Want to know the construction of an antique fireplace?

Question

I have a Victorian house with a number of open fireplaces. The previous owner removed one and left it in the garden. I want to renovate it and put it back - but not to use just for decoration. The old fireplace is in several bits and i don't know what fits where. Can someone point me to a good website that shows the construction of a fireplace?

Answer 1

Hi - Is this a cast-iron fireplace, possibly with tile insets? If so, they usually just bolt together and its a fairly easy to work out what goes where. You will also need (probably) a new fire-back. This is what forms the back (and possibly the sides) of the fireplace. There are a variety of sizes and types of fireback and the final choice depends on the style of the fireplace. You will need to assemble the fireplace first to know what is needed ( some firebacks need to be fitted before the fire place goes in). Assemble the fireplace first, and this will give you some idea. Builders merchants will stock SOME types of fireback but not necessarily what you need. You may be able to obtain further information from the link below.

Answer 2

Try asking on thisoldhouse.com