New inset gas fire fitted within old fireplace?

[Missnearlyvintage]

Hi everyone,

I just wondered whether anyone has had a new gas fire fitted in an existing surround and mantel?

Or alternatively if anyone has bought a second hand or antique surround and mantel, and had a new gas fire fitted in it?

We had a survey done today by a well thought of local company, to quote for replacing our back boiler with a gas fire. I said that my preference would be to use a second hand mantel as I like the patina and charm they have, and possibly some second hand marble for the surround if we can find some in good condition and that is already the size that we need. The chap said that he would only fit a new gas fire if we bought everything new and that you couldn't really re-use old fireplace parts.

I've tried to think about it in terms of fire risk etc. but can't see a used fireplace surround etc. being different from a new one as long as the manufacturer's installation instructions are followed re. distance of combustible and non-combustible materials?

If anyone could enlighten me I'd be very grateful! Thank you!

Well thats rubbish. Picture attached of original victorian black slate mantel with cast iron insert with modern gas coal effect fire. The fireplace came from barnsley in west yorkshire, installed in my first house in buckinghamshire and then moved with us to current home. You just need to find the fireplace and thenva man/company thatvwill install it for you.

@bilbodog - thanks so much for your reply and picture. It's good to know it can be done. I will definitely be trying to find another company instead of the one that did the survey!