Hi all,

I bought an older cast iron franklin fireplace for my new cottage. It was
a bit of an impulse buy. I realize that for heating, an airtight is the
only way to go, but the snap crackle pop effect of a fireplace is hard to
beat.

The roof is 12/12 pitch with cathedral ceiling and I plan to put the
insulated chimney up above the peak to ensure good draft.

Anyone have experience with a franklin? Do they work well?

Any suggestings how to make a nice but reasonably easy to build hearth?

Thanks,
John