marble fireplace surround....

[MarcoM]

hello,

we would like to remove a marble fireplace surround, pic attached.

how can i remove this without damaging it?

regards

 

[Gerrydelasel]

Those surrounds are sometimes just freestanding. What happens if you try to lift the top section off? Either that or it will be chased into the plaster (doesn't look that way in the photo), in which case just chisel the plaster away.

 

[MarcoM]

i have noticed a piece of metal on both sides just behind it.

maybe i should lift it?

 

[Gerrydelasel]

i have noticed a piece of metal on both sides just behind it.

Oh maybe it's been screwed to the wall. Presumably the metal straps go under the plaster, so you'll have to chisel that out to reveal the screw.

maybe i should lift it?

It's not very heavy (they're hollow inside) so it'll move if it's going to move. No harm in trying to life one end up a bit. As long as you don't get three of your biggest mates to wrench it off the wall!

 

[JohnD]

depends how old it is. Some have lugs (like ears) where it is screwed or nailed to the wall, and these are plastered over.

Some are filled with concrete on the back, and heavy.

 

[KenGMac]

if indeed the surround is screw fixed?? try running "slowly" up and down the sides, this will [possibly?] give you a guide as to where the screw fixings are ?

What is the hearth made of? and is the surround resting on the hearth ?

As an aside??? It looks "new" and there are several "modern" hollow plaster fire surrounds, what age is the property?

Ken.