Re facing fireplace

[Blacktop]

I'm in the process of refacing my fireplace It currently is brick faced up to about 4' and I have noticed the brick was pulling away from the chimney due to poor installation from the previous owner. The heat was going up the back of the brick and almost caused a fire.

I will be using solid cement block (4X8X16) then I will be covering it with stone or somthing similar.

My question is can I put the cement block directly up to the opening of the fireplace or do I need to have the opening surrounded with a layer of firebrick and then the cement block from there out. A wood stove insert is going to be put in when finished.

 

[webbie]

If this is the facing and not the interior of the firebox, I think you are OK using just the block. This is no different than thick stone or other materials which are often used to face fireplaces and end up showing in the front of the firebox interior.