I'm looking to remodel my fireplace mantel and remove the stucco surround. The fireplace is just a metal box behind a hollow wall, and I'm considering covering it with drywall and perhaps adding a bookcase or entertainment center. I'm wondering if this is a DIY project I can manage myself or if it's best to hire a professional. Plus, how can I begin this task without damaging the surrounding drywall?
2 Answers
Before you dive in, make sure you're thinking about whether you want to keep the fireplace functional. Since you have a wood-burning fireplace, think about how any modifications might affect it. If you want to keep it operable but still cover it up, you could consider a minimal surround. Just make sure whatever you decide doesn’t hinder its function or impact resale value.
Removing that stucco is definitely going to mess up the wall a bit, so expect to do some patching and mudding afterward. Since you'll need to fix the wall anyway when you add the new drywall, just get ready for a bit of a mess. I’d recommend starting by scoring around the edges of the stucco to minimize damage before you start hammering it out. That might save some of the surrounding drywall from being too messed up.