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Who can fit my new fireplace? All fireplaces must be fitted by a member of the governments competent person scheme. So a HETAS registered fitter for fireplaces and appliances using solid fuel or wood. With a GasSafe registered fitter for fireplaces using gas appliances.
Otherwise, the fireplace itself can be fitted by yourself if you apply for Building Control from your Local Authority Building Control office. Then the appliance can be installed by a HETAS or GasSafe engineer BUT check they are happy to work this way before you attempt a DIY installation.
Hetas Logo
GasSafe Register
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Our latest media wall installation in Bromley.
Our latest media wall install in Bromley features the British Fires New Forest 1200 electric fire. The client was re-modelling their house and had a room that required a feature wall.
Having visited our Beckenham showroom, they decided on the New Forest 1200 as the fire. Size wise, this fire would fit perfectly with their new television. Whilst allowing ample space on either side for the design of cupboards and shelving we had both agreed on. Credit where credit is due the design largely was the client’s own vision for the room. It was just a pleasure to bring it to life with the British fires 1200.
For the media wall installation, the framework was created using softwood and MDF. MDF is perfect for this type of application as it does not distort. It can also be painted easily. The electrics, lighting and fire were all installed and left ready for decoration. Once the decoration was applied and dry the television could be installed.
A lot of work to do including the finishing and final painting but perfect media wall at the end. Either fully fitted or just supplied, it’s a pleasure to work with the British Fires New Forest range.
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Here’s how you can create a media wall in your home with an electric fire:
Planning:
- Size and Layout: Determine the size of your wall and how you want to arrange the TV, electric fire, and any other components (shelves, cabinets, etc.).
- Fire Type: Choose between a wall-mounted or built-in British Fires electric fire. Wall-mounted fires are easier to install but will not offer the same level of integration. Built-in fires require more construction but create a more seamless look.
- TV Mounting: Decide on the TV size and mounting height. Ensure it’s comfortable for viewing and doesn’t obstruct the fire’s view. Decide if the TV is to be surface mounted or recessed, recessed will provide a more integrated appearance.
- Storage: Consider if you need shelves or cabinets for media devices, books, or decor items.
- Wiring: Plan the placement of electrical outlets for the TV, fire, and any other devices.
Materials and Tools:
- Materials:
- Wood or metal stud work for the frame and shelves
- Plasterboard or drywall for the wall covering
- Paint or wallpaper for the finish
- Electric fire and mounting hardware
- TV mounting bracket
- Screws, nails, and other fasteners
- Electrical outlets and wiring (if needed)
- Tools:
- Drill
- Screwdriver
- Jigsaw or saw
- Level
- Stud finder
- Paintbrush or roller
Steps:
- Prepare the Wall:
- If necessary, remove any existing wall coverings or fixtures.
- Ensure the wall is structurally sound and ready for the media wall.
- If you’re building a frame, measure and cut the wood or MDF pieces to fit the desired dimensions.
- Install the Electric Fire:
- Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for installing the electric fire, whether it’s wall-mounted or built-in.
- If building a frame, incorporate the fire’s dimensions into the design.
- Mount the TV:
- Use a stud finder to locate studs in the wall for secure mounting.
- Attach the TV mounting bracket to the wall, ensuring it’s level.
- Mount the TV to the bracket.
- Add Shelves and Storage:
- If you’re building shelves or cabinets, attach them to the wall or frame using appropriate fasteners.
- Consider using floating shelves for a modern look.
- Finish the Wall:
- Cover the wall with plasterboard or drywall and tape and plaster or joint tape the wall.
- Paint or wallpaper the wall to your desired finish.
- Install Electrical Outlets:
- If needed, install additional electrical outlets for the TV, fire, and other devices.
- Ensure all wiring is properly concealed within the wall.
- Decorate:
- Add your favorite decor items, such as artwork, plants, or candles, to personalize the space.
Additional Tips:
- Safety First: Always follow safety guidelines when working with electricity and power tools.
