Installing cast iron fireplace for decorative use only

[EssCee]

I would love to install a cast iron fireplace into our bedroom - either reclaimed or reproduction. It's just for decoration, rather than to be working. We have a chimney breast (and use the chimney in the living room below for the gas fire).

I understand that I should hire a builder to knock a hole to install the fireplace, but I'm worried about the mess... and it seems like a lot of work and money just to do something that's purely decorative.

Has anyone done this before? Is it easy/painless???

Easy - yes, painless - no. Ours was messy but worth it!

How much did it cost to install? And did you get a reclaimed or repro? Thanks!

Was it the messiness that made it painful?? Thanks for your reply.

Really really messy when we had it done. The fireplace opening up was messy required 2 huge demolition hammer things. Behind it was an old back boiler that was really hard to get out - and loads of crap that had been used to infil.

It looks lovely now. But it was a full day of noise and dust - possibly 2 days. It was a while ago.

Likelihood is an upstairs fire would be easier....

Ours was really messy, and we had to have the lintel reinforced which wasn't crazy expensive but was an extra piece of work. However it looks brilliant so was definitely worth it. Agree with PP that a bedroom one is likely to be easier - in fact we are going to do both our upstairs rooms!

Thanks! Will look into it more... how does it work if the chimney is being used by a fire downstairs - any idea? DH seems to think knocking a hole in the chimney could be an issue because of this.

We’ve done this in our bedroom and living room. Upstairs was much easier. DH made the hole and installed the bedroom fireplace (it just needed screwing to the wall). Living room was installed by a professional company - if we had the chimney swept we could use that one.

We did this last year. It's very very dusty while they do the work which took 4 days but worth it as its a beautiful room feature.

We paid £2k for 2 fireplaces to be fitted plus £1.5k for two fireplaces including the insert and surround.

@Redskyyy @roses2 Are your bedroom ones purely decorative? Would love a beautiful feature in our bedroom.

I had one installed in place of an electric fire and unappealing surround and the fireplace people did it all (well it’s going to be a gas fire but hasn’t been connected up yet because I need a pot put on the chimney) - removed the old one and enlarged the insert area and replastered afterwards. It was a local company who sells antique/vintage fireplaces. There would originally have been a Victorian fireplace there (so I was reinstating an original feature really) - not sure if that makes a difference to ease of installation.

@EssCee yes the bedroom one is decorative. It’s nailed to the wall but the chimney hasn’t been fully opened up. It has a small hearth which would need to be bigger if we were to use it. I don’t know the tech terms but the restoration guy said with the grate bit it would be cheaper. I’m sure it was only £125. Living room fireplace is huge and was much more.
Not sure what area you are in, but if anywhere near SE London I would highly recommend the restoration place we went to (and fitter). We’ve used them in 2 houses and been super impressed.

Oops I meant without the grate was cheaper!

@redskyyy what is the name / details of the fireplace fitter you recommend please?

Hi @Redskyyy , would you mind sharing the details of the fireplace fitter you recommend? thanks