How to fit a cast iron fire place ?

Question

I've bought a small cast iron fireplace (the mantle and surround are one complete unit) and would like to install it. The fire box and bars are missing so I intend it to be purely decorative and will not be using it.

The fireplace is a small one of the kind found in the bedrooms of victorian houses.

The fireplace has two s***w fixing holes just underneath the mantle shelf for fixing to the wall.

My problem is that there are no such holes anywhere near the bottom of the fireplace. There is also a tab that sticks out of the bottom (the bit that rests on the floor) of each side of the mantle supports which i am not sure how to deal with. They look like they slot into something ?

If I fix the fireplace to the wall using the two s***w holes the top will be secure but not the bottom - which will be balancing on these two tabs that stick out of the bottom of the side supports.

Any ideas on how to fix this to my wall safely?

Answer 1

Without seeing it, just that it's cast iron tells me it's heavy.  If it is, securing the top into the studs in the wall (making sure it's level), I would think the bottom would hold itself in place due to the weight.

If the tabs on the bottom are a toe kick issue and you can't s***w them into the floor joists, could you have them eliminated by grinding them down?

About the rust - it should be sanded to give it a smooth feel/look before applying anything to it.   Just take care that you don't sand it too much or too deep or you'll end up with a hole.

After sanding, I would apply a rust inhibitor both inside and out - especially if there's a lot moisture in the air.

Just my thoughts :)