Expert: James Ball - 8/17/2009

Question
we have a large semiarch brick fireplace opening that we would like to reduce the size of the opening enough to make it a rectangular shape and then put either a marble or granite surround on. I have read everything that I can find my hands on in terms of what size flue, and etc , but nothing on reducing the opening. I was thinking of either using brick or firebrick to square off the sides and on top install a 3x4" angle iron to hold the bricks. Then basically covering it with a surround. IS this allowable--am I missing something? Thank you

Answer
Hello Randy you need to check with your local building department, then a mason who will do the work, but I think you are headed in the right direction for this re sizing/shaping of your fireplace. as far as down sizing you should be fine as if it worked with the old (larger opening) then it would have less air to have to draft and should work better.
James