Looking for some advice on fireplace insert. We have a older "moss rock" fireplace from the 70s which we'd like to install a gas fireplace insert into. The issue is that the surface is VERY rough, like a river rock fireplace and we've had a few people say to mount the surround over the top of the rocks, but that will likely stick out 2-3 inches off the face of the fireplace because of the rough nature of the stones. Some of the inserts have "doors" which apparently mount last from the outside INTO the surround making it tough to customize the surround. Does anybody have advice for gas inserts (brands I guess?) for which you could customize the surround (i.e. maybe cut it down w/ a grinder or something) in order to mount it in a recessed fashion exactly to the fireplace box? Not sure if this right forum for this question or if my question is clear, please let me know if I can provide more information. thanks.
advice on new fireplace insert
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Measurements are roughly 33.5 inch wide for opening through rock, about 36'' behind rock. Height is about 24.5'' through rock and 26'' behind. Cavity tapers inwards. This size seems more than sufficient for a lot of inserts. We were looking at a Supreme-I30 heat and glo which my wife liked because of the big glass area. However, like I mentioned, the surround and "door" seems to be integrated in some kind of way which made customizing a black surround that would sit "within" the rock and flush to the metal box, somewhat difficult if not impossible. Additionaly the surround mounted as one piece so you couldn't assemble it INSIDE the rock, for example as 3 pieces or something. I've attached a pic of the fireplace so you can sort of see my dilemna. Curious as to any suggestions.
![[Hearth.com] advice on new fireplace insert](https://www.hearth.com/talk/attachments/fireplace-webp.243467/ "[Hearth.com] advice on new fireplace insert")
Make a template of the opening out of cardboard. Take a piece that is higher & wider than the opening.
Cut a hole big enough for your arm to go thru in the middle & set it on the hearth, covering the opening. Reach THRU the hole & with a Sharpie Marker, trace the outline of the opening onto the backside of the cardboard. When you're done, cut along the lines with scissors. This will give you an almost exact representation of your opening. Take the template to your local hearth shop & ask THEM if they carry any lines with "customizable" surrounds. If they don't, you can use the template as a guide to determine the biggest size of firebox that will fit your opening & still leave room for a surround. You can either cut down an OEM surround, altho they are usually VERY thin sheet metal, or you can fabricate one yourself, with the help of a tin knocker...
Cut a hole big enough for your arm to go thru in the middle & set it on the hearth, covering the opening. Reach THRU the hole & with a Sharpie Marker, trace the outline of the opening onto the backside of the cardboard. When you're done, cut along the lines with scissors. This will give you an almost exact representation of your opening. Take the template to your local hearth shop & ask THEM if they carry any lines with "customizable" surrounds. If they don't, you can use the template as a guide to determine the biggest size of firebox that will fit your opening & still leave room for a surround. You can either cut down an OEM surround, altho they are usually VERY thin sheet metal, or you can fabricate one yourself, with the help of a tin knocker...
Looking for advice on fireplace insert? Choosing the right fireplace is getting the right size. Modern inserts come in a variety of shapes and sizes, and with a little investigating, you'll find the perfect one for your fireplace. When measuring the opening of your fireplace, measure from side to side and from top to bottom.
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