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[Kate]

What size is the hole? If I remember correctly 16 inch is the standard size , less for the bedroom type of grate.

When the fire back was in the available width was 15". Unfortunately, the depth was only 6.5" so no fire grate would fit in.

I'd rather have a cast iron fireplace or a stove anyway.

[cnj]

hi kate, it appears from your second picture that there is an awful lot of filling with various bricks and blocks, my question would have to be, is there another lintle under the bottom of the wall paper, because looking at the photo it reminds me of the 60/70s bodge work that some of the builders carried out then. as from what I can see the original fireplace is quite a bit larger if all the infill was taken out !

[Kate]

hi kate, it appears from your second picture that there is an awful lot of filling with various bricks and blocks, my question would have to be, is there another lintle under the bottom of the wall paper, because looking at the photo it reminds me of the 60/70s bodge work that some of the builders carried out then. as from what I can see the original fireplace is quite a bit larger if all the infill was taken out !

Yes, you're right it's all been filled in and there is an original lintel under the wallpaper.

I'm not sure what the best option would be. Would it be possible to have a fire basket if I removed all the rubble?

[tidla]

Some useful reading here.

http://thegreenlivingforum.net/forum/viewforum.php?f=21

[Kate]

Some useful reading here.

http://thegreenlivingforum.net/forum/viewforum.php?f=21

Thanks very much, that's very useful.

[cnj]

I would get the chimney checked out before you start making too many plans, as you may find additional problems that are not always obvious. another thing worth checking is to see if you can find out how effective the original fire was otherwise you could end up with more smoke than fire, certainly in the room where the fire is, as some chimneys I've experienced can smoke you out unless the wind is in just the right place !!

[Andy H]

Agree with the previous post.

If you start by paying a local old fashioned chimney sweep to inspect/sweep your chimney you should get all the advice you need (including who to use and who to avoid in your local area)

Pick one with HETAS accreditation and they can legally do the whole job if you want them to.

[Vamps]

Is this for 'show' or use? the reason I ask is that I built a fireplace in our dining room, under a half hight wall, so no chance of a real fire, but I put in an electric 'wood burner' for effect only, never intended for heat, looks good too........

[Kate]

Is this for 'show' or use? the reason I ask is that I built a fireplace in our dining room, under a half hight wall, so no chance of a real fire, but I put in an electric 'wood burner' for effect only, never intended for heat, looks good too........

 I wanted a real fire Mike. It's definitely not easy to get it sorted.

[scimmy_man]

we have one, it runs the central heating too.  last years fuel bill was £40, two loads of softwood offcuts delivered,

I get plenty of free wood otherwise, 

one thing (ok two things) make sure its fitted by a HEATAS fitter not a local jobbing builder, I have seen a few houses locally on fire due to DIY fitting,

oh and dont think you can just collect firewood from the local woods, everyone else will have been there first and its theft. if you have a supply of pallets etc its worthwhile but you still have to store them and transport them,

[Kate]

I've decided to install a cast iron fire insert until I can afford a stove.

Has anyone done this before? I know I have to back fill behind the fire insert using vermiculite. Has anyone got any advice for doing this?

My housemate and I have cleared the old bricks and breeze blocks to make way for the insert.

Thanks for any help.

[Kate]

[Kate]

This is the fireplace in position.

[Varche]

That looks nice 

[henryd]

This is the fireplace in position.

I like that,presuming it'll have a stone base fitted right in front of it,you must have a very obliging landlord to let you chop his/her house about