Posted on October 27, 2022
Open fires are always top of the ‘wish list’ for prospective buyers – whether it’s a period inglenook, statement stone surround or modern free-standing stove – the prospect of a cosy, real fire is all part and parcel of the charm of country living. In this week’s journal we’ve shared tips on laying the perfect fire, the essential kit you need, plus advice on what to consider when purchasing a stove and some local Cotswolds stockists…
Firstly, if you’re looking to renovate a fireplace or install a wood-burner in your new home here are some things to consider and great companies to help you create your perfect fireplace:
Know your room volume to calculate the heat output you need from a stove – there is an easy online calculator here.
You will also need to consider whether you are looking for a stove to top-up your central heating, or provide a primary source of heat. Do you have double-glazing? Wall insulation? There are many factors to consider – your stove installer should be able to advise you, but be armed with the facts before your consultation.
Think about log storage. Do you have somewhere near the house, outside that you can store logs? They need to be stored under cover to allow them to season effectively. On cold, dark winter nights you don’t want to be venturing down to the bottom of the garden, so plan a log store that is easily accessible for both log deliveries and for you to use.
Purchasing your stove
Pic credit: Charnwood Stoves
Charnwood Stoves - if you’re looking for a modern style burner Charnwood, based on the Isle of Wight, are Britain’s oldest wood-burner manufacturers, family owned and run by second and third generations. From freestanding stoves, to streamline, insert burners they are perfect for a modern country home.
Available through Walkers in Burford.
Pic credit: Clearview Stoves
Clearview Stoves, based in Stow-on-the-Wold, have been building stoves since 1987 and pride themselves as the leading manufacturer of clean burning wood stoves. Their canopied stoves look perfect in traditional, period properties and listed inglenook fireplaces.
Pic credit: Cotswold Stove
Cotswold Stove have over 50 years of experience installing fireplaces and stoves across the UK and coming up with creative ideas to help customers install their fireplace or stove of their dreams. If you're looking for more of a fireplace than a stove, they work with some of the world's leading manufacturers in fireplaces ranging from classic designs to modern styling. Visit their showroom in Cheltenham to explore their designs on offer.
Tips when laying a fire
It’s always important to use well-seasoned wood (ideally cut, split and stored for a minimum of 1-2 years). Wood that is properly seasoned burns efficiently and cleanly and should have a moisture content of less than 20%. The bark will be cracking, the wood will be lighter and the log will sound hollow when knocked on another piece of wood.
In terms of the best woods to burn – hard woods such as oak are the best value for money as they are dense and will burn for longer.
Essential kit
Newspaper, dry kindling, firelighters and matches are all essential basics to get the fire going. A flue pipe thermometer is also a very useful and simple device that attaches to the flue pipe of your stove. By telling whether you are over-firing or under-firing your stove you can adjust the burning rate accordingly. If you over fire your stove you can damage the glass, bricks and internal parts over time. By under firing your stove you can cause damage to the chimney and stove body through excess condensation.
A moisture meter is also helpful to ensure you burn properly seasoned wood on your stove. By inserting the prongs into the grain of the wood it gives a moisture content reading of the log. By burning properly seasoned wood you can achieve optimum clean burning efficiency and prevent the problems associated with burning wet wood.
In terms of tools, a poker, tongs and a decent fire-proof dustpan and brush is all you need.
Lighting a fire
Light the stove using dry kindling wood and newspaper or fire-lighters (natural chemical-free Flamers are a great natural alternative). Put the paper, or fire lighters, and kindling in the firebox and cover with a few small dry logs. Open the air controls fully and then light the paper or fire lighters. The door may be left cracked open for a few minutes to assist the combustion and heat up the firebox more quickly.
When the kindling wood is well alight add a few more small logs, close the door but leave the air control fully open. When the flames are established around these logs, load the stove with more fuel. Maintain the air control at maximum at this stage. Once the fire is up to temperature you can reduce the air control to halfway; you will find it burns your logs slower but very efficiently. You can then add logs as and when necessary (every 45 mins -1.5 hours).
Wood ash is rich in potash so perfect for the garden and especially for roses.
Fireplace maintenance
If you rely on having a roaring fire in the home throughout autumn and winter, you should schedule a service and professional sweep once a year, ideally in the summertime so your fireplace is ready for the seasons ahead.
Scheduling a chimney sweep will remove build up of creosote, soot, and potential blockages to ensure your system works its best and prevents fire hazards or deterioration to the point of needing costing repairs.
For any kind of restoration, sweeping and services, we'd recommend Cotswold Stove and Chimneys!
Fireside Edit
The fireside becomes the relaxing hub of a home over the winter months and we've created a fireside style edit with product and interiors ideas to help you make that perfect nook for the season.
Besides interiors styling, here are a few extra pieces for the fireside which we are loving this season:
Stylish matchboxes and pots
Left image: Pott Candles. Right image: Graham & Green
Pott Candles are known for creating beautiful refillable candles and pots, but we also love their Matchpotts which are hand-thrown by artisan potters in London and Belfast. With a striker pad on the bottom, it's a beautiful alternative to matchboxes, plus the matchsticks come in a variety of colours which can be reordered.
If you're looking for something more retro, Graham & Green have an awesome selection of illustrated matchboxes made of sustainably sourced FSC card and wood and printed using traditional letterpress techniques in the UK.
Gauntlet gloves & fire bucket
Garden Trading is one favourite one-stop shop for all home essentials that are simple, quality and aesthetically pleasing. We've found that gauntlet gloves are a game-changer when it comes to lighting and maintaining a fireplace and would highly recommend picking up a pair. They offer perfect protection when building or adding logs to a fire.
Plus, a fire bucket is often overlooked when styling up essential pieces for your fireside but is great for storing coal, kindling or ash and ensuring it all looks tidy.
Good luck and wishing you a cosy winter!