Opening up a fireplace

Hi Guys,

I think I can open up my fireplace to fit a log burning stove, I just don't want to knock out bricks and then find out I was wrong. I have done some exploration under the plaster and found a brick arch. Am I right in thinking i can remove the section below the arch as shown in this picture?

Thanks
Dan

Hello -

Before you commit to a log burning stove please ensure you have done some research into the actual running costs... I have spoken to so many people who buy these because of what they see on TV and in the press, then are shocked at the running costs...

Comparison:

A 2kw energy efficient modern gas fire (even those that look like log burners) will cost 9p per hour to run. If you use it for maybe 3 hours a night for a year that will cost you maybe £35 a year to run

An equivalent log burning stove may cost £200+ (if not a lot more) per year to run.

They are also more polluting than a gas fire. You can get defra clean burn stoves but these are more expensive.

So, unless you have the time to search, collect and store your own timber (which someone recently pointed out to me is also ecologically bad) it is a far more expensive way to heat your house, even for a few hours a day.

I agree that a lot of people do not think of the cost of running the stove and many people will simply pop to the local garage and buy the pre-cut/ pre-dried timber. This would cost a fortune to run like that.

I hope to go out and find enough wood to sustain in. Already I have some giant chunks of tree that were by the side of the road where a tree had fallen in the winds. I just need to cut these up and allow them to dry.

We have now opened up our fireplace and my original though was correct. we managed to open it up as per my last image.

Also about 80% of the way there on making a home made log store.
This is costing a fraction of the price of the shop brought ones. Used some free pallets and a few bits of timber for a local supplier.

Next problem is getting the liner and fire installed by a HETAS engineer. Quotes are looking rather large!

unfortunately people do not think of the ecological impact of this approach either.

1) You will need to collect a huge amount of decent quality fallen wood to provide fuel for a stove.

2)In some areas there is a growing problem of people collecting fallen wood from forests, woods and parks etc. Technically illegal unless you ask permission.

3)Good sized/quality rotting wood is a vital requirement for a good ecosystem. It attracts a lot of insects which also sustain a host of other wildlife. Removing this is very bad for wildlife....

Whilst you may say.."i am only one person"....so many people are now doing this, that a shortage of naturally decomposing wood is an ever increasing problem in some areas.

So as you can see, even collecting wood to burn is not an eco-friendly option.

I would go to a local tree surgeon or forestry commission managed forests and see what they sell their wood for in bulk. They may have a lot of excess to give away or sell from their forestry management.

The most ecological, green, energy efficient and cleanest method of heading a space using a fireplace is gas. There can be fantastic looking and there are many open flame ones (which are less efficient obviously).

But a wood/coal/mutifuel burner is purely a lifestyle "looks good" choice. Do not kid yourself that you are being in anyway "green" or "eco-friendly".

Proper fires are lovely things to have, why not go for a multifuel? Coal can burn for ages if you run out of wood. The smell of wood is lovely too.

I have a stove and I agree it is not cheap or particularly green. Stealing wood from parks is bad news. But tree surgeons do sell wood, and I cadge wood from people when they clear trees. A stove us slow to start, and takes time to fill. But ... if you want it as a backup for central heating, and as something to look nice, then go for it. I do not use mine much, but it looks lovely when not in use, and is a real treat when going.

Shop around for quotes. Prices can vary enormously. 50% or more in my case.

Looks like you are doing a lovely job of the opening. You are lucky to have a large void, it is more efficient as you get good air flow.

There are more places to get free wood, I get frame offcuts from upholsterers.

The opening you have made is brilliant.

How did you know it was safe to remove all the brickwork? I am thinking of doing something similar but can't afford to have the chimney breast collapse.