Please help!

Do you need the entire wall?

Drywall over as much as you can , add a mantle & reface the rest.

HI -- If you are going to re-move the hearth then why not re-move all the brick face . It looks like it should come off . If so then you can have the wall with drywall and then do your fireplace face with the wood or re clad in tile or a stone just around the fireplace .

Thanks everyone!
It is real brick - not a veneer. It would come down and then we could drywall over but I am partial to it. It was built in the 70's. I do like the idea of taking down everything and then redoing it just where we want the brick. We could even use the brick in different areas of the house....

@ einportlandor, we don't need the entire wall, no.

@ Flo Mangan, it is full brick. There are cinder blocks behind the wall creating the triangle. There are four chimneys that run through the triangle, so we can't (I don't think) remove all of it. Or atleast not in the scale of project I was hoping for. The house was built in 72.

OK, since it is full brick with cinder block I think it has to stay, or major work. So, I think with the direction your home seems to be taking, painting it white just might be the thing. Normally, I don't like painted brick, but lately it is appealing in certain situations more and more. In your home, I think the white would enhance the space a lot and you could do more everywhere with that look. I vote paint it white! Just make sure you go on line for good instructions for prepping and the right paint, etc. Good luck. Show us how it came out. Oh, I think the juxtaposition of the modern white and the antique beams would be quite pleasing.

Q - is tv needing a place? would it be ok to the side with shelves, etc.....

posting to ask if hearth could be widened to the current width / or idk the brick could be removed to narrower width, but as said, quite a job.... ?

Danalda Residence · More Info

Then, how about a mantel width of your hearth? -- this comes in different widths:

On Golden Pond · More Info

Distressed Fireplace Mantle, 48", Plain · More Info

Do you like this - delicate mantel and the lightest color in brick? for a funky mix....

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The photo jennifer supplied is great but I would suggest a lighter paint color or white.

Yeah, I'm pretty sure you can't have a wood hearth (!), but you might be able to either remove it entirely, or replace it with a smaller paved area that's level with the floor. You'd need to check on the regulations for gas, which I don't know.

Also, another vote for painting. Not sure what sort of prep would be required, if the current finish rubs off (!), but I think that paint would mean you keep the nice feel of the brick without its being overwhelming. Can't imagine a way to do that otherwise.

The restrictions on combustible materials are dictated by National Standards, but also by manufacturer of the fireplace and local requirements. Just need to research that aspect. If "Fred" is out there, he is our "standards go to guy"! Fred, can you chime in here for Jen H?

It appears that what you have is a wood burning masonry fireplace with a gas insert inside of it. I think I can surmise this from the gap at the bottom.

An "insert" relies on the standard (to code) clearances and insulative properties of the original masonry fireplace to stay intact for fire safety. Therefore, you need to follow Chapter 10 of the IRC, most notably, R1001.10, and R1001.11

http://premiumaccess.iccsafe.org/document/code/272/4654778

You ALSO need to follow the installation instructions of the specific brand and model number of the gas fireplace insert. Most of the installation instructions can be found online. Unless these installation instructions explicitly say that you can remove the hearth, or reduce any of the clearances listed in R1001.11, then you can not.

Many building departments may not let you remove any part of the masonry fireplace that is required by code anyway, because it usually does not take very long to remove the insert and use it as a wood burning unit again.

You are correct - the previous owner converted it to gas. I did some digging and found the model number. Looks like I am going to have to do some investigating on whether I can remove that hearth. Thank you so much for mentioning that - I can't believe I didn't even think about it being code.

Model 911 XXL Direct Vent Gas Fireplace Insert

There are a few minimum clearances on the paper I found that I don't know if are helpful:
Unit Doorframe to sidewall: 4.5"

Doorframe to mantel: 16"

Mantel Width: 10"

Thanks for your help! You saved us a future building department problem!

Found the instructions: https://www.manualslib.com/manual/737917/Kozy-Heat-911-Xxl.html

Thanks Fred! You are the best! Jen H, so glad Fred was able to give you that input quickly. This is great isn't it!? I think you can proceed to leaving the hearth but paint the brick if that is your current thinking. Unless you need to make sure the previous owner installed the gas insert properly. That is probably a very necessary check to make by a reliable installer.