How do I install a Fireplace?

[notasausage]

We took out to very nasty 1960's fireplaces when we moved in and as the budget was tight had the openings plasterboarded and skimed (into the opening) so now we have an opening in the wall but no hearth, mantelpiece or surround. We're thinking of basic electric fires so no need to worry about the chimney but I'm not sure where to start with the rest.

Can you buy the bits as a kit or is there an easy way of creating your own lovely looking fireplace by buying the bits on their own??

Just out fireplace shopping with the ILs today, who want one (we don't/can't). Whereabouts are you? If you're anywhere near SE13/SE12, I can recommend the two places we went into here. One told us that a complete fireplace would start at 800-ish, and go up into the single thousands. I'm very sorry if that's bad news!

Alternately, what about a small one of those clay barbecue pot/chimneys? You could tile up the hole in your wall, place the clay thing in, and block off the remaining space somehow... Sorry it that's naive; I was idly speculating about it when I spotted one of those today as well...

I bought all mine (Edwardian, cast iron) on ebay for a few quid each. But fitting them is a job for the professionals, especially if you're having slip hearths put in as well.

You see? I had no idea what it was all about! Idle speculation, indeed!

Thanks for the suggestions - we're in Derbyshire so not near SE13. I will have a look on ebay.

Ah, sorry, but thought it was worth a mention.