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Fireplaces have a way of dominating a room. Sometimes they do it in all the right ways – a roaring fire on a cold night, the family gathered close. Other times, well, they’re just… in the way.

Maybe yours blocks a clear view into the kitchen. Maybe it’s an outdated brick column eating up space where your dream sectional could go. Or maybe you’ve simply never used it.

That’s when the question starts to nag: is it time for a fireplace removal?

At Load Bearing Wall Pros, we’ve helped countless homeowners discover the possibilities. Removing a fireplace can open up your floor plan, create better traffic flow, and make the space feel bigger and brighter than you imagined.

If you’re already picturing a fireplace-free living room, keep reading – we’ll pull back the curtain on what it takes to remove a fireplace safely, what to watch for, and how to make sure the space you gain is worth it.

Why Homeowners Consider Fireplace Removal

Not all fireplaces are timeless treasures. Here’s why more homeowners are deciding they can live without them:

More Square Footage

That cozy nook in the corner? It could be costing you 12-20 square feet or more. We’ve seen families open up enough space for a dining table, reading area, or custom shelving just by taking out an unused fireplace.

Clearer, More Open View

In open-concept design trends, a fireplace can feel like a stubborn roadblock. Remove it, and suddenly the kitchen, dining, and living areas feel like one continuous space instead of three chopped-up rooms.

Less Maintenance

Chimneys need cleaning. Masonry can crack. Unused gas lines should be checked regularly. And without a fireplace, you remove those chores (and the bills that come with them).

Updating the Look

Sometimes a dated brick surround can drag down an otherwise modern space. Removal might be the fastest path to a clean, updated interior.

With all these perks, it might be tempting to start swinging a sledgehammer, but there are real safety risks that need your attention first.

The Safety Concerns You Can’t Ignore

Unfortunately, we’ve met more than a few homeowners who started tearing out a fireplace on a Saturday morning, thinking it was just another weekend project, only to find themselves staring at a half-demolished wall, loose bricks on the floor, and questions they didn’t know how to answer.

Even if your goal is simply to open up the space, there are several factors that can make removal far more complex (and riskier) than expected if they’re not handled correctly.

Structural Load

Some fireplaces (especially those attached to chimneys) are integrated into your home’s load bearing structure. They may be carrying the weight of roof rafters, upper-level framing, or floor joists. Remove them without replacing that support, and you risk sagging ceilings, cracks in walls, or worse.

“We’ve had projects where removing the chimney meant temporarily holding up part of the roof while we installed a steel beam. Without that kind of support in place, damage happens fast.” –  Jason Hulcy, Founder of Load Bearing Wall Pros.

Sheer Weight

A full masonry fireplace isn’t light. We’re talking thousands of pounds of brick, stone, and mortar, often sitting on their own foundation. You can’t just knock it loose and hope gravity plays nice. That weight has to be dismantled methodically, not all at once. Knocking it loose without a plan can cause a chain reaction – collapsing sections, falling debris, or damage to the surrounding structure.

Hidden Utilities

Fireplaces often double as a hiding place for essential systems:

• Electrical wiring for lighting or outlets
• Gas lines for log sets or inserts
• HVAC flues or vents that run through the same wall or chimney

Hitting any of these during demo can turn your project from exciting to dangerous in seconds. It’s not just about avoiding repairs, it’s about preventing hazards like gas leaks, electrical fires, or carbon monoxide issues.

Permit Requirements

Many cities treat fireplace removal as a structural change, which means you may need a permit before starting. If utilities are involved, separate permits might be required for plumbing or electrical work. Skipping these steps can create legal issues, delay your remodel, or complicate future home sales when inspectors ask for documentation.

The bottom line is that safe fireplace removal isn’t just about having the right tools — it’s about following a structured process that protects both your home’s integrity and your family’s safety.

Step-by-Step Guide to Safe Fireplace Removal

At Load Bearing Wall Pros, we’ve refined the fireplace removal process into a clear, organized sequence – one that keeps your home safe, minimizes mess, and leaves you with a space ready for its next chapter. Here’s what it looks like from start to finish.

Step 1: Structural Check-Up

Every removal starts with an on-site visit from a licensed structural engineer. They inspect the fireplace, surrounding walls, and roofline to determine if it’s carrying any weight. If it’s part of a load bearing structure, we design a reinforcement plan before a single tool comes out.

