Marble fireplace

[Anonymous]

We have been offered an original marble surround for our fireplace in our Georgian flat. We're keen to take up the (free!) offer as there's an ugly repro version there at the moment, but having measured both, the surround we have been offered is slightly bigger (by about 4 - 5 cms). We don't know much about fireplaces and were hoping for views on whether this is usually a straightforward job. We plan to get an expert in to do the work but don't want to say 'yes' to the offer until we have a better idea of what we are letting ourselves in for.
Any advice very welcome!

 

[Anonymous]

Whether the mantelpiece will fit depends on two main factors: the overall width in relation to the width of the chimney breast (the mantlepiece clearly needs to be narrower) and the size of the internal opening.

The internal opening size is particularly important if you have an all-in-one cast iron grate. If the opening is too big there will be a gap between the grate and the marble. This can be dealt with using black slate slips (I have done this in my bedroom which had the original grate but had lost its original surround), but best solution is to have a proper match.

Bear in mind also that if your flat is listed you may need listing building consent (even to replace a nasty repro with the real McCoy).

 

[Anonymous]

Say yes and worry about it later!

 

[Anonymous]

Thanks for the good advice - yes, I will say yes and work it out from there!