Rock wall Demo

13 years ago

I am in need of some help. The first picture is my current wall. I have spoken to several contractors that all have given me different answers. What I would like to know if anyone has ever demolished an interior rock wall like this? I had a contractor tell me that the rock could not be removed because it would damage the structure of the wall. He suggest that we smooth out the rocks with concrete. The next contractor says he can remove the rock no problem. The last contractor wants to put up a new wall in front of the existing wall.

I would like to demo the wall like the second contractor stated but I would like to understand which to believe. Has anyone ever renovated a wall like this to put in a built-in book case?

Featured Answer

Kivi

13 years ago

I just oversaw the removal of a very similar rock wall around a fireplace. It is pretty much a non-issue to remove it. As you pointed out already, it is only an add-on to your wall structure. A few hours work and it will be gone. As TMK pointed out, it is likely you will need some masonry work to refinish around the fireplace opening.

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Comments (8)

Ed
13 years ago
CJ, a very interesting question indeed. Look forward to the experts' replies. :) Do you happen to have the floor plan/blueprint of this wall ? (Just curious)
PRO
ASVInteriors
13 years ago
a) as Ed rightly points out, what is it against b) In Switzerland building rock walls with REAL rocks is a very common practice, and demolishing them is just as common - but our walls are usually made of brick at the very least or reinforced concrete much of the time. It would not be a problem here.
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cj12706
Original Author
13 years ago
The rock is only on the face of the wall. It is cemented to wall. The wall is a part of my exterior wall that is 2 stories tall. I do not have blueprints for the house.
PRO
TMK Remodeling
13 years ago
Demolish the rock wall. It is not part of the wall structure holding up the ceiling and second story. It's dirty work. Protect the rest of the dwelling from dust infiltration. Wear PPE. Or hire a pro.
PRO
TMK Remodeling
13 years ago
It does tie into the fireplace flue so you will have to block off the opening or rebuild with appropriate materials if you plan to keep the fireplace operational.
cj12706
Original Author
13 years ago
We are keeping the fireplace. We are changing the mantle to a more traditional look like the one in this picture
joanbllt
13 years ago
I'm going to refer you to an older discussion - I put my 2 cents on. I have demolished a rock fireplace -
see pictures - https://www.houzz.com/discussions/fireplace-redo-dsvw-vd~394470