Do I need a lintel for support when cutting out a recess in a thick chimney breast wall as shown in the attached image?
Asked by Priya Das 
4 months ago
Last Updated: May 23, 2024
Hey everyone, I need some expert advice. I’ve attached a picture for reference. I want to create a recess in a chimney breast that’s 1200x520x140 in size. The side walls are pretty thick, so my question is, do I need a lintel for support in the section highlighted in blue? I started cutting the wall but paused because I’m not completely certain about the blue area. Any help or insights would be awesome. Thanks a bunch!
Could you clarify if this is a traditional brick and masonry fireplace, or a “zero clearance” metal fireplace that is enclosed by a wooden structure?
So this is the current situation
Well, I guess that settles it! haha. I believe using a lintel is a smart move. Does the wooden box match the size of the desired opening? You may need to remove more plaster from the top to reveal the brick wall and install the lintel.
I was thinking the thick piece of timber I installed would work as the lintel. That thick timber definitely isn’t going anywhere. And yes, the frame matches the size of the electric heater opening.
Hey there! So if I understand correctly, your 1200 dimension is in mm, which is approximately 48 inches. Ideally, you would need a framing member that is around 100 mm tall to cover the span. You could also consider using angle iron (L shaped) that is about 3 inches x 3 inches (75-ish mm).