Brick Slips or Hearth first - prep for wood burner

[Possom]

If prepping a fireplace for a wood burner, would I be right in thinking it's best to install the brick slips against the 3 internal walls of the fireplace first and then lay the hearth into the fireplace after this.

Otherwise, if the hearth is positioned first, then when the brick slips are attached to the 3 internal walls it could well make a mess of the new hearth.

Or perhaps it doesn't matter wither way? Any thoughts?

 

[23vc]

Either valid, but I’d always go for hearth (slate?) first if possible and protect it to do the walls. That way you’ve got some tolerance with the gap between hearth and walls as the slips cover it.

 

[Ivor Windybottom]

Are people still installing these things? I thought the fad was over, and they'll probably be banned soon.

Are Wood-Burning Stoves Safe for Your Health?

Wood-burning stoves may be cozy but pose numerous health concerns, including the worsening of lung and heart disease and an increased risk of cancer.

www.verywellhealth.com

 

[Roberto2019]

Why would they be banned? Wood is a renewable source of energy, and wood burners are very efficient, clean and safe if installed and used correctly.

Regarding the OP's question, either way is fine I reckon.

 

[Possom]

I was watching the video below by Which? about wood burning stoves. The still shown below shows the hearth.; it looks more or less level with the ground. I believe the hearth is required to be of a certain thickness to comply with regs, though the is 7 years old so perhaps different requirements then?

www.youtube.com/watch?v=LQx1X4yQQm8
at 1:47

 

[foxhole]

If the hearth is over or surrounded by flammable materials then it need to be fireproof. If like that pictured it’s a solid surface it’s fine .Your fitted can provide guidance .

 

[foxhole]

Are people still installing these things? I thought the fad was over, and they'll probably be banned soon.

Are Wood-Burning Stoves Safe for Your Health?

Wood-burning stoves may be cozy but pose numerous health concerns, including the worsening of lung and heart disease and an increased risk of cancer.

www.verywellhealth.com

Lots of nonsense going around above solid fuel fires , no plans to ban . Pellet stoves are over 90% efficient and used what’s considered eco friendly renewable fuel .

 

[robinbanks]

Why would they be banned?

Because burning wood is antisocial; just ask the people downwind of the top of your flue

 

[Ivor Windybottom]

Wood is renewable and is carbon-neutral.

It's also highly toxic to burn the stuff anywhere near humans, especially in a confined space. The toxins and particulates are known to cause cancer and all kinds of illnesses that lead to early death.

Have you not seen how black Victorian buildings became? They were yellow when built, the black came from wood and coal smoke. People died at an early age, vast numbers from lung issues. We learnt lessons in the past, imposed the clean air act and moved to gas and electricity.

A clueless new generation comes along, decides it's all cosy and romantic and starts turning modern homes back into caves. Absolutely nuts.

Or perhaps all the peer-reviewed longstanding scientific reports are all some giant conspiracy scare story by the gas industry?!!!

 

[Deluks]

More Guardian reading nonsense.
Comparing the modern sealed metal boxes, that have insulated flue pipes and are fed dried hardwood or smokeless fuel, to Victorian open fires that burned who knows what and Tiny Tim's wooden leg, is somewhat misleading.

 

[Ivor Windybottom]

I definitely don't align myself with the guardian! Just understand actual science.

Yeah, all sealed. That's why your room smells of wood smoke. It has air inlet vents, which often function as outlets especially when it's getting going.

But I agree, the majority of deadly toxins are spewed out of the chimney over your neighbours.

It's a classic case of the human race learning lessons then promptly forgetting them.

 

[Roberto2019]

Never had any wood burning smell in my house. In fact, I think the air is cleaner as the fire draws in fresh air and ventilates the house nicely. And if the fire is burning properly, there is barely anything coming out the chimney as its all getting burnt.

 

[robinbanks]

there is barely anything coming out the chimney

Correction; there may be "barely anything visible coming out the chimney" but waste output from burning things doesn't have to be visible to be harmful to your health. Sit in your running car inside your closed garage and see how long you last, for example - all invisible emissions, harmful to your health

 

[Ivor Windybottom]

Heard it all now... setting fire to wood in your living room apparently makes the air cleaner.

Deluded.

 

[Deluks]

Correction; there may be "barely anything visible coming out the chimney" but waste output from burning things doesn't have to be visible to be harmful to your health. Sit in your running car inside your closed garage and see how long you last, for example - all invisible emissions, harmful to your health

Ivor did mention black buildings caused by smoke, Roberto was merely mentioning that this is no longer the case.

It makes perfect sense that hot air rising rapidly through a flue would pull additional air into the room to replace it.
Quite often an air vent is installed along with the burner, it serves a function, it's not just for show.

The potential issues you are concerned about would come about by poor installation, incorrect usage, or the burning of incorrect fuels.