DUPLICATE Fireplaces

Existing fireplaces

Whether you have an existing gas fire, an open fire, a hidden fireplace, or a dated fireplace covered in lacquered stone or framed in a wood surround, we can create something that will be completely unrecognisable from what you used to have!

Diagram of a fireplace

Dimensions

We intend to create an opening whereby your new stove will have plenty of space to the sides and above it.
The air gap is important for freestanding stoves within fireplaces as it improves how they perform – and prevent problems - such as smoke spillage (click the link for more information) – ADMIN NOTE: LINK TO SMOKE SPILLAGE - from occurring. In essence, the more space you give a stove, the better it will work mostly because they use the air for good combustion. So, the efficiency of the stove is directly related to the air gap provided. We aim to provide between 15-20cm on either side and double this above it. Over the years of use, this will have an overall impact on the amount of fuel you use as your stove will be working at optimum efficiency thereby you won't have the need to load fuel excessively.

The depth of the fireplace is already dictated by existing construction – which cannot be altered - and is typically between 30-40cm.

With any existing chimney breasts that are normally over 1.3m wide, we aim to create a fireplace that is approximately 90cm wide and 95cm tall. When we perform services to stoves and flues that we have not installed, our fireplaces tend to be some of the largest ones we come across. We like to think that the extra effort, time and materials invested into our fireplaces are worth it – because they tend to look amazing!

Structural integrity and construction

The new opening will be supported by a concrete reinforced lintel.

To create the new opening, we use large breakers/jack hammer type power tools. We refer to this stage as the knockout phase. It creates a lot of noise and dust.  You (and your pets) may prefer to leave your house during this stage as it's not uncommon to feel vibrations throughout the house. We advise that you contact your neighbours, especially if you share a party wall (see below).
Block and brick-built fireplaces are more predictable to work with. Stone, such as granite and cob can be less predictable, and the intended work may not go to plan.

Cornwall has a lot of Granite houses! If your home is a stone or cob build, we’ll likely formulate alternative plans before we start to cover all eventualities which may involve your desired fireplace size but also to accommodate smaller and larger fireplaces.

For example, if we uncover large structural stones or granite, we will avoid removing these as the structure of your property may be compromised. So, we will have physically smaller stove options ready to go.

Any excess time and materials added to the original timeframe or plan will be charged; accordingly, any changes to the original plan will be discussed immediately and a new agreement will be formed based on what is discovered and what can be achieved.

Hearth

Your stove requires a hearth.

Some stoves require a very thick hearth that is a minimum of 12cm thick whereas others only need a minimum of 1.2cm (12mm) thick. These hearths are classified as constructional, superficial, or superimposed.

There are many hearth options available and essentially you can personalise your hearth to match your style and taste.

Typically, a hearth will be made of stone or tile.

The price of the hearth is affected by the material but also by the size and thickness of the material. It is also affected by how the material is cut/shaped or finished.

Thicknesses vary from 12mm through to 50mm. The thickness has a direct proportion to its weight and typically anything above 25mm thick requires more than two people to lift and fit – obviously depending on the size. We prefer to fit hearths that are in one piece, as we think they look the best, so we tend to use materials that are under 25mm thick.

Therefore, if the hearth exceeds 25mm, it is likely that your hearth will be in more than one piece – possibly one across the front and one covering the back of the fireplace/the recess.

The leading edges of the hearth can be bevelled, and the bevel can change in size from a very small bevel to a large bullnose curve. The corners can be cut to be curved too or left at right angles.

The top of the material may be polished and brings about a marble type effect that is very smooth to touch. This is referred to as honing or honed. The natural state of stone is often referred to as riven.

Riven stone varies as it will have been lifted/cut away from the earth so the fissures, and details will vary from one piece to another; some riven slate is unremarkable whereas others are loaded with riven character. The colour will change too. For example, Brazilian slate is often predominantly black but with tints of blue and grey, whereas some Welsh slate may be greener in colour. Currently a lot of British stone suppliers have large selections of Brazilian slate (from various Brazilian quarries), that are delivered in bulk in containers. Brazilian slate looks good, is durable and is significantly cheaper than that sourced from local quarries or reclamation yards.

Therefore, Brazilian slate it is a popular choice, since it is readily available and good value.

The slate is normally cut into standard sizes often referred to as slate tiles. We tend to have various tiles in stock at any given time ranging in size and thickness. Therefore, we will often bring a slate tile to your property and cut and prepare the slate on site, so it fits perfectly into your newly created fireplace.

Once the hearth has been laid, it will be cleaned using water and a small amount of washing-up liquid. The nature of this work means that the hearth will need cleaning several times over the course of the following week to ensure it is completely clean. This means that you will need to clean the hearth before applying a sealant. The sealant helps protect the hearth from stains and scratches. We will leave a sealant with you that will cover a few coats. Most hearths only require 1-3 coats. Before applying each coat, you'll just need to ensure that the hearth is completely clean and dry. As you apply the sealant, the details of your hearth will become more apparent with each coat.

