Hi Taggy, Sorry it appears no one replied to your question. But your question came up when I asked about ethanol vs. electric fireplaces. I'm wondering: 1) which type of fireplace did you choose? 2) have you been pleased with decision and why? 3) anything you'd do differently if you were doing it again?

Sophia, I apologize for not getting back to you. Unfortunately, we wouldn't be able to help much there. We specialize in the design and fabrication of the fireplace surround and hearth and not on the mechanical. Thanks

Hi Malibu_tan Well I must also agree with the other four comments "the fireplace is a focal point" , all I would add to that is - man/woman has been looking at fire for many years, and it's reference to our being most likely goes back to primordial times. Fire (the moving flame) is deeply rooted in our psychic, and our relationship with safety and comfort, I would remove the heater and celebrate the fireplace. You can always put in an ethanol fire and close of the flue if required, but I would not get rid of such asset to your residence and your life. Depending a bit with the style of the house I would go as far as providing side book shelving storage, or DVD's, or your best collection of miniature spoons should miniature spoons bee your interest. Whatever you wish to display for your or your friends enjoyment. Then I would complete the lounge design around your final choice of tiles and mantle, if you are putting in a slightly better mantle than you have at present, or if you are going for a modernist look. (it all depends a bit on tastes and budget) If you are in a "period style" you could look at something like Regardless of your tastes I think you can get an ethanol insert in just about any fireplace, corny as it sounds the fireplace is "the hearth of the home" . Possibly not the response that you were perhaps seeking, and you might have a lot of reason why you want to remove it - well I would like to hear your comments. Hope this is of some help Regards Michael Manias

i don't understand all the concern..(obviously won't be cheap or easy and probably needs an engineer to design the frame) but the firebox probably weighs no more than 200kg (less than a bathtub full of water and a bather) and the flue is suspended from the ceiling or a power flue can be directed through the wall or floor ..the challenge will be finding the most suitable brand and model (preferably zero clearance) and keen tradesman to organise the steel frame as the timber shelves are only decorative not structural ...we have a 250kg corten steel courtyard gate that is only suspended from steel hinges and they not only hold the weight above the ground the door also has to move...consult the manufacturers who should be able to give more specific advice