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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

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