Step 2: Protecting Your Space

Demolition can be messy, but we make sure the mess stays where it belongs. Our crews:

• Cover floors with painter’s plastic and heavy moving blankets
• Seal off nearby rooms with plastic sheeting
• Set up high-powered ventilation fans to push dust outdoors

By the time we’re done prepping, the work zone feels like its own sealed workspace, not a construction site spilling into the rest of your home.

Step 3: Controlled Demolition

Here’s where the transformation begins.

• For masonry fireplaces: We work from the top down, removing bricks or stone in sections to prevent collapse.
• For prefabricated units: We first open the surrounding wall, disconnect the unit, and remove it piece by piece.

By breaking the process into manageable stages, we reduce debris hazards and protect the surrounding walls, floors, and ceilings.

Step 4: Adding Support

If your fireplace was integrated into a load bearing wall or chimney chase, temporary shoring comes first. Once the structure is safely supported, we install permanent solutions such as engineered wood beams, headers, or stud-packs, to maintain your home’s stability for decades to come.

This is where our specialization in structural work really shines. While many remodelers can remove a fireplace, very few have the experience to handle the underlying structural demands the right way.

Step 5: Making It Look Like It Was Never There

Once the heavy lifting is done, it’s time to shift to finishing touches – rebuild and patch the wall, prepare it for paint, and make sure it blends seamlessly with the rest of your home.

If the client wishes, we can also complete the finish work, including painting, trim installation, or even building out custom features like shelving or cabinetry, so the new space is fully ready to enjoy.

This approach is just one example of how Load Bearing Wall Pros takes fireplace removal beyond simple demolition and into a fully managed, precision-driven process designed to protect your home from start to finish.

How Load Bearing Wall Pros Makes the Process Safer

We remove 40-60 load bearing walls every single week, and the expertise we’ve built in that work translates directly to fireplace removals. When you hire us, you’re getting a team that treats every step as a critical part of your home’s safety and transformation.

From engineered plans and structural reinforcements to meticulous dust control and floor protection, every step is handled with the same precision and care.

We stand behind our work with a lifetime structural warranty, giving you the confidence that the results aren’t just beautiful, but built to last. And because we carry full insurance coverage, including worker’s comp specifically for structural work, you’re protected in every sense of the word.

But even with the right crew in place, there are a few smart steps you can take before we arrive to make the process smoother and ensure the finished space exceeds your expectations.

Tips for Homeowners Before Fireplace Removal

Picture Your New Layout

Before we even touch a brick, take a moment to stand in the room and imagine how it will look without the fireplace. Think about where furniture will be placed, how natural light will flow, and where new lighting might be needed. Having a clear vision will help you make smarter design decisions once the space is opened up.

Plan for the Finish Work

Fireplace removal is just the first stage. Once the structure is gone, you’ll need to budget for finishing touches like new flooring, drywall repair, and paint. If you’re adding built-ins, shelving, or other features, plan for those costs now so there are no surprises later.

Pick the Right Timing

Removal work is dusty and disruptive. It’s best to schedule it before installing new floors, painting, or doing other fine finish work. This way, you avoid doing the same work twice and keep your remodel on schedule.

Go With Specialists

Structural modifications aren’t a place to cut corners. Hiring specialists means the work is done safely, meets building codes, and is backed by a lifetime structural warranty – something a lowest-bid contractor may not offer.

Common Questions About Fireplace Removal Basics

How long does a typical fireplace removal take?

Most removals are completed in one to two days, depending on the fireplace size, materials, and whether structural reinforcement is needed.

Can you remove just part of a fireplace, like the mantel or surround?

Yes, partial removals are possible and are less invasive. This can be a good option if you want to modernize the look without a full structural change.

Will removing my fireplace affect my home’s heating or energy efficiency?

In most modern homes, fireplaces aren’t a primary heat source, but removal may slightly change airflow. If needed, vents or insulation can be adjusted to maintain comfort.

Can I live in my home during fireplace removal?

Yes, though we recommend staying out of the immediate work area. We use dust containment and floor protection to minimize disruption.

Transform Your Space Safely and Beautifully

Fireplace removal can give you more space, improve flow, and modernize your home – but only if it’s done with care.

At Load Bearing Wall Pros, we handle the process from start to finish: engineering, protection, demolition, and reinforcement. The end result? A safer, cleaner, more open home.

If you’re ready to see what’s possible without that bulky fireplace in the way, contact us today for an on-site evaluation.

About the Author

Jason Hulcy, the founder of Load Bearing Wall Pros, is a seasoned expert in wall removal and home renovations. With a passion for innovation and sustainability, he has helped countless homeowners achieve their dream spaces safely and efficiently. Learn more about his expertise here.