u/Swimming_Zucchini_94

Hey everyone, looking for some advice from anyone familiar with chimneys, venting systems, fireplaces, or older home construction.

We recently bought a home on Long Island (Massapequa, NY), and on the rear exterior of the house we have this large vertical stucco structure running from the patio all the way through the roof. It has a metal cap on top and appears to be some type of chimney or utility chase, but we do NOT currently have a fireplace anywhere inside the home.

The structure is centered on the back of the house and extends from ground level to above the roofline. We’re trying to figure out:

1. ⁠What this structure most likely is
2. ⁠Whether it may have originally been tied to an old furnace/boiler exhaust system

If it could potentially be converted into:

an indoor gas fireplace,
an outdoor gas fireplace,
or even a modern linear fireplace feature wall

We’re NOT looking to do wood-burning unless somehow practical. More interested in modern gas options.

Questions:

A. Can an existing chase like this usually be repurposed?
B. What would determine whether it’s safe/possible?
C. Would a direct vent gas fireplace typically require a full new liner?
D. Has anyone here converted an old non-fireplace chimney/chase into a modern fireplace setup?
E. Are there major structural/code concerns we should know before exploring this?

We’re planning to have a chimney/fireplace professional inspect it, but I wanted to get opinions from people who may have done something similar before.
Attached photo for reference.

Thanks in advance

Hey everyone, looking for some renovation advice before I start tackling our staircase project at our home on Long Island.

I attached:

1. Our existing staircase
2. The design inspiration we’re trying to achieve

The goal is to:
- Remove the carpet/runners
- Sand down the existing wood treads
- Stain the treads a warm medium/dark oak tone
- Paint the risers white
- Potentially install walnut acoustic slat panels on the wall and/or risers
- Keep the black handrail
- Modernize the overall look without replacing the staircase entirely

A few questions for those who’ve done something similar:

1. How difficult is it to sand old stair treads that have existing finish + staple holes from runners?
2. Would you recommend replacing the treads entirely instead of sanding/staining them?
3. Has anyone installed wood slat acoustic panels on stair risers or stair walls? Curious about durability, install methods, and whether MDF panels hold up over time.
4. Would you open the right side of this staircase or leave it enclosed?
5. Anything you wish you knew before starting your staircase renovation?

Trying to balance:
- Modern farmhouse / Scandinavian feel
- Warm wood tones
- Black accents
- Clean minimal look

Would love honest feedback, product recommendations, or examples from your own projects. Thanks in advance!