Introduction A fireplace is an asset to any home.
As well as the fireplace itself, there are a wide variety of accessories which can add practical features as well as character.
he structure of a fireplace consists of a surround, usually made out of stone or wood, and an insert, which is usually made of cast iron or steel.
A wide range of accessories are used in conjunction with a fireplace.
Some of these are required, whilst others add convenience - or even a talking point - to a fireplace.
This article describes the key elements of a fireplace and also acts as a checklist: we hope that you find it helpful.
Hearths and slips A fireplace hearth comprises a fire-resistant area, which surrounds a fire.
A hearth is usually a brick or stone floor level extension of the fireplace mantel.
It is important to decide what you are going to burn in your fireplace, when you place your order - as a hearth which is suitable for a gas fire may not be appropriate for a solid fuel fire.
There are two parts to a hearth.
The constructional hearth is a flat area of fireproof material (usually made of concrete in a wooden floored house), that should be flush with the floorboards where the fire is to be fitted.
The purpose of the constructional hearth is to prevent the floorboard joists extending beneath the fire and burning.
The decorative hearth sits on top of this construction.
The latter is usually made from stone, slate or ceramic tiles.
A slip is a horizontal or vertical strip, often in marble or tiles, set into a fireplace surround which creates an inner frame within the surround.
The purpose of slips is either to mask something, such as brickwork or plaster and / or to reduce the size of the opening so that the fire draws better.
Grates and inserts A grate is a frame of iron bars to hold fuel for a fire.
It is almost always constructed from cast iron.
The insert is the part of the fireplace where the fire is burned.
When choosing a period fireplace, it is important to match these accessories to the style of the surround.
Fire baskets The function of the firebasket is to cradle the fuel.
Fire baskets date back to the discovery of fire, at the very start of human civilisation.
Benjamin Franklin is credited with creating the first free standing fire basket or firebox.
He discovered that fireplaces lost most the heat through the wall.
His invention was named the Franklin Stove.
He also discovered that with heavy cast iron, the heat continued being produced even when the flames went out.
Fireplace tools The most common tools used in conjunction with a working fireplace include: * Pokers - these will prevent the risk of burns when adjusting hot coal and wood in a fire basket.
They come in numerous designs and can add a decorative look to a fireplace.
* Bellows - they will deliver controlled air into an existing fire, accelerating the flames.
* Tongs - designed to pick up coal and wood to place onto the fire.
* Shovels and brushes - necessary tools to clean and sweep the fireplace.
Conclusion A fireplace can add a new dimension to a room.
The appropriate accessories serve functional tasks, but can also add to the character of your fireplace.
As well as the fireplace itself, there are a wide variety of accessories which can add practical features as well as character.
he structure of a fireplace consists of a surround, usually made out of stone or wood, and an insert, which is usually made of cast iron or steel.
A wide range of accessories are used in conjunction with a fireplace.
Some of these are required, whilst others add convenience - or even a talking point - to a fireplace.
This article describes the key elements of a fireplace and also acts as a checklist: we hope that you find it helpful.
Hearths and slips A fireplace hearth comprises a fire-resistant area, which surrounds a fire.
A hearth is usually a brick or stone floor level extension of the fireplace mantel.
It is important to decide what you are going to burn in your fireplace, when you place your order - as a hearth which is suitable for a gas fire may not be appropriate for a solid fuel fire.
There are two parts to a hearth.
The constructional hearth is a flat area of fireproof material (usually made of concrete in a wooden floored house), that should be flush with the floorboards where the fire is to be fitted.
The purpose of the constructional hearth is to prevent the floorboard joists extending beneath the fire and burning.
The decorative hearth sits on top of this construction.
The latter is usually made from stone, slate or ceramic tiles.
A slip is a horizontal or vertical strip, often in marble or tiles, set into a fireplace surround which creates an inner frame within the surround.
The purpose of slips is either to mask something, such as brickwork or plaster and / or to reduce the size of the opening so that the fire draws better.
Grates and inserts A grate is a frame of iron bars to hold fuel for a fire.
It is almost always constructed from cast iron.
The insert is the part of the fireplace where the fire is burned.
When choosing a period fireplace, it is important to match these accessories to the style of the surround.
Fire baskets The function of the firebasket is to cradle the fuel.
Fire baskets date back to the discovery of fire, at the very start of human civilisation.
Benjamin Franklin is credited with creating the first free standing fire basket or firebox.
He discovered that fireplaces lost most the heat through the wall.
His invention was named the Franklin Stove.
He also discovered that with heavy cast iron, the heat continued being produced even when the flames went out.
Fireplace tools The most common tools used in conjunction with a working fireplace include: * Pokers - these will prevent the risk of burns when adjusting hot coal and wood in a fire basket.
They come in numerous designs and can add a decorative look to a fireplace.
* Bellows - they will deliver controlled air into an existing fire, accelerating the flames.
* Tongs - designed to pick up coal and wood to place onto the fire.
* Shovels and brushes - necessary tools to clean and sweep the fireplace.
Conclusion A fireplace can add a new dimension to a room.
The appropriate accessories serve functional tasks, but can also add to the character of your fireplace.