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September 4, 2008
Digging out a fireplace mantle
I am moving back to Park Slope after being away 23 years. I am moving into a floor through garden apartment which I've been told has the original mantle encased behind the plaster wall. Is it worth while to dig it out? Has anyone done this?
Comments
It sounds like something got lost in translation. I've never heard of a mantle being plastered over. Fireplace yes, mantle no.
Posted by: Bond at September 4, 2008 7:45 PM
You never know. the house down the street was renovated and they ripped out all the old sheet rock. Under one section they found the original wood built in (it was originally the dining room) with huge stained glass doors. They had no idea.
Posted by: lurker in the mist at September 5, 2008 1:08 AM
Find the flue by looking for it on the roof, exterior, or elsewhere in the house which it should be supported or moving towards the roof. Measure out to approximately where the mantel should be in the roof in relationship to the flue.
Use a stud-finder to check for studs, electrical, and knock the plaster to see if there are any unusual hard spots.
Carefully cut with a hand drywall saw a roughly 5" hole or square into the wall while being careful not to hit the mantel if it there, break out a flashlight, take a peek.
Posted by: FenFen at September 5, 2008 11:54 AM
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