Removing Drywall Above Fireplace

Hi,

I am looking to remove the drywall above the electric fireplace so I can put up a mantle. Basically, I just want the drywall to go to a regular mantle height and remove it above that point. The main wall behind the fireplace will remain intact, it is just the boxed piece of drywall that encloses the fireplace that will have it's height reduced.

The boxed piece, as far as I know, is completely hollow.

Would this be a difficult do it yourself project for me to take on? How would I do it?

thanks!



Post edited by: McB, at: 2008/03/12 00:44

Hi McB, welcome to the forum

Usually, through the drywall mantels are nailed and screwed in a manner that the mantel is extended out from a wall, thus creating a ledge.

Have you checked if that is the case with your drywall?

It shouldn't be difficult, but I'm wondering why you want to remove the drywall. Why not just build out your mantle from the exisiting wall?

One thing that you do need to concern yourself with is where the fireplace is vented. Your stack could be running within that otherwise hollow wall space.

The reason we need to remove the drywall is because we are getting some custom work done above it.

There will be a mantel placed on top of the fireplace with a custom unit above it -- basically it will be wood "box" up to the ceiling which will have a mantle that covers the top of the existing drywall and then the TV would go on top of that enclosed in the wooden box. This wouldn't work if the mantel extended out from the existing drywall enclosure.

It is an electric fireplace so I don't think there is a stack --- just some wiring which I am hoping is lower down.

My main problem is that I have no idea if cutting the drywall above that point is something that I can do myself?

Drywall removal should be something you can accomplish fairly easily if this is a hollow space.

To get a fairly clean edge for the place you want to place your mantel, put a straight edge at that level and score (several times) with a razor blade. Do the same at the ceiling. Other options would be to use a drywall saw or rotozip cutter like an electrician might use. Then you can either take a sledge to it and work out some stress or cut out sections with the same method you used to get started.

You might want to cut a smaller hole to begin with so you can verify no electrical, plumbing or duct work is in the way before you go crazy or break something.

Good luck and post pictures showing your demo work and the finished project.

JAB

Thanks JAB.

That's what I was thinking --- I just have zero experience in home improvement type stuff so I wasn't sure if I had the right idea or if it would be possible to do myself.

Most contractors I've called want 500+ just to remove the drywall so I am thinking I might tackle it myself.

If anyone else has any advice please feel free to pass along as well! Thanks!

Break, destroy and take it easy on the edges?