from RECTANGLE to HALF-CIRCLE fireplace opening

Hi, Please share your experiences and ideas regarding the following:

My existing fireplace with 36" x 28" firebox opening has a brick surround that I am going to remove before installing stone surround with 36" x 36" half-circle opening. Once brick is removed I need to cover 8" above the existing opening with some black non-shiny facing material. Would that be tiling? Or, Are there any products out there that made expecially for that?

Many thanks in advance for your input.

 

You could use black marble or granite, unfinished, and have it cut professionally. You will need to make the cutter a template to measure from. You could also make a tile field that is centered above and cut in a semicircle to accomplish your design. A tile field will, of course, be inset from the rock's finish, so that is a consideration.

 

I LOVE this site! Thank you, Chandler. I am now armed with knowing what to do. I think I will go with the unfinished marble or granite. The template should be easy: 8"x36" semicircle.

 

Hi Chandler (and other readers),
I thought I post some in-progress photos of what I was asking about earlier. Granite insert is coming along very nice. It isn't quite finished, though..

http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i320/Solomia_2006/8d6ff29a.jpg

http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i320/Solomia_2006/261a4996.jpg

In the meantime, I have 2 questions:
First, I was sure that I would need to seal this limestone fireplace, but installer says that unless it in the kitchen, he wouldn't seal because of the color changes. ??

And secondly, my firebox inside (3 internal walls) isn't a brick but some brick-look-alike metal panels that look like could be taken out, cleaned, and inserted back. At least I can see that one of them can be taken out, the back one. (I had no idea it wasn't a solid brick..) What is the best way to clean the inside of the fireplace box?

As always, I am full-heartedly greatfull to anyone who offers their expertise and opinions.

Solya