How far can i drill into chimney breast?

[PeterJB]

Hi. I'm going to put up some shelving in our second bedroom in the chimney breast alcove. rather than using floating shelves i was going to fix battens to the 3 sides of the alcove. Is it safe to attach a batten to the side of chimney breast. The chimney is used for a woodburner and doesnt have a liner. Can i drill far enough in for wall plug and screw or should i look at another method?

Thanks

 

[Beefpotnoodle]

Yes you can, unless you are crazy with the drill. You only need an inch bite for the screws/plugs.

generally the breast upstairs will be split into two, one is the run from downstairs the other is the run for the upstairs fireplace (if you have one). So half of the breast will be redundant and at least a brick deep.

If you are really paranoid you could do it and then smoke test it. You should really clean and check your breast yearly

 

[PeterJB]

Yes you can, unless you are crazy with the drill. You only need an inch bite for the screws/plugs.

generally the breast upstairs will be split into two, one is the run from downstairs the other is the run for the upstairs fireplace (if you have one). So half of the breast will be redundant and at least a brick deep.

If you are really paranoid you could do it and then smoke test it. You should really clean and check your breast yearly

Thanks for that, ill make sure i don't drill more than half a bricks width in and i'm sure it'll be alight.