How to fill recess in fireplace before tiling

brickcementfireplacemasonrytiling

I wish to tile a fireplace pictured below
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The brickwork has a recessed area directly above the firebox (pictured below)
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This recessed area measures 28" x 8" x 1-1/2"
I wish to tile over the recessed area flush with the rest of the fireplace front. In other words: Remove the recessed area. My thought is to fill this area with a non-combustible material like durock. Not sure what the best material would be, though. Seems to me that it would be easier to use something thicker and lighter.

I was also thinking of making a mold and filling it with a high-performance cement.

Any suggestions would be appreciated.

Best Answer

Yes, I agree with you. Use three layers of 1/2" Durock. Attach all 3 plies at the same time to the brick with 2-1/4" Phillips Tapcon concrete screws.

Durock is certified as non-combustible tested to ASTM E136, “Standard Test Method for the Behavior of Materials in a Vertical Tube Furnace at 750°C” and therefore is acceptable in use as a fireplace facing.

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