Can you put dry wall over it?

sledgehammer. where's the catch?

It would stick out the width of the bricks from the wall...the bricks aren't flush with the rest of the wall.

The problem is that if we remove the brick wall, there is a concrete pipe going horizontally into one flue of the chimney which would need to be cut back and covered off both on the inside and out. We are using a wood stove on the other side of the chimney, in the same flue. It becomes a HUGE job to cut that pipe off, and we're looking to avoid that.

Then I guess you just frame out 6 inches over the wall part and hammer up the floor part.

You better get an expert out there pronto then. What you are describing doesn’t sound safe. A wood stove pipe horizontal into s masonry opening is is big fire hazard from creosote build up. When was the last time you had this inspected by an expert?

I would agree it might be a really good idea to open up that wall and have the whole system inspected , all I see is bricks added to a wall with framing and I can’t see why they can’t be removed regardless of what you have going on on the other side of the wall. This is a separate room and should be able to be treated as such

If you open up that wall I'll guarantee you that you'll find an issue you never expected and it will end up being more costly and dirty to fix than you ever dreamed of. Sheetrock or cement board with tile. And take the curved piece of oak off the top, it's ugly.

We have had it inspected, and were advised to keep the bricks intact so as not to disturb the chimney and flue. The inside end of the horizontal pipe will be closed so no creosote will build up (which is highly unlikely anyway, given the draft). And we will brick where the black stovepipe comes out. Tearing out the brick and covering with sheetrock would be tricky because of the space needed between it the chimney (combustible spacing). And yes, Carolina Kitchen & Bath, the ugly oak edges are already gone! ;) I'm just looking for ideas to put around the brick.

As backing to open shelving with a decorative cover to the pipe, it could’ve ibteresting. Needs custom work to make it work. Otherwise you just fur it out and lose the space by drywalli g it all over.

How's about something like this:

Sorry, feeling a little silly; I couldn't resist. Have a great weekend!