kai807•25d ago

Stopped butterflying my fireboxes after 15 years

I used to always cut a full butterflied opening on every fireplace and barbecue I built. Thought it was the only way to get proper airflow and make cleaning easy. Then about 6 months ago I took on a job for a guy in Portland who wanted a custom outdoor kitchen. His old mason buddy stopped by and watched me lay out the firebox. He asked why I was cutting that big opening when a simpler soldier course arch with a lintel would work just as well and look cleaner. I tried it on that job and honestly the airflow is fine and the owner loves the look. Now I only butterfly if the design really calls for it. Has anyone else switched up a habit they thought was standard practice?

2 comments

2 Comments

jade22624d ago

Tbh I used to think butterflying was the only professional way to do it, but seeing a clean soldier arch with a lintel changed my mind completely. The airflow argument makes a lot less sense when you actually compare them side by side and realize the simpler look wins. Once you try it and it works just as good, it's hard to go back.

kimr3324d ago

Yeah but does the lintel ever mess with your brick spacing?