FIREPLACES
We offer a full fireplace preparation service, whether you have a open fireplace that needs updating, or an existing gas fire, or a fully closed chimney breast.
See our Gallery page for pictures of the full fireplace opening out process.
A fireplace can be as simple as a 12.5mm hearth on a carpet, freestanding in a room. As long as nothing flammable enters the set distance to combustibles, specified for each stove.
More typically a fireplace is the opening in a chimney, with a hearth at the base. There will need to be an air gap between the stove and the wall to allow convection, a minimum of 50mm all round, but more is preferable.
We can update an existing surround, or open out a bricked in opening and fit a new hearth in any stone.
FIREPLACE FINISHES
Bare brick; This can look great against a new woodburner, we can tidy brickwork up if needed.
Lime rendered. We arrange for a specialist rendering company to do this, or you can use your own builders.
Lined with smooth fireboard. This gives a lovely smooth finish ready to paint.
Tiled. We can tile surrounds with heatproof tiles of your choice, matched to hearth tiles if required.
HEARTHS
The hearth to take the weight of the stove and be able to withstand the heat produced.
Many stoves can be fitted on a hearth that is just 12.5mm deep, as long as the woodburner will not heat the hearth to over 100 degrees, this will be detailed in the installation instructions.
It will need to project (minimum) 300mm from the front of the stove, and at least 150mm from either side of the stove.
HEARTH FINISHES
Granite: The most solid hearth material, usually honed for a satin finish (like kitchen worktops) but can also be fully polished. Granite is very hard to mark. It is also the most expensive hearth material.
Slate: This is softer and will 'develop' over time as marks become uniform. It costs a little less than granite.
Paving slabs: The least expensive option which can look really good, these can be man-made or natural such as riven stone. Most are suitable.
Tiles: You can make a hearth from any tile that will take the weight and heat requirements. Quarry tiles are popular but the choice is wide.
Glass: 12.5mm toughened glass can take the weight of a suitable woodburner easily. It is ordered either from stock shapes or can be made to any size. We would not recommend any surface other than carpet, as dust gets underneath that is nigh on impossible to shift and its difficult to seal effectively.
Any strong non flammable material: that is of suitable size and depth for your stove.
We can supply and fit hearths, (precision cut to shape and size if required) in all of these materials.