Making hole in false chimney breast bigger All manner of questions and solutions to problems and issues surrounding the subject of brickwork, blockwork and stonework

[Dulapeep]

We want to make this hole taller to fit in a cast iron fireplace. The hole is boxed in with wood and I don't know what false chimney breasts are normally made of, can we just remove the wood and chip away at whatever is there?

[stoneyboy]

Hi dulapeep
You can remove the ply liner - this is not strong enough to have any structural purpose. You will probably find a piece of angle iron across the top of the opening but there could also be a brick arch forming the top support. Suggest you hack off the plaster above the fireplace so you can see and decide how to proceed.
Regards S