Jack Pixley Sweeps Brings Top-Notch Fireplace Remodels to Woodbury, MN

Your fireplace is one of the most prominent features in your home, and if it no longer reflects your style or functions the way it should, a fireplace remodel can completely transform the space. At Jack Pixley Sweeps, we’ve been helping homeowners throughout the Greater Twin Cities area update their fireplaces since 1977, and Woodbury is one of the communities we’re proud to serve. Whether your hearth looks dated, your surround has seen better days, or you’re ready to rethink the entire layout, our team brings both design awareness and technical expertise to every project. All of our work is performed by full-time employees, never subcontractors, so you get consistent quality from start to finish.

What Can a Residential Fireplace Remodel Actually Include?

This is one of the first questions homeowners ask us, and it’s a good one because “remodel” can mean a lot of different things depending on who you’re talking to. At Jack Pixley Sweeps, a fireplace remodel can range from focused cosmetic updates to more comprehensive structural and functional changes, depending on what your fireplace needs and what you’re hoping to achieve.

On the cosmetic side, updates often include:

• Replacing or refacing the surround with new tile, stone, brick, or other materials
• Updating the mantel to something more contemporary or traditional, depending on your taste
• Refinishing or replacing the hearth extension
• Installing new fireplace doors or a decorative screen
• Changing out the firebox facing or adding decorative elements inside the firebox

On the functional side, a remodel might also involve:

• Converting from wood-burning to gas or upgrading a gas insert
• Improving firebox dimensions or opening proportions for better draw
• Addressing damaged or deteriorated components that affect performance
• Updating the damper system as part of a broader refresh

The key is that we approach every remodel with both appearance and function in mind. A fireplace that looks great but performs poorly isn’t doing its job, and we make sure both sides of that equation get the attention they deserve.

Woodbury, MN: A Community Worth Calling Home

Woodbury has grown into one of the most desirable communities in Washington County, and it’s easy to see why. The city is home to more than 60 parks covering thousands of acres, including Ojibway Park, which draws visitors for its trails, open spaces, and natural scenery. The Carver Lake area is a local favorite for walking, picnicking, and taking in the water views.

Residents love Woodbury for its well-maintained neighborhoods, strong schools, and the way it balances suburban convenience with access to outdoor recreation. It’s also just a short drive from St. Paul, giving residents easy access to all the culture and amenities of the metro without sacrificing that quieter, community-oriented feel. Homes in Woodbury tend to be well-kept and updated, and the fireplace is often a centerpiece feature that homeowners want to match the care they put into the rest of the house.

Can You Remodel a Fireplace Without Replacing the Entire Unit?

This is great news for homeowners who love the overall structure of their fireplace but feel like it’s visually outdated or needs some targeted improvements. In many cases, a full replacement isn’t necessary at all. We can work with your existing fireplace and chimney system and make meaningful changes that feel like a brand new installation.

Some of the most impactful updates that don’t require a full rebuild include:

• Refacing the surround with new materials like stacked stone, subway tile, or reclaimed brick
• Swapping out an old wooden mantel for something more current
• Installing a new insert into an existing masonry firebox
• Replacing dated brass or black iron doors with something that suits a modern aesthetic
• Adding built-in shelving or cabinetry on either side of the fireplace as part of a broader surround redesign

That said, we always inspect the existing condition of the firebox, damper, and surrounding structure before finalizing any plan. If there are underlying issues like cracked firebricks, a deteriorated damper, or masonry concerns, we’ll recommend addressing those as part of the project. Cosmetic updates on top of a compromised structure won’t serve you well long-term, and we’d rather be upfront about what’s needed from the start.

How Do You Know if a Fireplace Remodel Needs to Go Beyond Cosmetics?

Not every fireplace remodel starts with a homeowner looking for visual change. Sometimes people come to us because their fireplace just isn’t working the way it used to, and they want to fix the function while also freshening the look. Other times, what looks like a simple cosmetic project reveals something more involved once we take a closer look.

