Is the fireplace face all brick or are the three bricks protruding from the wall somehow? But either way the answer is yes, you can eliminate the bricks that support the mantel and remove it.

I read your comments in a column you wrote two years ago ("Removing fireplace's brick facade not so hard," March 24, 2007). It appears to address only the removal of the fireplace facade, not the ...

Q: I'd like to remove my fireplace brick, but it goes all the way up from the hearth to the ceiling. Is it possible to remove the brick and replace it with another material? After removal, what ...

Traditional fireplaces may need regular upkeep, which is why learning how to clean them — the right way — is a must. And a brick fireplace is definitely one of them.

Q: How can I remove wood ash from fireplace brick? Gaithersburg, Md. A: From the picture you sent, it looks as if you’re dealing with ash, soot and a little charcoal — ash being the white and ...

Mechanically removing soot or creosote can damage bricks and mortar, causing them to deteriorate prematurely. Vacuum any debris. Mix up a 50/50 solution of vinegar and water in a bucket or tub.

To remove the fireplace’s brick facade, they used a saw to surgically separate the brick from the wall and electric jack hammers to chip it out. In June, they reached the lower portion, the firebox.

Should you paint a brick fireplace? Anthony Kulikowski, owner of Five Star Painting in South Bend, IN, a Neighborly company, advises, 'Do it if you want a fresh, clean look, and hate the dated brick.

How do I remove the stain? A: Creosote buildup in the firebox or flue of a wood-burning fireplace can be very dangerous, especially once it becomes a thick, oily crust.

Q How do I update the look of the red brick fireplace in my living room? We just don’t know what to do with it. It’s dirty, rutty, and it looks horrible, even after I’ve cleaned it! We are ...