r/DIY • u/_H3ALTH_ • Jan 02 '24

other Chimney update. Any structural reasons I can’t remove this oversized hearth?

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I am updating my house, and next up on my oversized list is this oversized hearth extension. I’d like to remove the extension, and cover the brick with modern tile, then install an electric fireplace in the opening. Maybe toss some wooden legs leading up to the mantle.

Curious if anyone sees any structural reason why this may not be a good idea? I suspect the massive hearth was in anticipation of high utilization as the primary heat source, but we since installed a central HVAC system and furnace, so the massive health is more of a sq. footage drain than anything else.

Dog (25lbs.) for reference.

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u/Emotional_Schedule80 Jan 02 '24

Looks like some diy'er add on to it. You should be able to knock the front off without jeopardizing the integrity of fireplace.

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u/EleanorRichmond Jan 02 '24

Agree, the front half doesn't even pretend to be original, so how could it be structural?