July 22, 2009

Removing The Chimney - Phase 3

Once we finished taking the chimney down from the top (click here for that) and through the attic floor (and click here to see that), it was time to move inside. First thing to come down was the mantle ....

Then the chimney breast ...

And then it was time to tear into the wall....



Until we got to this point....

This is where we are at the moment. The grate that you see is actually for the fireplace in the bedroom. You can also see the black plastic I hung behind that. If you click on the photo below, you can get a closer look....

Removing the fireplace created a little alcove, which will accommodate the stove. The chimney pipe will run up through the old masonry chimney opening. However, the concrete slab is uneven, which won't do for a woodburning stove. So we need to re-do the hearth, and figure out how we want to finish off the wall and ceiling. So we're in a planning phase at the moment. Once we decide on all that, we'll be back at it, and I'll have more photos for you then. [ UPDATE: Click here, to see what we decided and how we're doing it.]





10 comments:

MiniKat said...

Wow. You both have done a ton of work. Can't wait to see what you decide on, finish wise. :-)

Life Looms Large said...

What a daunting project! You guys are amazing!

Sue

Benita said...

Fascinating! I remember my parents remodeling the house I grew up in and I think I was more interested in the construction inside the walls than I was on the finished room. It was the first time I had come across lath and plaster.

So, are you going to rebrick the fireplace breast? My dream is to have a field stone fireplace one day.

charlotte said...

This is amazing! You must have a lot of guts and building knowledge to do that, I am just so impressed!

Mim said...

Very good job and I too am impressed. Wish I had a husband who would do such a large project. Our house is getting old.

Julie said...

Oh Leigh that looks like a lot of work!!!

Sharon said...

Our woodstove is an alcove stove and we couldn't be happier. Instead of sitting out in the room and taking up valuable floor space, it's nicely tucked away. It's our source of heat during the winter and is very effective. Steve built the mantle out of the same brick as the box and left a gap behind the mantle bricks for hot air to come through and circulate through the room. What a great solution for you!

Leigh said...

It has been a big project so far. The harder part is figuring out exactly how we want to finish it. Benita I don't think we'll re-do the fireplace. We're thinking more along the lines of leaving the back but bricking in the back opening, and then finishing it out as an alcove. We're contemplating either using the brick to make side walls, or use cement board. Trying to decide on the hearth too. Brick or tile??? Sharon, I'd love to see what yours looks like.

Renee Nefe said...

wow you've been so busy. I'm still grieving your fireplace, but I'm glad you're able to still make it work for you.

bspinner said...

You and your husband sure have been doing a lot of work. Can't wait to see the finished fireplace.