If you've been considering removing a hearth and want to know what you're getting into, hopefully this will help. I was hesitant to start this project, but after it was completed, I wished that I had done it years ago! What a difference tearing out a hearth made! It seemed like such a little change, but it made a big difference for our living space. The best part is that it took less than 3 hours to complete (paint and all)! I hope that your project goes as well as ours and I wish you the best of luck! Peace and God bless!