i have started to open my old open fire and am redoing the hearth and the base square. is it safe to use concrete or cement as it is or do i have to add something to it to make it tolorant to the heat from the open fire or do i need to use a totally diff material,... please help,
a good mix of 3 sand 1 cement at least1,5 inch's thick point seal the fire cheeks with fire clay should do the trick allow to dry well before lighting fire
Cement is OK but if you want a good job at not a great cost, use fire brick to line the surface of the burning area.
you ask if you should use concrete or cement....? cement is an ingredient of concrete, you can't make it without it.. sharp sand and cement is the best solution. 4 parts sand to 1 part cement. when the screed is dry you would be better to tile it with ceramic tiles. they will give a much better finish than concrete.. you shouldn't have to worry about heat from the fire... heat rises. and you will have an ash catcher beneath the fire anyway, so there should be no damage. not unless you where thinking of lighting a camp fire on the base..... hope this helps
