Fireplaces, Heating Stoves, Flues and Chimneys - Brick Veneer in Firebox?

I have just bought a house and my first order of business was repairing/remodeling a non-operational gas fireplace. Previous owners had completely drywalled all the way up to the firebox and carpeted up to the firebox on the floor. I've cut away about 8" of drywall around the firebox and was planning on using brick veneer as a frame for the firebox but have since decided that it might look nice to also finish the inside of the firebox with the brick veneer (currently there is black firebrick throughout) and leave the firebox open. My question is whether this is advisable/safe and then, what is the best way to install given that these bricks will be exposed to high temperatures. Any direction would be most appreciated. Thanks.

Kc

Check with your Building Inspection Department for local code.
Brick facade in the firebox may be O.K. for gaslogs, but it won't be for wood burning.
Good Luck!
Mike

you stated that it was a "non operational" fireplace. does this mean that it's not usable and just for looks or that it's usable but you do not use it?
if it's usable, (even if you don't use it) then "old guy" is right about using special materials. but, if it's there just for looks and it can't be used, then you're safe to use the brick veneer of your choice...or any other material you like.

The only problem the inspect may have is that even though you say you won't use the fireplace, it doesn't mean that your somebody else actually won't. I've had to fix such violations before (mainly electrical) for people that did it one way, and the inspector didn't like it.