Cast Iron Fireplace Surrounds are used as a facing for the fireplace opening. All models feature a 16" to 18" opening so they're perfectly suited to reface an exising brick fireplace in an older home.
Cast surrounds measure a nominal 38" x 38" outside width, so they can be used in combination with most of our mantels. Most of our mantels measure 36" x 36" nominal inside opening so the mantel is installed to overlap the surround.
Note that the marble mantels, except the FPS-009, do NOT work well with cast iron surrounds because their inside openings vary or are arched. All cast surround models are shown at right - click any model for complete details.
Cast surrounds are available in a highlight polish finish, and some are available fully polished. In the highlight polish design, the cast iron is painted black then the highlights are polished and resemble a pewter finish. Fully polished models offer a shiny finish that resembles pewter or aged chrome. The fully polished models are great to offer a more contemporary look, or to fit in with an art deco period decor.
Most cast surrounds offer a cast iron firebox available that bolts onto the back side of the surround plate. The plate, without the firebox attached, is about 1/4" thick. Unless you ask us for the cast iron firebox then we don't send it with the cast surround - it's just a big heavy piece of cast iron you'd most often discard unless you're using it with your project.
The bolt-on cast iron firebox measures 6" deep inside, 8" to 10" deep on the outside. So you'll need an existing fireplace at least 10" deep to insert the cast iron firebox into, and then the fireplace opening where you'd put the wood or coal will be only 6" inside depth after installation.
Below the fret is a removable ash cover. When used with real wood or coal, the fret helps keep the fuel inside the fireplace so it doesn't spill over onto the hearth. When used with our Victor gas coal burner, the ash cover hides the burner's controls. All models except the Cornwall include a fret and ash cover. There is a slot on the front into which the fret slides down to attach to the front of the surround.
Installation: Masonry Fireplace
When installed onto an existing masonry fireplace, you can drill a hole into each of the 4 corners and attach to the masonry with lag bolts for the most secure installation. With this method, drill the holes where the overlapping mantel will cover the bolts.
If your installation will not include a mantel or overlapping trim, you can use high temperature RTV silicone to attach to the brick or facing, but this is not the preferred method of installation.
Note that the flue outlet on the cast iron firebox, if you use this component, is not designed to allow attachment of American style stainless steel chimney liners. If the restoration job will include a stainless steel chimney liner then the liner should stop at the top of the smoke chamber so the smoke chamber is left intact to establish proper draft. Also, if using the cast iron firebox in combination with the Victor burner, safety codes require that the damper door be removed or permanently clamped open for safety reasons. If the damper door is left in place and the burner were to be cut on, then fumes and soot will enter the home.
» See how Karen & Christi installed cast iron surrounds for a home improvement TV show - click here
» See how a customer used a cast iron surround to renovate his fireplace, including installation of a VICTOR gas coal burner - click here
AN INSTALLATION THAT IS ABSOLUTELY FORBIDDEN:
The cast iron firebox available on cast surrounds is not insulated - it cannot be used to create a prefabricated fireplace by itself! It is ONLY appropriate for use, in limited installation, inside of an existing masonry fireplace. You cannot simply put it in place and attach a chimney to create a gas or solid fuel burning fireplace.
NOTE: don't undertake restoration of a fireplace and chimney unless you are trained, licensed and insured to perform this type of work. This article explains the need for our line of products for customers who are seeking to undertake a renovation project and how you may help with product selection. Actual installation should only be performed by a qualified technician.