Slate fireplace surround fixed to plaster not brickwork? Re-generate an old or tired space and give it a fresh breath of life. Click here for answers, information and tips

[seymour2902]

I am installing a victorian fireplace in a previously blocked up opening. This will be purely decorative as the flue is a mess and we don't have the time or money to sort it out. The fireplace we have bought has a slate surround with a cast iron insert. I know how to attach the insert - we've done this before - but am unsure what to do with the slate surround.

A 'how to' guide online said that to attach a slate surround you have to break off the plaster on the chimney breast and attach it to the brickwork using bonding plaster. What I want to know is if this is necessary when the fireplace will be purely decorative. Can I not just fix it to the plaster, which is sound? If anyone has done this, what adhesive did you use?

Thanks for your help
LS

[stoneyboy]

seymour2902,
Score the plaster and stick the slates on using a good quality tile cement.
end