Signs that your remodel may need to address structural or functional issues include:

• Visible cracking in the firebox walls or mortar joints inside the fireplace
• A damper that sticks, won’t open fully, or lets cold air in when the fireplace isn’t in use
• Smoke that backs up into the room when you use the fireplace
• A surround that feels warm to the touch in areas where it shouldn’t
• Spalling brick or deteriorating mortar on the exterior of the fireplace structure
• Water stains or efflorescence on the brick face near the fireplace

Because we’re a full-service chimney and fireplace company, not just a design or contracting firm, we have the expertise to identify these issues and work through them as part of a remodel. Our technicians are CSIA-certified and trained to evaluate the full picture, not just the surface. That combination of technical knowledge and remodel experience is something that sets our work apart.

Will a Fireplace Remodel Improve How Well the Fireplace Performs?

In many cases, it can. A remodel that includes updating a tired or ill-fitting damper, replacing an old insert with a newer, better-sealed unit, or correcting proportions in the firebox opening can genuinely improve how the fireplace draws and how much heat it delivers into the room.

Some specific updates that tend to improve performance include:

• Installing a top-mounted damper, which seals more effectively than older throat dampers and reduces heat loss when the fireplace isn’t in use
• Upgrading to a gas insert if you’ve been burning wood and want more consistent, controllable heat output
• Correcting a firebox opening that’s too tall relative to the flue size, which can cause poor draft
• Replacing cracked or missing firebricks that affect how heat is reflected into the room

That said, we always want to set realistic expectations. A cosmetic remodel focused on the surround, mantel, and hearth extension may not change the way the fireplace performs at all, and that’s fine if performance isn’t the goal. We’ll have an honest conversation with you about what you’re hoping to get out of the project and tailor our approach accordingly.

How Long Does a Residential Fireplace Remodel Typically Take?

The timeline for a fireplace remodel depends heavily on the scope of the work and the materials being used. A straightforward surround refacing or mantel replacement might be completed in a day or two. A more involved project that includes converting fuel types, addressing underlying structural issues, or incorporating custom materials can take several days to a week or more.

Factors that affect the timeline include:

• Lead time on materials, especially custom tile, natural stone, or specialty mantels
• Whether any masonry repair or firebox work needs to happen before the cosmetic updates can begin
• The complexity of any gas line work if a conversion is part of the project
• Drying or curing time for mortar or adhesives used in new facings

We walk through the expected timeline with every client before work begins so there are no surprises. And because we use full-time employees rather than rotating subcontractors, scheduling is more predictable and communication stays consistent throughout the project.

What Should You Have Ready Before Scheduling a Fireplace Remodel Consultation?

Coming to a consultation with a few things in mind makes the process go a lot more smoothly. You don’t need to have everything figured out, but having some general direction helps us give you more useful feedback.

Things to think about before you call:

• What’s your primary goal: updated appearance, improved performance, or both?
• Do you have inspiration images or a general style direction in mind?
• Is the fireplace currently functioning, or have you noticed any issues with draft, smoke, or heat output?
• Are there any changes happening in the room around the fireplace, like flooring updates, a paint change, or built-in additions?
• Do you have any timing considerations, like wanting the project complete before colder weather or a specific event?

You don’t need final answers to all of these, but thinking through them ahead of time helps us make the most of your consultation and get to a plan faster.

Schedule Your Fireplace Remodel Consultation With Jack Pixley Sweeps

If your Woodbury home’s fireplace is ready for an update, our team at Jack Pixley Sweeps is here to help you get there. We bring decades of experience, CSIA-certified technicians, and a commitment to quality workmanship to every residential fireplace remodel we take on. From targeted cosmetic updates to more involved functional improvements, we’ll work with you to create a fireplace that genuinely fits your home and your lifestyle. Contact our team today to schedule your consultation. We look forward to hearing what you have in mind.