u/Plus-Contribution915

Had quite a bit of conflicting advice but I think it’s best not to dot and dab board the front of the stack (hoping the sides should be ok as it’s double brick thick). Was planning to use sand and cement or would I be better off with bonding?

Only ever skimmed boards before so would be grateful for any advice.

What would be the best mix? (Plan is to have a log burner so will need to be somewhat heat resistant) and how many coats?

How to deal with the inside and the brick arch, would I be better cutting some bricks out and putting in a concrete lintel first?

Should I bond on the corner beads first?

What’s a suitable finish plaster, I’ve heated putting some lime in helps?

Sorry for barrage of questions, want to get it right!

Cheers

Taken all of our downstairs walls back to brick, built a new floor and set a concrete base on the fireplace. We’ve been using it as an open fire over the winter but now want to put a log burner in. I’ve been holding off from plastering the chimney breast whilst we decide on a design for the fireplace… I’m not a lover of the modern floating oak beam mantle look (a bit too Etsy for my personal taste) and my wife doesn’t like the old style formal wooden surrounds. I’ve seen some nice limestone looking ones but they are quite pricey! It’s an old house (1890s) so would like to give it some character if we can.

Fireplace opening is c. 78cm across and brick walls either side are c.28cm each

Any ideas would be very much appreciated thank you 👍