Load-bearing or decorative iron in the fireplace?

[Brewtal]

Hi,

I am going to install a spiskasett in the fireplace. However, I have encountered a problem. Apparently, my fireplace is of a smaller model, as the only spiskasett that would fit is the Keddy 1001. It's probably good, but expensive. There is a thick vertical iron rod in the way of opening the doors on all other models I have looked at.

Can it be removed? Or is it load-bearing?

It is welded to a frame at the top, at the bottom it seems to partly stand on the plates, partly have a tip that goes down through the plate. I can fit a paper between the plate and the iron rod at the bottom, but not all the way through. It easily moves 1mm sideways at the bottom, which makes me guess it is not load-bearing. But I don't dare to remove it without asking those more knowledgeable first.

Thanks,
Justus

 

[BirgitS]

It is probably common for the column under the corner to be load-bearing. There is quite a large load out there in the corner.

 

[Räknenisse]

Above all, masonry laid horizontally in that way is particularly poor at absorbing downward forces, which is why the mantlepiece is placed on an iron beam.

Alternatively, one could probably create some form of diagonal braces or an arch instead of a central post to be able to have open doors in the middle.
Or rebuild the hood so it rests on a self-supporting arch.

 

[Brewtal]

Above all, bricklaying laid horizontally like that is poor at taking forces downwards, which is why the mantelpiece is placed on an iron beam.

Alternatively, one could fix some form of braces or arch instead of a central post to have open doors in the middle.
Or rebuild the hood so it rests on a self-supporting arch.

Thanks for the reply. I was also considering replacing with braces. Perhaps the safest and simplest option. I know iron better than bricklaying.