inside chimney breast/ log burner

[paddy]

Hi, Have knocked out old fireplace and now have internal dimensions of 3 foot wide by 2 foot deep with brick exposed. However hole is uneven and needs two inches adding to right hand side. Any suggestions? fireboard+render? 2"block and render? if render... sand cement? (what type of sand?)

Also have atttached mantel to chimney breast 18" above log burner in front of but slightly below a concrete lintel (2" exposed) will it be ok?

ta in advance.

[Mark]

I'd do it with block, cover it with a sheet of expanded metal lathe then use sand and cement render with a good helping of lime to give it a bit of flexibility. This will go someway to prevent cracking. Under normal circumstance you need 6" clearance between burner and side walls over the top. 2" clearance from rear. It is also illegal to install a woodburner unless you have the relevant GCSE. Don't forget the CO detector.

mark

[paddy]

Thanks for that Mark. sorry forgot to make it clear that the mantel above the stove is a wooden oak beam attached to the chimney breast's concrete lintel but about two inches lower so you can't see the lintel from sitting. The beam is 18 inches from top of stove. is that ok?

A pro will actually connect stove. I'm just building fireplace to save money.

C