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Chimney & Fireplaces/Reduce & reshape a Wood Burning fireplace opening.

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Expert: - 10/26/2008


Question

36"X 48" fireplace
We purchased a charming  cape style home built in 1923, In the breezeway
between the garage ( added in 1952) we have the beautiful base of our
working  brick chimney. But, inside the house,  the fireplace is a large  arched
or semi-circle  hole  36" tall by 48 " wide  opening flush within  a late mid
century stuccoed wall.  There is no surround , only a concrete hearth in good
repair.
We have had the fireplace swept  and inspected and the chimney and dampers
are in good order. We do use the fireplace and it makes the house cozy, but it
is so huge and the heat just flies out of that giant hole.
. Our style is Arts and Crafts.  The SouthWestern bare  stucco look is not us.
We want to square off that huge hole with a granite surround and an Arts and
Crafts mantel.
How do we affix the granite surround to reduce the opening to a standard
size so that we can also get doors with a screen.  The hearth ( 72"X 22") is flat
on the floor. The firebox is 25" deep x 36" at the rear.
Please help us
We are major DIYers, and would like to create

Answer
Hi Abby,

You can square the opening off and mount the surround with a thinset designed for granite.  Consult the location where you are purchasing the granite for the correct setting materials.

Thanks for using AllExperts.Com and good luck with your project.

Sincerely,
A . Bart Ogden, President
Home Safe Hearth & Chimney, Inc.
Wichita, KS
Voice 316-265-9828
Fax 316-265-9890
www.HomeSafeKS.com

CSIA Certified Chimney Sweep #2653
CSIA Certified Dryer Exhaust Technician #10
NFI Certified Wood Specialist
NFI Certified Gas Specialist
NFI Certified Pellet Specialist
NFI Master Hearth Professional
NCSG Technical Advisory Council Member

Bart Ogden

Expertise

I can answer questions related to chimney and fireplace cleaning, construction and repair as well as questions related to the performance of chimneys and fireplaces. I can also answer questions related to clothes dryer vent cleaning and repair. Additionally, I can field questions related to masonry repair.

Experience


Experience in the area:
28 years experience in the chimney service/installation/repair field
President, Home Safe Hearth & Chimney, Inc. Wichita, Kansas

Professional Organizations:
Member, National Chimney Sweep Guild (NCSG)
Member, Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Association (HPBA)
Member, Kansas Guild of Professional Chimney Sweeps (KGPCS)
Member, Midwest Chimney Safety Council (MCSC)
Member, Kansas Association of Real Estate Inspectors (KAREI)
Past At-Large Director of the National Chimney Sweep Guild
Past At-Large Director of the Chimney Safety Institute of America
Past Secretary, National Chimney Sweep Guild
Past Secretary, Chimney Safety Institute of America
Member, National Chimney Sweep Guild Technical Advisory Council
Member, Chimney Safety Institute of America Certification Committee
Past Chairman, CSIA Chimney Safety Education Brochures Committee
Past Chairman, NCSG Nomination Committee

Publications:
SWEEPING Magazine, The Journal of Chimney & Venting Technoloty, A Publication of the National Chimney Sweep Guild
SNEWS, The Chimney Sweep News
THE KANSAS SWEEP, The Voice of the KS Guild of Professional Chimney Sweeps

Education/Credentials:
BA, Wichita State University
C.S.I.A. Certified Chimney Sweep
C.S.I.A. Certified Dryer Exhaust Technician
N.F.I. Woodburning Specialist
N.F.I. Gas Specialist
Chimney Diagnosis & Documentation Seminar
Ahren's Masonry Restoration School Graduate
Advanced Gas Certification
Master Gas Certification
Licensed Mechanical Contractor
Pellet Appliance Specialist
Venting Design Specialist
Dale Carnegie Course Graduate

Awards and Honors:
Superior Dealer Award, Ventinox Chimney Lining Systems

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