Chimney & Fireplace

How to rebuild a chimney breast

Anonymous user 03/03/2024 - 3.09 PM

Hello, Would really appreciate any advice you could give me about rebuilding the chimney breast in our lounge. It has been removed downstairs, but it is still intact in the bedroom above. This is only supported by a wooden beam at the moment. We have had another one supported by an RSJ in the loft, so we know this is the easier/cheaper option, but we would really like to get this one rebuilt properly with brickwork/blockwork. We do not need to worry about a flue though - will be using an electric woodburning stove style fire. How should a chimney breast be rebuilt? Do you have to tie in the bricks at the side to support the chimney breast above, as it was done originally? Also, I know the corbelling etc inside the chimney breast can be tricky. Would one option be to put an RSJ across, but have it supported by blockwork either side? We just want it to have a more solid feel than a fake stud wall chimney breast. Is this a specialist job, because have spoken to a couple of builders and they didn't seem too keen on doing it this way? Thank you, Catherine