Fireplace to big for chimney hole

[Lucy6058]

Hello
I have bought a fireplace which is just to be decorative, but have discovered that the existing hole for it is too small. There is about 2 inches of cement at the bottom of the fireplace, which I am intending tochisel out, but i shall still need around an inch at the top. I have checked and the lintel above, and it is wooden, is it safe to chip away a small section so that the fireplace will fit in?
I appreciate any advise you may have. I am due to sell the house and want to do this as cheaply and as simply as possible
Many thanks in advance, Lucy

 

[Jackrae]

no

 

[big-all]

an inch off the bottom off the fireplace maybe ??

whats it made off??

 

[Lucy6058]

Hello
The base of the chimney is made from cement, if I am to take a section out of here I would still need to take a small section from the lintel. The chimney breast measures 143cm and the opening is 53cm. The lintel is only just long enough on one side and is propped up with a peg, I have attached a pic to demonstrate, the other side seems longer.
The album is called chimney, I have added in a pic if the front and either end of the lintel
Again greatly appreciate your advise in this
Best wishes, Lucy

 

[big-all]

i meant 1" off the legs off the fire surrounds your fitting

 

[Lucy6058]

Oh!!! Ha ha
Its cast iron, so im guessing thats not an option right?!!!

 

[Burnerman]

Lucy, that's a bit of an odd ball set up, if you don't mind me saying so.....it seems to have a wooden lintel on the inside, supported by a timber peg, is that it?
A lintel is there to support the brickwork above.....remove or weaken it at your peril, but it looks like there's never been a fire in that area since the timber lintel was inserted, is that right? Is the lintel loose at all?
It's quite possible incidentally to cut cast iron, but whether that would be suitable in your case we can't tell, without a picture of the new surround.
John

 

[Lucy6058]

Hi
Yes i was surprised to see the inside!!! When i bought the property it had a gas fire inserted, a few years ago it was removed and we just had a piece of board to cover it up. I found a fireplace cheapily on ebay and thought i could simply add it in, as i dont want it to be functional.
The lintel seams pretty secure, it doesnt move.
So you would advise cutting into the lintel?
There is aditional grates to the fireplace, so i dont think it is possible for me to cut the fireplace.
Best wishes, Lucy

 

[Burnerman]

I just can't say yay or nay to that one Lucy, as the lintel could be shoring up something on top of it.
Is there another stone or concrete lintel in front of the timber one?
It's possible to replace or reinforce a lintel by using angle iron, but only someone on site could determine that.
You also need to consider that chiselling or otherwise knocking the timber lintel could loosen it.
John