Most of our fireplaces can be adapted

to burn real fuel.

Real fires are hotter than gas or electric fires, so expansion joints are necessary on fireplace hearths and backpanels.  But appart from that, fireplaces will look very similar to those on the pages of this web site.  Real stone, granite or marble are all suitable materials, as are cast iron and brick, but most man made materials are unsuitable for the heat of a real fuel fire.

We are HETAS approved installers, so there is no need to apply for building regulations approval when we fit your new fireplace.  You can use an unapproved installer to fit any solid fuel fireplace if you prefer, but will then need to have it inspected by your local authority building control officer to ensure it complies with building regulations.

Cast iron fire baskets of all sizes and designs to burn real logs or coal are available to suit most fireplaces.

Fires can be burned on a simple cast iron basket like the Cromwell shown above. There are many styles of basket to choose from, but with all of them the majority of heat goes straight up the chimney. Ideal if you have the central heating on, but not as the main source of heat in the room.

For higher efficiency we supply the JETMASTER log or coal burner which not only gives radiant heat, but also extracts heat which would normally be lost up the chimney and circulates it around the room as clean convected air.

For even higher efficiency still, you can buy wood burning stoves.  However, they are enclosed, so you don't get the full benefit of the real flames.  You also need to consider whether a stove might be too hot in a centrally heated house.  For these reasons we do not sell enclosed stoves for real fuel.

	Fireplaces made for real log or coal fires have to be constructed to withstand higher temperatures than for gas or electric. Expansion joints will be necessary in hearths and backpanels, agglomerate marbles are generally unsuitable and slabbing is likely to be required. Most of our fireplaces can be adapted for solid fuel, but the "hole in wall" designs can not.
TYPICAL FIRE BASKETS Note: We recommend black for solid fuel use, as polished baskets will tarnish in a real fire.
Small Nexus Basket 610 x 315 x 190mm Small Cottage basket 485 x 305 x 365 Neon Basket with back 375 x 285 x 230mm           Voysey basket 515 x 280 x 525mm        Castle Basket 570 x 280 x 440   Cromwell basket 390 x 280 x 180mm, or 455 x 320 x 180mm	Swans nest basket with Sentinal fire dogs     Valencia basket with back 470 x 290 x 475 or 550 x 290 x 500     Valencia basket without back 470 x 335 x 220 or 550 x 330 x 220        Art Deco Basket 545 x 245 x 475        The Victorian 505 x 315 x 510mm   Large Nexus basket 760 x 405 x 230mm