Cast Iron Surrounds
Cast Iron Fireplace Surrounds form a frame for the fireplace opening and provide a hanging mechanism for a coal grate. They became popular in the mid-1800's on coal burning fireplaces and remained in style until the 1930's.
We carry both London and American style cast iron surrounds; the London styles are reproductions while the American styles are usually antiques. The London styles are simply too tall to retrofit most American fireplaces so they're best used for faux fireplaces or in new construction of masonry fireplaces where the homeowner can specify the fireplace opening size unless the description says "flat on back". The American styles are most often used for restoring an old fireplace or for creating electric or faux fireplaces. Both styles have small opening widths, as they were made to fit small coal burning fireplaces.
