Seeking Fireplace mantle, surround and firebox.
We recently opened up an old fireplace in our brownstone. The inside brick is crumbling. We only intended to use the fireplace as decorative. Someone suggested using a cast iron surround with firebox and just laying it in the opening so that it would cover the crumbling brick. Then getting a mantle. Does anyone have…
We recently opened up an old fireplace in our brownstone. The inside brick is crumbling. We only intended to use the fireplace as decorative. Someone suggested using a cast iron surround with firebox and just laying it in the opening so that it would cover the crumbling brick. Then getting a mantle.
Does anyone have any additional suggestions? Also, where can I go to find the surrounds with a firebox? I can’t find any place local, just www.gascoals.net online.
Any help, suggestions or advice would be appreciated.
This fireplace will NEVER be used. I am just looking for an aesthetic solution.
Thanks.
If you get a cast iron summer cover there is no need for the interior surround and no need to repair the brick (assuming it’s not going to be used and assuming you don’t have your heart set on viewing the inside of the firebox).
Eddie’s at Grand and Greene often has marble mantels, the cast iron interior trim, and summer covers. I bought a set, including the marble mantle, all in great shape for $800, a lot less that available at Olde Good Things or Demolition Depot.
There are good instructions for your project in the “Old House Compendium” which is out of print but usually available used at the usual on-line book stores. If you’re going to do it yourself, you should really get the book.
I just finished uncovering a fp myself, not the easiest project, but do-able if you take your time.
It’s worth reiterating the importance of not using the fireplace unless it has been relined by a professional.
Are you saying you’ll never burn a fire in there? Hard to tell from you past tense wording.
I hope you’re not going to actually use it. You’d be risking your life, your home, the lives of your family, the lives of your neighbors?
An improperly conditioned fireplace can cause a smoldering slow burning interior fire, you might not even know about for days, until you wake up in the middle of the night surrounded by flames.
As for the asthetics, if the brick is crumbing, I don’t think simply covering it up is a good solution. You should have a mason address the issues first.