fireplaces are the focal point of a room

FIREPLACE FITTING

My Father began fitting fireplaces ( Chimney pieces )  in the 60's, working on those stone cladding 'brutes' that thankfully  have had their day. He moved onto marble fireplaces as a natural progression, which he fitted until he retired. I was given a five year apprenticeship and did two years 'improving'. I feel that everyday of the five years was needed to become a good fitter, you have to be a Carpenter, Plasterer, Gas fitter, and have time to hone the skills of an installer & restorer.

Some installations are easier than others, a coal burning combination cast iron insert can be fitted by a competent D.I.Y. person as this kind of 'fit' seldom encounters any major problems. Fitting a Marble fireplace should only be attempted by a skilled craftsman or a highly competent builder. We can offer instruction on this too if required.

The principle material for fixing marble is "Casting plaster", but "Keramicast" is used when more time is needed, and more strength required.
 

Learning to mix 'cast' properly and quickly enough for the craftsman to use is one of the hardest things to learn, the apprentice is given 15 months to master this, if unable to produce a consistent mix after this period he is asked to leave. There are at least  8 ways to make plaster and a different consistency is required for different jobs. The mix will harden faster even if there is a thunderstorm in the area and all this has to be input into the equation.

There are different ways to install a Marble fireplace. Historically, lime could be used in conjunction with cast. Most repair work ( other peoples fireplaces I hasten to add ! ) like a loose column, is nearly always because too much lime was used in its installation. I tend to rely more heavily on casting plaster as it's durability has been proven over time.

I  have mastered the ability to install marble the hard way, but this leads to a more durable fit. I also have 31 years of experience to draw from.
 

We offer these options.

*Marble Surround Fireplaces*... from £350

*Wooden surround Fireplaces*... £250

*Stone*...From £350

*Hole in the wall*... from £450

*Slips and rendered*... from £350

*Complete restoration of your fireplace*..price on inspection

*Combination Cast Iron*...£200

"Strip marble fireplaces and cast iron ones that have been painted"....price on inspection.

Inspections cost £45 but that is refundable upon accepting quote.
 

I have restored 80 fireplaces at the Indian office, Whitehall.

Shared a project of 167 fireplaces at Somerset House.

Restored & Fitted 70 fireplaces at Temple Bar London.

Worked for the American ambassador for London, five  foreign kings, our own royal family etc.

Have been involved in approx.  2800 fireplace fits to date.

Worked closely with the various heritage societies as  required.
 

FITTING SERVICE AVAILABLE

We work within the M25 and most of Kent, if you are in the South East of England it's worth giving us a call too.We have Saturday slots available until Christmas.
 

Telephone
01634 315195

Ask for  Bruce Rutherford
 

Rutherford Fireplace Fitting
26, Radleigh Gardens,
Rochester,
Kent.
England
ME1 2QR