Fireplace Brick Surround Reduce Opening Height

Hello,

I want to add a course of brick to the top of the fireplace opening. The current dimensions of the opening are WXH (33"X29"). By adding the course of brick the new desired H is 26.75". This new course will allow the wood mantel surround to be lowered by the same amount given that the wood mantel header cannot come within 12" of the fireplace opening top.

I am envisioning adding a lintel angle iron to serve as a plate to hold up the new course. This lintel will be inserted into cuts made into the left and right brick mortar. The cuts will be placed in the L-R bricks just below the top of the opening. Am I on the right track? Any other ways? Advice?

 

Id say it will work just fine. Be the same if you put glass doors on it and control the draft with the small draft door in them. Id make sure and get a heavy enough L for it. It does get hot there

 

3x4 angle, at least 4" of lap on each side. I don't know exactly how you will be able to do it without removing brick, but it IS doable.