Choose a dry, protected place before delivery
If your fireplace arrives before the room is ready, decide where it will wait before the delivery day. Choose a dry indoor space, protected from rain, condensation and knocks, with a clear route to the final room.
A garage, shed or unfinished building may be convenient but can be damp even when no rain gets inside. Think about the conditions over the whole storage period, including cold nights and wet building work.
Tell us about access and the proposed storage location when arranging delivery. Planning the position in advance can avoid an unnecessary move of a heavy, awkwardly shaped item later.
Keep it securely supported
A fireplace needs a stable position with appropriate support for its shape and weight. Do not leave it balanced where it could tip, or assume that the mantel shelf, front bars or decorative edges are suitable lifting points.
Ask the delivery team or installer how the particular piece should be positioned and handled. Avoid resting vulnerable casting details against a hard wall, and keep the area clear of children, pets and passing building work.
If it must be moved, plan the route, suitable handling equipment and enough capable help beforehand. Do not try to drag it into place or lift it by a convenient-looking projection.
Keep loose parts and the paperwork together
Some fireplaces arrive with components packed separately. Keep those parts clearly labelled and stored together where they will not be confused with builders’ materials or another fireplace.
Photograph the complete set when it arrives and retain the listing, measurement drawing and any care information. These are useful when your installer is ready, especially if several weeks pass between delivery and fitting.
- 01A dry placeAway from rain, condensation and wet building work.
- 02Stable supportPositioned securely for this particular fireplace.
- 03Parts togetherLoose components, measurements and paperwork kept as one set.
- 04A clear routeHandling and the next move planned before work starts.
Do not remove secure tiles or dismantle assembled parts merely to make storage easier. Ask first if the available space creates a problem.
Protect the finish without trapping damp
Keep dust and decorating splashes away, but check that any protective covering is clean, dry and suitable for the finish. Avoid adhesive tape directly on the fireplace and abrasive packing pressed against decorative surfaces.
Do not seal a damp fireplace into packaging. Plastic coverings can conceal condensation, particularly in unheated spaces. Check the stored piece periodically and make sure the conditions remain dry.
Fresh plaster, wet screed and other drying building materials can introduce moisture into a room. A space that looks finished may still be unsuitable for leaving exposed metal close to wet work.
When the installer is ready
Check the fireplace and all separately packed components before the installation appointment. Pass on the measurements and explain how the fireplace will be used. Give the installer the opportunity to assess the opening, support, fixing and any requirements for a working fire.
If the opening or hearth level has changed during building work, check the dimensions again. Measurements taken before plastering or before the hearth was chosen may no longer describe the finished space.
If you notice a new mark or surface change during storage, take photographs and ask before applying a treatment. Our cast iron care guide explains why identifying the finish comes first.
Common storage questions
Can I leave it outside under a tarpaulin?
Choose a dry indoor location instead. A cover does not reliably protect cast iron from damp air, condensation or water reaching it from below.
How long can it wait before installation?
The storage conditions and support matter more than an arbitrary number of days. Keep it dry, protected and stable, and check it periodically while it is waiting.