Removal of bricks from fireplace

[iamchris]

Hi all, I've removed a tiled area covering the fireplace. Plan being to tile it again lower to the floor. I have removed it all but discovered there are bricks higher than the floorboards. Is it safe to remove this first layer of bricks? If so what's the best way to get under them? An sds or gently chisel them? Pictures attached of before and after.

 

[iamchris]

Also to note. The wood burner in the picture is being removed. The floor is suspended, so there's a good 4ft drop under the floorboards.

Can I remove a layer of bricks and build it back up with ply level with the floor? Then lay tile backer on top and tile?

 

[big-all]

are you installing a stove off any sort iff so you need to comply with part j off building regs

Approved Document J - Part J - Combustion appliances and fuel storage systems - Planning Portal

Details of Part J (Approved Document J) of the Building Regulations

www.planningportal.co.uk

if just a feature with no or electric heating then removing unsupporting bricks should be ok but expect quite a time-consuming effort to make suitable for laminate or wooden flooring afterwards

 

[iamchris]

Thanks for the reply. No stove will be there. There will be either nothing or a small electric for affect.

 

[^woody^]

You can remove them. Chisel or crowbar in a joint and lever one up to then get to the others, or break that one with the holes first.

 

[iamchris]

Thanks. All came out fairly easy. Some were loose and came out with a crowbar. Only one took some effort as always!