Making a fireplace smaller

[mk2phil]

Hi there,

I need to reduce the internal width of my fireplace. I'm planning to build a course of bricks on either side which will give me the required opening width to match a new firs surround I have.

My question is what kind of bricks should I use? Can I use 'normal' bricks or should I use a specialised brick - engineering for example? It's a working fireplace for solid fuel fires.

Thanks in advance

 

[noseall]

Most solid clay bricks will do. Those with less air trapped within will fare best, like a staffy blue for instance.

Clay bricks are fired to a very high temperature so they are used to a bit of heat. But i personally would choose an engineering brick.