- Hire a Professional: If you’re not confident in your DIY skills, consider hiring a professional to build the media wall. Especially for the electrical parts.
- Cable Management: Keep cables organized and hidden using cable management solutions.
- Ventilation: Ensure proper ventilation for the electric fire, especially if it’s a built-in model.
By following these steps and considering your personal style, you can create a stunning media wall like the ones below that combines the warmth of an electric fire with the convenience of modern technology.
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Wood burning stoves offer several benefits to homes, making them a popular choice for many homeowners. Lets take a look at some of the key advantages and disadvantages:
Cost-effective heating:
Wood is a renewable resource and can be significantly cheaper than traditional heating methods like gas or oil, especially if you have access to a local source of firewood. While the initial cost of the stove itself can be high, the long-term savings on fuel bills can be substantial. Fuel is paid for upfront, no surprise price hikes.
Environmentally friendly:
When sourced sustainably, wood is a carbon-neutral fuel source. While burning wood does release some emissions, these are generally offset by the amount of carbon dioxide absorbed by the tree as it grows. Additionally, wood burning stoves are much more efficient than open fireplaces, further reducing their environmental impact.
Are wood burners better than open fires:
A wood burning stove will offer better fuel efficiency and a longer burn time given the same amount of fuel, compared to an open fire, this is due to the controls a stove has to regulate the rate of burning.
Energy independence:
Unlike heating systems that rely on gas or electricity, wood burning stoves provide a reliable source of heat even during power outages. This can be a major advantage in areas prone to blackouts or for those who want more control over their heating source.
Improved ambience:
There’s something undeniably comforting and relaxing about the dancing flames and warm glow of a wood burning stove. It can create a cozy and inviting atmosphere in your home, adding to its overall enjoyment.
However, it’s important to consider some potential drawbacks before deciding if a wood burning stove is right for you:
- A wood burning stove requires regular cleaning and maintenance, including:
- Storing and moving logs, preparing kindling
- Chimney sweeping will be required once or twice a year, depending on usage. Your sweep will advise on frequency.
- Ash removal will be a weekly or daily task during the heating season depending upon usage, this can be messy.
Longer term costs:
These will include replacement bricks and door seals, and for those less careful users replacement door glass.
Air pollution:
While generally considered more environmentally friendly than other options, wood burning stoves can still contribute to air pollution, especially in urban areas. It’s important to choose an Ecodesign stove and burn only well-seasoned wood with a moisture content lower than 20% to minimise emissions.
Installation costs:
In addition to the cost of the stove itself, there are also higher installation costs compared to a Gas stove equivalent to consider.
Overall, wood burning stoves offer several benifits and can be a great way to heat your home. Offering cost savings, environmental benefits, and a touch of cosy charm to a home. However, it’s important to weigh the pros and cons carefully and ensure you meet all the necessary regulations before making a decision.
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Our Orpington fireplace installation story began when Mr & Mrs Aston contacted us to help with fireplaces for their newly purchased home in Orpington.
The house a Victorian terraced had both downstairs rooms knocked through by the previous owners. The Aston’s decided the room needed a feature and set about choosing fireplaces. After much deliberation it was decided that a pair of white marble Flat Victorian surrounds with cast iron inserts, gas fires and black granite hearths would fit the bill.
The chimney breasts were bricked up by a previous owner. The job involved opening up the chimneys and testing the soundness and draw. Apart from a sweep a new cowl on one of the pots, they were in good order and ready for the new surrounds.
Over the next couple of days of this Orpington installation story our fitters ran gas to the chimneys. Installed the new fireplace surrounds, hearths and fires. Making good the walls ready for decoration by the customer, the room now has two definite focal points. The new fireplaces have transformed the Ashton’s room.
White marble has traditionally been used for fireplaces. It is soft to work, making it ideal for carving. Victorians introduced cast iron inserts to improve the effectiveness of the open fire.
Do you have a house project that calls for a fireplace, stove or fire?
Give us a call 020 8663 3223
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John and Peter were looking for a new fire installation in Croydon, when they contacted us.
