Fireplace Upgrade Need Suggestions

joesmithf1

Hello Everyone,

I am a newbie and just bought a place with a pretty ugly fireplace. :-) I need your suggestions on what i can do to upgrade it. Please see attached pics and the notes(white texts).

Can i put drywalls to cover the bricks and the gap between the two brick 'beams' above the fireplace?

Then for the firebox areas, i can lay marbles over the bricks.

Suggestions and ideas?

Thank you!

Attached Thumbnails

 

vsheetz

I would remove all the brick and redo the fireplace as appropriate for your decor and period. If you just try to cover and hide, I think it will look like you tried to cover and hide...

A fireplace is a big value add to a house - do it right.

syborg

must admit thats a strange one.
never seen one like that before,lol

id deffo bite the bullet and get your bolster and hammer out,

you,ll need to replaster afterwards too.

ive recently just completed a fireplace and chimney rebuild and i think i done ok.

had the chimney stack rebuilt and remodeled the fireplace itself for just under 500 pounds.

im not planning on moving anytime soon so went for a custom fireplace using the builders opening and welded up and fabricated my own surround and plate.

its unique but might give u some ideas.

good luck mate.

peace

syborg.

syborg

here u go mate,
a link to my project

fireplace and chimney top rebuild???

have fun..

Scuba_Dave

I'd get rid of the brick - go over it or get rid of it
Build out even with the brick & put up faux stone




Maybe even put a TV over the fireplace

joesmithf1

thank you everyone! i appreciate the suggestions. I do want to just get rid of the bricks too, but is there a chance that those bricks are holding the chimney in place? I just don't wanna start hammering them out and the whole thing out fall over.

Maybe building over it might be a better option.

Thanks again!

Itsdanf

Those two columns of brick going to the ceiling certainly don't look like they're structural. I can't imagine such a long but narrow run of brick in that configuration holding anything up other than evidence of quirky interior design sense! However, that's evaluating one photo. Look at the outside of the wall and the roof, and see if there's any chance it's doing more than poluting the wall.

(Sorry, no offense meant. I just really don't like that look....).

joesmithf1

(Sorry, no offense meant. I just really don't like that look....).[/quote]

haha...no offense taken! :-) Wait till you see the wallpapers in the kitchen! lol