Removing a fireplace hearth might sound like a daunting task. After all, they’re large, heavy, and depending on the material, removing them can create a lot of mess. But whether you’re redecorating, modernising your living space, or simply want a hearth that better suits your taste, the process doesn’t need to be overwhelming.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the step-by-step methods of removing different types of hearths — from tiled hearths to concrete pads to natural stone hearths — before sharing the easiest ways to replace your hearth so your fireplace looks just the way you want it.
Why Remove a Fireplace Hearth?
Your fireplace is usually the centrepiece of your living room, so it makes sense to want a hearth that reflects your style. Old tiled hearths, for example, might have once been decorative but often look dated and can be difficult to work around when redecorating. Concrete bases may be purely functional, while natural stone hearths, although beautiful, might not always match your interior design.
If the hearth isn’t something you chose yourself — or it no longer fits with the way you use your home — replacing it is a quick way to update your space.
Step-by-Step: How to Remove a Fireplace Hearth
1. Removing a Tiled Hearth
This is the trickiest DIY job, but it can still be done with patience.
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Tools needed: A chisel (fine if your tile joints are narrow) and a rubber mallet.
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Method: Position your chisel at an upward angle between two tiles. Tap gently with the mallet until the chisel slides behind the tile, then lever it up. You’ll hear a satisfying “pop” when the tile comes loose.
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Top tip: The first tile is the hardest, as you don’t yet have an edge to work with. Once that’s removed, the process gets much easier.
Professionals often use an electric hammer attachment for speed, but it’s noisy, messy, and not realistic for most homeowners. Stick with hand tools if you’re DIY-ing.
2. Concrete Constructional Hearth
If your home has a built-in concrete pad, congratulations — this is the easiest option. In fact, you don’t need to remove it at all. Constructional hearths are designed to be built on top of.
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Best approach: Keep it in place and install your new hearth over the top.
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If you must remove it: Be warned — this requires heavy-duty demolition equipment. Standard chisels or drills won’t cut it. In this case, hiring a professional is strongly recommended.
3. Natural Stone Hearth
Natural stone hearths are much more straightforward to remove than tiled versions.
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Tools needed: A hammer, heavy-duty chisel, and ideally a crowbar.
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Method: Look for a lip or edge you can get under with the chisel. Once you’ve created a small void beneath the stone, insert a crowbar and use leverage to lift it up.
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Safety note: These slabs are dense and heavy. Removing one is often a two-person job.
While we believe a natural stone hearth is the best long-term choice thanks to its durability and timeless appeal, we know styles evolve — so if you want a change, you’re not alone.
What to Do After Removing Your Hearth
So you’ve lifted the old hearth out — now what? You’ll need a replacement, and there are two main options depending on your timeline and requirements:
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Need something this weekend?
Go for our Ready-Made Hearths. These are stocked in popular materials like slate, granite, sandstone, and limestone. They’re cut to standard sizes and ready to ship quickly. -
Want a perfect fit?
Choose a Custom Cut-to-Size Hearth. Simply send us your measurements, and we’ll craft a bespoke hearth in your chosen material — whether that’s slate, granite, sandstone, or limestone.
Final Thoughts
Removing a fireplace hearth doesn’t need to be intimidating. With the right tools and a bit of time, you can clear the way for a fresh new centrepiece in your living room.
And when it comes to replacing your hearth, the easiest route is to order directly from Primethorpe Paving. Whether you need something quick and simple from our Ready-Made Hearths range or want to create a custom piece tailored perfectly to your space, we’re here to help.
👉 Get in touch today for a quote or to speak to our team about the best option for your home.