Cast iron fireplace - Decorative only

[DaveG]

Apologies for another one of these threads. I did some digging but most seemed to be wanting to actually use the fire.
I was just looking for any advice I could get first of all on how to correctly size and then whether fitting was a simple case of push in and secure if I’m just wanting it for decoration?
I’ve read stuff about back filling, is this necessary if it’s not going to be in use or is it a building regs thing for safety that it has to be fitted so it could be used?

I’d also really appreciate any help I could get on getting the correct size. It’s for a bedroom and I took some measurements:

Full width minimum (to cover exposed brickwork)110
Height minimum (to cover exposed brickwork): 112cm
Internal with widest: 55cm
Internal width narrows to: 21cm
Internal opening height: 90cm

Am I right in saying I just look for a surround at least those dimensions or bigger and an insert that’s a maximum of those dimensions or smaller? Can anyone tell from those whether it’s a standard type I’d be looking for? Preferably I’d like an all iron, not tiled look but open to suggestions.

Pictures taken today after stud wall taken down:

 

[claraclattermole]

Yes you can just put Rawl plugs in and screw a fire surround into the wall. No you don't need to backfill behind it if it won't be used.
Are you going for a seperate mantle and insert or an all in one cast iron one? Also you need to think about what you will do about a hearth, or is that a stone floor I can see? If that is staying uncovered then probably no need to worry.

 

[Stevers]

Our two large bedrooms have large cast iron non-tiled bedroom fireplaces (house is 1879). One of them was still in place but missing the grate, the other one was long gone, but I managed to source a reproduction that was the same size as our original (it was so long ago it had to come via an actual shop). It was I think a 'Celtic' model and although there is a fully functioning chimney and flue, we'd have to fill behind it to actually use it, something I suspect will never happen now.

These chaps (no connection) offer a 'Celtic' model (with 36" shelf). Not convinced it's the same, but as ours is in my son's bedroom there's no chance of a photo without a prolonged and painful period of tidying up.

Celtic Cast Iron Fireplace - Castfireplaces

Celtic Full Polished Fireplace with Granite Hearth

www.castfireplaces.co.uk

They also offer a much beefier (and more expensive) 'Pembroke' model that is probably more suitable for a living room than a bedroom. It probably is about the size of that ugly scar that I suspect was previously home to a ghastly 1940s tiled fireplace - been there!

Doing it now I'd make a tour of the local reclamation yards to see if they had anything that was suitable and I could grow to like.

 

[DaveG]

Yes you can just put Rawl plugs in and screw a fire surround into the wall. No you don't need to backfill behind it if it won't be used.
Are you going for a seperate mantle and insert or an all in one cast iron one? Also you need to think about what you will do about a hearth, or is that a stone floor I can see? If that is staying uncovered then probably no need to worry.

Great thanks for confirming. There’s either a stone or possibly slate set into the floorboards as a hearth so that’s good. I like the idea of the cast iron all in one but I guess I’ll have to see what’s available reclaimed and how much I’m willing to spend!

 

[DaveG]

Our two large bedrooms have large cast iron non-tiled bedroom fireplaces (house is 1879). One of them was still in place but missing the grate, the other one was long gone, but I managed to source a reproduction that was the same size as our original (it was so long ago it had to come via an actual shop). It was I think a 'Celtic' model and although there is a fully functioning chimney and flue, we'd have to fill behind it to actually use it, something I suspect will never happen now.

These chaps (no connection) offer a 'Celtic' model (with 36" shelf). Not convinced it's the same, but as ours is in my son's bedroom there's no chance of a photo without a prolonged and painful period of tidying up.

Celtic Cast Iron Fireplace - Castfireplaces

Celtic Full Polished Fireplace with Granite Hearth

www.castfireplaces.co.uk

They also offer a much beefier (and more expensive) 'Pembroke' model that is probably more suitable for a living room than a bedroom. It probably is about the size of that ugly scar that I suspect was previously home to a ghastly 1940s tiled fireplace - been there!

Doing it now I'd make a tour of the local reclamation yards to see if they had anything that was suitable and I could grow to like.

Thank you Stevers I will take a look at these as a back up solution. If your pockets go deep enough it does seem like a no hassle solution to get a reproduction so it is tempting but as you’ve suggested it’s also quite nice to try and go reclaimed for both environmental and originality. A lot will depend on what is available near me I guess.
So from a fitment perspective would you say most models can be made to fit but if I were to go for something more fitting in the bedroom there may be some patching up to do in lime?
Have not yet worked with lime plaster but there are multiple parts of the house that need it so I’ll have to have a go at some point. Would you use a readily available NHL from the builders merchant given it’s quite a small area so max breathability is less of an issue (upstairs too) or go for a traditional lime product from one of the specialists?

 

[DaveG]

@Stevers ive just noticed that you can get a bio ethanol version requiring no flue. Any experience with this fuel type? Sounds an interesting concept if you wanted it for just very occasional use/aesthetic. I hadn’t appreciated this fuel type was available without the need for a flue

 

[Stevers]

ive just noticed that you can get a bio ethanol version requiring no flue.

Condensation will be the problem as it was with paraffin heaters. A major product of combustion will be 'water' and it won't be going up a flue!

 

[DaveG]

Good point. Will steer clear

 

[stuart45]

When I built an extension at home my wife wanted a fireplace in it, so I built a fake stud one, and behind it in the alcove was enough room to make a platform for the W/M, dryer off the ground, storage below and shelving above.

 

[a twig]

Ingenious! That’s a really smart idea I really like that