How to Install a New Fireplace Without Removing the Old One

Move the furniture out of the way so you have a lot of room to work. Cover the floor surrounding the fireplace with plastic sheeting. Tape the edges down so the plastic creates a sealed cover for the floor. Clean the old fireplace by removing the ashes and sweeping out the hearth with an old broom. Sweep down the inside walls. Use a mop and soapy water to clean the rest of the old ashes away.

Scrape the walls and floor area of the fireplace with a strong paint scraper. Knock lose any debris and crumbling brickwork. Sweep up and remove any debris. Mix up a batch of quickset cement in an old bucket by following the package directions. Patch any spaces that have lost brickwork pieces.

Cover the fireplace with the cement to create a smooth working surface. Push the cement into the cracks between the bricks with a trowel. Let the cement dry overnight.

Smear cement on part of the fireplace and on the back of a fireproof tile. Press the tile in place and continue working. Add the cement as you go so it doesn't dry before you have time to set the tiles in place.

Measure the underside of the area that needs to be tiled with a tape measure. Use a saw to cut a board that fits the area, plus two scrap pieces of wood that will be used as braces. Attach the tiles to the underside of the area, then hold the wooden board tightly against the tiles. Set the two support boards to keep the larger board in place. Let the new fireplace dry for two to three days before removing the boards.