The Fireplace

Okay--lots going on and lots of feedback would be useful here. We have done a lot of demo and (here is a shock) expanded what we are going to do. But let's go at this project by project. And first up is the fireplace which we were intending to redo--tile over or something of that nature.

However, in ripping out the paneling that was on the fireplace wall (which like everything else was simply attached to 3/4 inch board nailed to cinder block--but that is another post), I discovered that the paneling and the 3/4 inch is actually behind the fireplace. It is not clear how far, but at least a foot in from each side and the 3/4 runs down behind the whole fire place at that depth. In ripping out the paneling, the fireplace literally came away from the wall--cuz it is attached to the 3/4 and not directly attached to the cinder block. Here are some photos--questions to follow.



So the big question is can the fireplace be saved as is and tiled over? I don't think so--it is already away from the wall and came away so easily that I think the basic construction is so shoddy there is no saving it at this point. I am ready to pull it out while we have a dumpster here in the driveway, but wait for the tile esperts input from up north.

We will also be checking out some fireplace stores here this week, so we might get some input that way. And then we can move on to talking about the fact that I am going to have to reframe the room for insulation and that is going to raise quesitons about the window and that ever challenging stair wall!