A typical hearth installation into a fireplace

Our standard estimates include a 15mm thick riven black tile that measures 1.2m x 90cm. Upgrades are always available, and you’ll be given at least one choice.

If we use the standard 1.2m x 90cm (15mm) riven slate tile, we cut this tile to form a “T” shaped hearth. The top part of the “T” (the horizontal “-” part) lies across the front of your fireplace, and we’ll aim to achieve 15cm to either side of the new opening.

The vertical “|” is the section that covers the recess; the total projection from the very back of the recess to the very front is normally about 85cm give or take 5cm. It all depends on the stove as the front of the stove must be covered by a certain amount specified by both building regulations and the actual stoves installation instructions.

The front edges of this type of hearth will be featured with a slight bevel.

Beam upgrade

You may want to have a wood beam fitted across the top of the fireplace. Wood isn't permitted so close to the stove/flue so there are non-combustible wood-effect beams available that look just like wood. There are 3 or 4 manufacturers, and we prefer to use beams from a company called Focus as we think they are best for quality, value and choice. Their beams are called FocusCast and they look like wood but are constructed and cast from composite material. Click here to see their full range.

The beams aren’t structural so they can’t be used as a lintel to support the opening of a fireplace. In fact, they are only designed to hold light furnishings that would normally be found on a mantel, and not to bear much weight.

Deep vs standard

Focus has a range of "Deep" beams.

If you are considering placing a flat screen TV above the fireplace, the "Deep" beams as they will sit further out from the wall than their standard sizes - therefore offering better heat shielding for your TV. However, you would need to consult the TV manufacturer first, and ultimately the decision and liability lies with you!

 

Ranges

There are also 3 ranges for each beam.

The Smooth range is more contemporary whilst the Tudor is the most rustic. Character-type beams sit in the middle of the two ranges.

 

Lengths

They come in various lengths. Most new fireplaces are created with a 1200mm/120cm slate hearth - therefore you will likely need the 1220mm size. Essentially you want the beams to sit about 15cm or thereabouts past the edge of your fireplace.

 

Finishes

The beams have 4 different finish options which you can choose from.

Weathered, Pale Oak, Mid Oak, Dark Oak - all listed on each respective page.

 

Supply and fit

Prices vary depending on the size and type of beam but typically cost £450 to supply and fit.

Fireplace surrounds

If you want something more substantial than a beam around your fireplace, you could opt to surround it in various materials. Focus provide various options for wood-effect surrounds.

Other surrounds tend to be made from limestone or marble and must be fitted correctly to prevent them falling over and causing injury. Slate is sometime used. The lighter colours of the limestone or marble are normally better suited to fireplaces where a dark hearth, dark stove and dark stove pipe is already in situ, otherwise, the tendency is to cramp the light and you won’t show off your amazing new fireplace.

There are several designs that most manufacturers provide. Each fireplace will have a specific opening width and height, so this is an important factor to consider, and the fireplace can be created around the surround. The dimensions are important as the stove will need space around it in order for it to work effectively and without problems.

Prices vary depending on which surround is chosen and what is involved for its installation. Typically, two people are required to fit them.

Rendering and plastering

After the knockout phase and normally once the hearth has been laid, the new opening will be made good. The new opening is referred to as a recess. It will be rendered (sand and cement) and galvanised beads will be used to provide a straight edge to the sides and on the underside of the lintel. Plastering the recess tends to crack and fall away so this is why it is rendered which has a rougher finish.

The area in front of the recess will also need attention and this will be skimmed. So this will be a smooth finish.

Painting

This is the customer's responsibility. It may be that the making good occurs very close if not on the same day as the completed installation, therefore painting is possible, but the stove and flue will need to be protected from the paint – typically by covering them with a bin bag.
You won’t need special paint. Standard emulsion (water-based) paint is great and can be used on both the rendered and skimmed surfaces. This process can normally be completed within a day. Apply 1-2 mist coats (mix 50% water & 50% paint), then apply 1-2 coats of normal paint. Light colours work well in fireplaces due to the dark colour of the hearth, stove, flue pipe and closure plate. As the rendered surface is relatively sandy, the paint will act to bond it and prevent it from rubbing off.

Curing

The new render and skim are prone to cracking. They need to be allowed to dry without excess heat or temperature changes, so please avoid turning your central heating on full. You should not use your stove until the skim and render have dried which tends to take about a week.

When you start to use your stove, you should go through the gentle and progressive curing process outlined in the completion process.

Duration

This varies depending on several factors. Sometimes we can perform the fireplace modifications within a day or two and even have the installation completed in this timeframe too! We’ve been doing this for many years and have created and modified 100’s of fireplaces so we like to think that we know what we are doing.

The team works hard and can achieve a lot in a short time. We often prefer to start early (7.30am) and finish a bit later than normal, to complete and achieve various points at each stage.

 

 

Gas fires

We are purely a solid fuel installation company focused on all things involved with wood burning, so if you have a gas fire, you will need to organise a Gas Safe engineer to disconnect it and remove and cap the gas line away from the position of where the new fireplace will be. We can be on hand to provide guidance on this relatively simple process that tends to cost in the region of £100.

