How are fire surrounds fixed to the wall?

So you want to take that old fire surround off the wall, but you’re not sure how it’s even attached? Well, worry not, I am here to help.

The Usual Method

In theory, there are countless ways a fire surround could be fixed to the wall. It all depends on who attached it in the first place. In reality, though there is one common method which is usually how your surround will be attached. This is only true for the modern, wooden surrounds. Older brick or stone surrounds could be fixed in a multitude of different ways.

In order to show you this method let me introduce you to my fireplace.

On my fire, and many that I have seen before there are two brackets holding the surround to the wall. one on the left and one on the right.

Mine are down each side but they can commonly be on the top two where the mantle meets the wall.

Here you can see the little bracket, these often blend into the wall really easily so are hard to spot at first. Once you know where they are though you cant miss them.

And here is the bracket on the other side.

Although this doesn’t look like a lot to be holding your fire surround in place it probably is all there is. You see although these look like big heavy objects they are usually hollow and actually pretty lightweight. because of this, you don’t need too much support to keep them attached to the wall.

The bottom of the surround may be held in place by the hearth of your fire. This is normally just placed against it so it won’t actually be fixed. You will just need to lift the fire surround up at first before lifting it out.

That’s all there is to it really, some may be fixed in other places but just have a good look around and you will figure it out!