Fireplace project- how to lower the top of the fireplace

[Rayz]

I decided to hummer down my old-style boulder-faced fireplace. The project took two days, but when I was finished, i realized, the the actual fireplace opening is bigger that it was before, because it was faced over the top of the opening. Now, I can’t just leave it, since I need to put TV over it, and currently there is not enough ceiling height (and no one wants to watch TV 10’ in the air). Any advice on what can I do to cover the opening and make it like 30” instead of 36”? Maybe do metal framing and durock it? I am stuck.

 

[mark cline]

First of all, I'm not a fan of putting a TV above a wood burning fireplace or insert. I would think there would be a great amount of heat. Of course you need to adhere to any combustible clearance guidelines, are you putting in a new insert or fireplace?

 

[webby3650]

What do you plan to face the fireplace with? It’s normal for the block structures lintel height to be above the facing lintel. Otherwise you would see both lintels.
I wouldn’t worry too much about the heat above the opening with an open fireplace, it’s sucking so much room air through the opening it doesn’t get very warm.