A fireplace surround - or lack of it...

[willcrick]

Hiya,

I have recently removed an old naff 50's fireplace in my victorian property. I would like to keep the opening as it is (about 30" x 30") and not have any surround. I have a log basket to go in the centre.

1) I have plasterd up to the fireplace edge nicely (and put in metal beading), and then put lining paper over the top - then came the eureka moment - paper, close to fire (wurr of rusty cogs) hmm - maybe not good eh? Is this a really bad idea? The actual fire is set deep into the hearth and my senses are telling me it isnt too bad!
If i do need a surround i would like a really simple one, maybe just a strip of metal or wood around the edge - any ideas where i can get one / or what i can make one from?

2) Do i need to line the old exposed bricks on the inside of the fireplace with anything?

3) Can i use some old limestone slabs i have found in my garden underneath the log basket and potenitally to put behind the basket too??

any help apreciated (and sarcy comments are anticipated due to paper / fire dumbness! )

cheers

will


[/img]

 

[Johnboy54]

1. If it's 'deep', you may not have a problem. If you do, take the paper off and leave it as bare plaster, but painted. If anything you put around it still causes a problem, this would mean you have a further problem with the draw from the flue. You shouldn't get smoke and flames licking around the outside of the fire opening.
2. If they're the original bricks in the original opening, they were designed to be burnt.
3. Don't know about the limestone. I'd think it may spall and spit? Nobody else has answered yet, so I'd wait and see.
4. Yes, I've had a drink or two. (It is Friday)