Materials for constructing a fireplace

[ColonelKurtz]

Today the fireplace is at the same height as the floor. I want to build it up so that the surface where the fire is made comes up about 10 cm. Then I want a concrete surface to make the fire on.

I have understood that I should use firebrick and refractory mortar. But do I really need to build the entire height with firebrick? Can't you build the base with something else, like blocks or regular concrete, and then "top" it with a layer of firebrick with refractory mortar as the top layer?

Thank you in advance!

 

[larsbj]

You can make it entirely out of regular bricks. Except right under the fire itself.

 

[ColonelKurtz]

You can make it entirely out of regular brick. Except right under the fire itself.

Thanks for the reply! So it doesn't even need to be chimney brick? So brick, then a layer of firebrick, and top with refractory mortar. Correct?