans to eventually use it as a fireplace 😬
I’ve actually done a bit more digging and watched some videos since I first posted this. Now I’m considering either plastering the inside with sand, cement, and lime or leaving it as brick and using stop beads for a clean finish. I’m still contemplating using PVA, bonding plaster, and finishing plaster on the exterior though!
Returning to the question of whether that’s a real fireplace or just a decorative hole in the wall. Based on the photo, it appears quite small. Are there a flue and damper in place? How wide is the surrounding stone? (it should be at least 6″) A non-combustible hearth needs to extend from the fireplace onto the floor. It seems like you currently have carpet.
This fireplace is original to our 1930s house. We moved in just 6 months ago and it seems like the previous owner closed off the chimney. I might need to remove the board and investigate. I’m thinking of installing a hearth since we’re already removing the carpet, but the surrounding stone is only 5 inches. Would that still work for an electric fire? What if I focus on the plastering and hearth for now, and consider changing the mantel and opening up the fire later on?