If you don't have an existing fireplace, we can design and build a new fireplace around your stove and flue to make it look like you have always had a fireplace/chimney breast.

The method below is a design we have configured that satisfies building regulations. It looks great and authentic and can be made with a stove situated against a flat wall or in the corner of a room.

Opening

The actual opening of the recess will be in the region of 900mm wide and 950mm tall. We consider this to be a good size for the majority of stoves, however, we can create openings to suit larger stoves/rooms.

Construction

The lower aspect of your new fireplace will be constructed using blocks. A lintel will be fixed across the front section. Timber studwork will be fixed above this. Plasterboard, beading and tape will be fixed to the front of the new fireplace. An inspection hatch will be required for building regs and will be made on the side of the fireplace. A louvre vent will cover this opening which will be approximately 10cm2.

The internal aspect of the fireplace will be rendered. The plaster board will be skimmed. Coving and skirting can be fitted on request and will incur extra costs. Painting will be the customer's responsibility. The stove will be sited centrally to the fireplace. Black vitreous enamel flue pipe will come off the top or rear of the stove and will pass through a black metal closure plate. At this point, the flue will convert to rigid twin wall sectional flue (twin wall flue).

Hearth

A single piece riven slate hearth will form the hearth. The front length (left to right) will be 1200mm. The depth (front to back) will be between 800-900mm depending on the stove you choose. The thickness of the slate will be 15mm (upgrading to 25mm is an option). Different finishes, sizes and shapes are available.

Here are some examples that we have created;

If you have an existing gas fire, open fire, or woodburner in place, we'll work closely with you to create a fireplace that accommodates your needs, usually around 90cm wide x 95cm tall. Our step-by-step process ensures a seamless transformation:

 

Preparation

Our skilled building team will meticulously prepare your room by placing dust sheets and other protectors to shield your home from dust and mess.

 

Creating the Opening

We'll create the perfect opening for your fireplace, ensuring it complements your room's aesthetics and meets safety standards. Our team will install a new concrete or granite lintel to support the opening securely.

 

Crafting the Hearth

Your hearth serves as the foundation of your fireplace's character. With a wide array of choices – from riven black slate to a single, slightly beveled piece of slate in various thicknesses – you can personalize your hearth to match your style and taste.

 

Plastering and Finishing

Our skilled plasterer will go to work, 'making good' the fireplace aperture. They'll render the sides and plaster/skim the front face of the chimney breast, creating a clean and polished finish.

 

Personalisation

This is where the fun begins. We offer a multitude of options to personalise your fireplace further. From wood-effect beams to an assortment of tiles, you can choose the elements that truly reflect your style and create a fireplace that is uniquely yours - see 'upgrades to fireplace design below'.

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Granite Lintels

We love how a granite lintel looks. We think they complement certain stoves as nothing else can. The typical choices you have will either be a silver or a brown granite. You can then choose to have the lintel sat flush into the wall or sat out about 100mm so that it can be used a mantel/shelf.

Edges of the granite can be left undulated or they can be sawn cut.

The pictures below demonstrate some of the granite lintels we’ve installed and they will hopefully give you a better idea.

Tiles

Tiles

We can enhance the surround of your fireplace with your own choice of tiles, such as brick slip-effect or split face tiles.

We tend to use Walls and Floors as they have a great selection of good quality tiles to suit all budgets and their deliveries are quick and the tiles/products are well protected, ensuring minimal breakages and damage.

We can supply and deliver them when we perform your installation.

Hearths

We usually fit a 900mm x 900mm hearth, 15mm thick, in black riven slate, bevelled along the front edges. You can opt for a larger hearth, in different materials, depths and finishes to suit the style of your fireplace and room.

Wood effect beams/surrounds

Choosing a wood surround is not normally an option as the stove must be located a certain distance away from any combustible material – as specified by the manufacturer or by building regulations, however there are fantastic wood-effect beams and surrounds available. We love the Focuscast designs and have installed them for many customers They come in different sizes, colours and textures to complement your fireplace perfectly.

Limestone fireplaces

Complete fireplace surrounds can be fitted around your stove. They are typically made from Limestone, formed by several pieces that slot together and are fixed to the wall surrounding your actual fireplace. Prices vary considerably depending on the pattern you choose.

The Woodford Collection offers you a choice of stove, limestone fireplace surround, stove chamber and hearth as a complete package.

All rubble will be removed. It always surprises people just how much rubble is removed from your fireplace. Typically, this fills a 1-tonne dumpy bag. The bag is placed outside your property so that a grab/hiab truck can reach the bag. The company used will be local to you and we'll pass on your details in case they need to contact you. The collection day will be tied into other collections and drop-offs that they will have in the same area, so it is unlikely that an exact date will be provided.

Wood and metal waste will be removed by us.

Non-recyclable rubbish will be left in a black bag and placed in/by your rubbish bin outside.

Cardboard and other recyclables will be left with you for your household recycling waste to collect.

If you have a party wall, you are obliged by law to inform your neighbours under The Party Wall Act (1996). It is advised to get their consent in writing.