Log burner - alternatives to fire-board?

I would like to have a log-burner installed in my period living room - it's an 1860s brick house with a large chimney breast. Putting in a modern slate hearth and panelling out a rectangular recess with fire-board wouldn't really fit the vibe of the room but that's how I've always seen it done before.

What alternatives are there? Is it possible to use tiles, bricks, etc so the whole thing looks a bit more... period? What can and can't be done?
The existing bricks are not in great shape but if they were, could they be re-used or woudl they not meet regs, or does it depend how close the burner sits to the 'walls'?

Thanks for any insight.

Have you consulted a HEATAS installer?

MisterBoy said:

Putting in a modern slate hearth and panelling out a rectangular recess with fire-board

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You mean A1 fire rated cement board?

MisterBoy said:

What alternatives are there? Is it possible to use tiles, bricks, etc so the whole thing looks a bit more... period?

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Yes, the cement board can be decorated with ceramic tiles etc.

noseall said:

You mean A1 fire rated cement board?

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Yes of course, that slipped my mind. Ye gods.

Mine has fire board covered with 3mm slate sheet.

Lots of faux fireplace options , depends on budget .

I sand and cement rendered mine, never cracked in 10 years, I like the subtle look and clean edge against the plaster.

Mine was also sand and cement and as 23 above mine never cracked. I also installed my own fire, hearth, chimney pipe and knocked down the original chimney stack and rebuilt my own.

If your fire is for heating I would advise getting a single door rather than twin doors, it's just easier to load the larger logs you will be using.
My fire was my only source of heat so I went all-in and bought a European fire designed for country use. This fire had an option to fit a water heater to the back and a removable cap on the top for a kettle or frying pan, neither of which I ever used but they were there if needed. Another advantage was is could be completely disassembled for cleaning each summer.

Something else worth considering is a soot trap which catches the slag that collects on the inside of the chimney and falls down every time you get a really hot burn going (I used a bit of oak for that).
I also took down all the chimney breast and ran the stainless steel chimney pipe up the wall and through the ceiling, this allows more of the heat to spread around the room, its something I picked up in NZ.