i need to extend a fire breast by 5 iches either side to fit my fire surround how can this be done?

Question

also would no more nails hold a plaster fire surround

i have a real fire and the fire surround is just a bit to big to fit
i dont use the real fire it has a dummy fire in there so no heat will be there

Thank you for your answers they were really helpfull

Answer 1

You can simply use timber studding to create a frame and then cover this with plasterboard. Remember to use galvanised nails to fix the plasterboard as they won't rust.

The best way to fix a plaster fire surround is to use ceramic tile adhesive. Put this all around the back edge of the surround and then push the surround into place. Hold the surround in place until the adhesive sets - you can do this by covering the head of a broom with cloth (to protect the surround) and prop this against the surround. Adhesive takes about an hour to set. Be sure to remove any adhesive from the surround whilst it is wet as once dried it is very difficult to remove.

Ceramic tile grout is the best filler to use to make up and gaps you may have where the surround meets the wall - and also for and chips that may be on the surround. Do not use Pollyfiller as it is too hard.

If you are fitting a marble hearth do NOT stand on this when fitting the surround - it will break.

Answer 2

You can widen it using plasterboard and battens to make a fake wall the width you need either side, like columns. However, you will lose 10 inches of room space so you may want to take the fire surround back and buy a smaller one!

If your plaster fire surround is heavy then no more nails or similar is likely to be too weak. You should have fitting instructions with the fire surround that involve 'hanging it' on screws to spread the weight and ensure it doesn't fall down.

Answer 3

see how thick your surround is and does have to be recessed if it can fit flush, offer the new fireplace up to it the just scribe round the wall you should really put some screws in it but if it is flush just dab no more nails in about a dozen places and press make sure the plaster is sound around that area or you well have to replaster because it may come away sosome nail should be used to anchoer it

Answer 4

you can extend the breast with stud walls either side then plasterboard and skim them ..you must NOT try to fix with any type of adhesives..you can buy small brackets which are metal and screw these to the BACK ofthe surround ..at least one either side at least three quarters of way up ..place in position on breast .with surround on TOP of hearth mark position of brackets on wall ..remove that plaster around brackets drill and fix to wall cover brackets with plaster job done :

Answer 5

what is a fire breast and no more nails goes soft around the heat

Answer 6

MAKE UP STUD WALLING AND PLASTERBOARDING TO YOUR SIZE YOU NEED AND DECORATE AS NORMAL