Can you make your own back panel?

[Loofah]

Hi, I'm reinstating a fireplace to use a gas fire. I already have the fire as I removed it from another room and will have a Gas Safe chap come and hook it all up; my main problem is keeping cost as low as possible and finding a surround with suitable back panel. Could I get a surround and hearth and make my own back panel to fit and if so, what do I make it from?

 

[fidom]

I did something similar and bought an antique pine surround, a slab of Caithness slate as a hearth and a sheet of laminate marble effect stuff for the panel:
http://www.wickes.co.uk/laminate-back-panel/invt/156893/

 

[foxhole]

I made mine with slate offcuts ,

Untitled

• foxhole
• 3 Aug 2010
• 7

and this with slate tiles

Lounge Now

• foxhole
• 27 Apr 2011
• 4

 

[Loofah]

That's great, thanks!

Foxholes those fireplaces look superb

 

[kirkgas]

I made mine with slate offcuts ,

Untitled

• foxhole
• 3 Aug 2010
• 7

and this with slate tiles

Lounge Now

• foxhole
• 27 Apr 2011
• 4

the first one is cracking, but not the style i like, the second one is fantastic

 

[Loofah]

Are there any particular thermal requirements or thicknesses I have to observe, or could I use floor tiles (for example)