Opening out chimney breast.

[disinfo]

Hi all,

Started knocking out our kitchen today, begrudgingly.

Pivotal to what we want to do in the kitchen is open out this chimney breast, build it out slightly (stud) and put a free standing 90cm range in the middle.

On taking off the plaster, I was surprised to find the solider course of bricks rather than a lintel although I shouldn't have been as that's how all the doors and windows are done.

Are these generally sound or would an RSJ or alternative still be preferable, I certainly don't want to start banging bricks out until I get a bit of advice.

Untitled

• disinfo
• 30 Dec 2012
• 1

I don't really know where to start, I know what you can see and say on an Internet forum is extremely limited, and if its seek the advice of a builder fair enough but any opinions are welcome.

Cheers

 

[catlad]

They were almost all like that years ago, its just been filled in. I would remove a few bricks from under the arch carefully,and if the the arch above feels stable remove the rest of the bricks.

 

[dann09]

I agree with above. However:

1. Given that you have approx. 1300mm below the brick arch, and you will, typically, need approx. 1850mm from FFL to lintel, you will probably have to insert a concrete lintel at 1850mm.

2. Typical range cookers have a depth of 600mm and often project from c/breast openings. Determine all your dimensions and do a drawing before doing any more work. Include all detail from below, and the c/breast footprint dims.

3. New elec. and gas supplies will have to be considered.

4. A canopy vent hood is often fitted in c/breast openings - ducting-out, recyling and flue liner are venting possibilities.

5. Determine what your inside the opening (eg splashback ) finishes are going to be.

6. Come back here for any further assistance, there is much more to say, but for now - dimensions, dimensions!