Removing a Stone Surround for a Wood Stove

Disassemble the wood stove and the adjoining vent work and move it out of the way. Use the manufacturer's instructions for disassembly so you do not damage any of the components.

Protect the surrounding room by laying plastic tarps over all areas, including the floor, that are not covered by the surround. Place sheets of plywood around the edges of the floor near the surround to catch the stone as it detaches.

Don safety gear, including a dust mask, work gloves, ear protection and safety goggles, before commencing with the demotion process.

Place a stepladder at the wall portion of the surround and climb onto it until you can reach the top of the surround. Place the chisel tip of a demolition hammer into one of the mortar joints between two stones and squeeze the trigger to begin removing the mortar. Continue drilling until you can see the bottom of one of the stones.

Stop the drill and angle the chisel bit under the edge of the stone. Squeeze the trigger again to chip away the mortar under the stone until the stone detaches. Repeat the process along the entire wall surface to remove all the stones and the mortar.

Scoop up the stones and mortar material from the plywood and the hearth pad using a shovel. Place it into a 5-gallon bucket to transport it outside. Alternatively, open a widow and shovel the material into a wheelbarrow placed underneath it.

Walk to one corner of the remaining stone hearth pad on the floor and begin chiseling it off in the same manner used to remove the stone material from the wall.

Shovel up all of the removed hearth material and dispose of it. Sweep the area thoroughly with a broom and finally a shop vac to clean up the mortar dust.