Antique Tiled Insert Restoration

This restoration project was for one of our customers in Loughborough, Leicestershire.

The job was to restore an antique tiled insert with the original tiles. We were also asked to source a marbleised slate surround which was to be left in its unrestored original condition. The hearth tiles are original and have been cleaned, tidied and some re-fixed.

The restoration of the insert was reasonably straightforward. We removed the tiles and stripped all of the paint back to the raw cast iron. A few small repairs were needed, including welding and repairing the bottom of one of the broken tile cages, and repairing a break to the outer frame.

The insert was then resprayed with a couple of coats of specialist black fireplace primer and finished with a final coat of black grate polish, buffed to a traditional lustre. The tiles were then refitted and fixed back into place. We also provided a new replacement clay fireback and a replacement fire front.

To finish it off, we were asked to supply an inset gas fire. We had this made to size to suit the grate area, with realistic ceramic coals. This gives a very authentic look and cosy feel, with the added bonus of radiating heat into the room.

After the fireplace had been re-installed, our customer was really pleased and couldn’t wait to have the chimney breast replastered. He had already chosen his period wallpaper to complement the newly fitted focal point in his room.

For more information, see our fireplace restoration service page.