Fireplace Renovation

[kevinsmbuk]

So I currently have a gas open fire which I want to change to most likely a wood burner/cassette style wood burner. I just wanted to know where to start with the renovation. Do I get someone in to fit the wood burner first, then I build the surrounding frame (I realise it has to be non combustible materials) or do I build the frame then get someone in to fit?

Also does anyone know whats going on with the lintels in this picture, i.e. how they are supporting the stack? the wall either side of the chimney breast (above fire) is plasterboard, the area to the far left (behind pipework) is a cupboard in the kitchen.

 

[IT Minion]

Are you sure you want a wood burner? They're legal now* but there's rules coming in to restrict the wood you're allowed to burn and in all likelihood thats the start of their demise. Although being realistic that demise is probably 20 years off, so you can probably have some enjoyment out of it first.

Also don't forget to have your chimney checked and possibly lined. I looked at wood burners a while back and they can cost a fortune to get fitted.

*Assuming you're not in a smoke reduction area or if you are you get one that is rated for use in a smoke reduction** area

** That's not the right term but you probably get my meaning.

 

[bobasd]

OP,
in the search box put "fireplaces"
and posted by "bobasd"
fwiw: you'll find lots of info ref your question.

 

[kevinsmbuk]

Are you sure you want a wood burner? They're legal now* but there's rules coming in to restrict the wood you're allowed to burn and in all likelihood thats the start of their demise. Although being realistic that demise is probably 20 years off, so you can probably have some enjoyment out of it first.

Also don't forget to have your chimney checked and possibly lined. I looked at wood burners a while back and they can cost a fortune to get fitted.

*Assuming you're not in a smoke reduction area or if you are you get one that is rated for use in a smoke reduction** area

** That's not the right term but you probably get my meaning.

Not 100% sure to be honest as I like some of the letterbox style gas fires. But 1. They are too expensive to buy and 2. Gas seems to be heading the same way in terms of being wiped out.

Other alternative is electric which I'm not keen on the look of or biofires which don't really produce any heat.

 

[kevinsmbuk]

OP,
in the search box put "fireplaces"
and posted by "bobasd"
fwiw: you'll find lots of info ref your question.

Thanks but I can only see 8 threads which are informative but don't help with my questions.

 

[bobasd]

there are 15 threads and the idea is to follow the Similar or Related Threads at the bottom of the pages - like at the bottom of this page.

if you care to search for "chimney breasts" that i've advised on you will find 139 posts on the subject that advise about the correct way of going about what you want to finish up with.

 

[kevinsmbuk]

there are 15 threads and the idea is to follow the Similar or Related Threads at the bottom of the pages - like at the bottom of this page.

if you care to search for "chimney breasts" that i've advised on you will find 139 posts on the subject that advise about the correct way of going about what you want to finish up with.

Thanks I have just had a look and will continue to look, but is it possible you have any information about the lintel setup and how it has been built in my pictures?

 

[bobasd]

the lintels are irrelevant, and can be removed when the time is right in the work sequence.

 

[kevinsmbuk]

the lintels are irrelevant, and can be removed when the time is right in the work sequence.

Yeah they are in the scheme of things. It's just the bottom one has lost its support to the left and the top one appears to be just sitting on the bottom one! Just wanted to know if it's safe at the moment

 

[domdee]

How old is the property? If it was me I'd be ripping all the brick work out and starting a fresh.
Obviously you need to go careful so the chimney breast isn't compremised. Put supports in place until a new lintel is installed etc.
Whats on the other side of the wall?
Looking at it the brick work looks quite modern and slightly bodges with all that excess cememnt looking like its been poured in to fill a gap.
You might unearth something quite nice hidden. If not you have a blank canvas to start with and make it your own.
You need to finalise which stove you are going to have and use thats at a starting point. Build around it or use the dimensions povided on the installation manual/recomendations. Or even make a wooden template to you can lift it in and out with ease and check things will fit.