Quality Restoration – All our fireplaces are restored to a very high standard, we don’t use the cheap cost cutting tricks detailed below:-
Ill fitting backs.
Many of our competitors use clay backs which are generally to low for the fireplaces which looks very unattractive, imagine spending years looking over the top of the fire back. We go to great lengths to cover to ensure the back is tall enough for the fireplace opening.
It is very common for them to photograph their fireplaces with a piece of painted cardboard behind with a note saying a back and grate is included. It is not a good idea to purchase a fireplace shown like this as there is a great deal of work required to ensure a good fit as one back will not fit all.
Low Clay Back
Cardboard_Back_1
Cardboard_Back_2
Genuine_back
Reproduction bars.
One of the worst crimes is using reproduction bars which don’t suit the fireplace style and generally don’t fit. As there are only approx 15 reproduction bars on the market which many of our competitors use to cover thousands of different fireplaces, they don’t fit, look awful and undermine the reason for choosing to buy an Original Fireplace.
Reproduction Bar
We pride ourselves in fitting the correct bar to the fireplace; we choose the pattern from thousands available using original catalogs, archives and number database from manufacturers information. If we can’t find the right part we can use patterns to have one made in exactly the same way they did in foundry 130 years ago and looking the same as it would of done when it left the foundry on a horse and cart.
Parts for Restoration – not sold separately.
Complete restoration.
Another common problem is not removing the rust from the back of the fireplace which is madness, why pay a great deal of money for your fireplace and fitting only to have it rust through from the back.
We restore the front and back of all our antique cast iron fireplaces; applying several coats of red oxide paint to the back to ensure it stays looking good.
Red Oxide Painted Back
Rusty Back
Most restorers only use paint stripper which won’t remove rust. We pressure clean using different grades of aggregate, in some cases as fine as baking powder. When finished we apply red oxide to the back immediately to prevent rusting and finish the front with either traditional grate polish or paint.
Replacement Ash Pan Cover – We supply a replacement ash pan cover with our fireplaces included in the price.
Optional Damper Plate – We can add a damper plate to our fireplaces, to close off the chimney (additional cost may apply).