Peter had seen theNuFlame Energis Hole in the Wall (HIW) gas fire on our website. He hoped it would be perfect for their room. The house was newly built with a class 2 flue, so their choice of fire was restricted. They wanted an efficient gas fire to boost the heat in the Spring and Autumn months. As well as provide additional heat if required in the middle of winter. A new fire would improve the room with a proper focal point.
After a quick site survey, it was established that the fire installation in Croydon would be straight forward. Our fitter cut a hole in the plasterboard. Checked the draw in the chimney was suitable. Also that the existing termination was correct for the new fire.
On the day we cut away the plasterboard to expose the full chimney opening. Sealed the board and the cavity gap, then installed the new gas fire with the backing panel. Leaving the room ready for decoration by John and Peter.
Do you have a project that requires a new fire for fireplace?
Contact us on 020 8663 3223
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Amy and Claire were looking for a fireplace installation in Sydenham. They had seen some designs on our website before their visit to our fireplace shop. However they wanted to make sure they would be right. Before visiting us they filled in our information sheet. Meaning we knew exactly what would fit from the get go.
Once in the showroom, they fell in love with the clean lines of the Stanley fireplace. Once the design was chosen they decided to have it made in a Spanish limestone. Pairing it with a high efficiency gas fire in the shape of the Verine Passion. Ensuring the room would be easy and cheap to heat. The house was a semi detached 1950’s build with an external chimney breast. So the couple had a nice flat wall without the size constraints of a normal chimney breast.
Survey completed it was all systems go and an installation date arranged. On the day of the fireplace installation in Sydenham our installers first removed the existing fireplace. Swept the chimney, ran a new hidden gas pipe supply and installed the new fireplace. Along with the Verine Passion gasfire. We finished off by making good the wall ready for decoration by Amy and Claire.
The room now has a smart new focal point ready for the rest of the decoration to begin.
Do you have a project that requires a new fireplace or fire?
Contact us on 020 8663 3223
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The story of a Stonehenge installation in Dartford.
Faith had always hated the old tiled fireplace in the living room of her mothers 1950’s house in Dartford, but her mother quite liked it. Unfortunately for her mother a pipe burst bring down the lounge ceiling and damaging the tiles on the fireplace. One insurance claim later and Faith was helping her mother choose a fireplace and new flooring.
A visit to our showroom a site survey a quote to the insurance company and the deal was done. A Stonehenge fireplace in Spanish limestone along with a gas fire. The gas fire had high level controls to save any bending down to light and control the flames. The fireplace needed to be made to a special size so that the power points did not need moving. This was no trouble due to our made to measure service. Due to new flooring the hearth needed to be made and installed first. So that was supplied ahead of the surround. Allowing the flooring contractors to fit the flooring in the required timeframe.
Once this was complete we went back to site and completed the Stonehenge installation in Dartford. We installed the fireplace surround and gas fire on the already installed hearth. We then made good to the wall ready for decoration by the customers decorator. Unfortunately we don’t have any before pictures but the transformation was amazing.
Do you have a project that needs a fireplace or fire?
Contact us on 020 8663 3223
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This bespoke fireplace installation in Bexley Heath was just the ticket for Jonathan. Who had just moved into his first house, after renting for some years.
The lounge had a very narrow chimney breast. So required our made to measure service. A service we offer when a standard size will not fit. Jonathan chose a bespoke limestone surround with polished black granite for the hearth and back panel. Along with a NuFlame Energis high efficiency gas fire, complete with remote control for ease of use.
Our surveyor visited the house in Bexley Heath taking measurements for the new bespoke fireplace. Also to check the safety and suitability of the chimney. Once we had this information we were able to prepare a free no obligation quotation for Jonathan to consider. Our price was competitive and we were awarded the works.
The fireplace was made and a date arranged for the Bespoke fireplace installation in Bexley Heath. The day dawned and one of our installation teams were on site bright and early. The installation went without a hitch and the result was a nice new fireplace focal point to brighten up any room.
We wish Jonathan many happy years in his new home.
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