> I'm sure concrete would work - maybe a bit tricky to form - don't know about > wiremesh expanding in the heat etc.- and isn't cobbing somewhat about not > using cement...:) Heh, yeah, it is I guess. However, I'm more or less committed to using a bit of concrete in the mix for my foundations so I might as well go that step further with the fire place. But the point is valid. Any alternatives coming to mind? Rog.