Quick Answer
Can brick slips be used in a fireplace?
Answer – Yes!
Detailed Answer – Can brick slips be used in a fireplace?
Yes they most certainly can!
When installed correctly, brick slips can be used within a fireplace.
Brick slips that are made from real clay are fired at extremely high temperatures, and are able to withstand the heat generated by most log burner and gas fires.
It is recommended that a minimum 100mm clearance is kept between the brick slip surface and the heat source.
It is also recommended that all joints are pointed with a fire cement.
This will stop high temperatures from penetrating the brick joint.
Installation where brick slips shouldn’t be used
You cannot use brick slips when constructing an open fire. Rapid changes in temperature on the surface of the clay tiles can cause the surface to crack. We do not recommend using brick slips when they are in direct contact with the heat source. Traditional brick and block construction methods would need to be followed for this type of installation.
Space saving
Using brick slips instead of full bricks ultimately means your fireplace opening can be much bigger. Due to the slim profile of brick slips, valuable space is not being taken up by full bricks. A great advantage when looking at fires as more space means greater burner capacity.
Special Considerations
When building a functional fireplace safety must always come first. We would recommend that any fireplace construction be carried out by a qualified professional. This way you can guarantee that any installation conforms to the latest building regulations.
If you are creating a fireplace with brick slips for purely decorative reasons then you can create almost anything your mind conceives.
Deciding on the right brick slip product
Can brick slips be used in a fireplace? Further advise.
The product you choose will depend on the resulting look. Traditional fireplaces tend to have weathered and worn bricks. Handmade brick like the Olde Watermill and Olde Bayswater are highly popular for fireplace installations due to their old and worn appearance.
Traditional is not always the desired look. If a modern fireplace is more whats needed then a crisp and sleek look can be achieved with a variety of our more design driven products. Products like Manhattan and Monsoon offer a unique monochrome fireplace appearance. These products can be highly versatile when considering fireplace design.
