If you are planning to install a new fireplace in your property, perhaps a wood burning stove, or dual fuel stove, getting the right look to the project, whilst adhering to building regulations are both important priorities.
Compared to fossil fuels like natural gas, propane, and coal, burning wood in your stove can be relatively carbon neutral and sustainable, and much more affordable compared to soaring fuel prices.
You don’t usually need planning permission although you may do if you live in a listed building. So it’s important to check with your local council.
You must always check the size and output of your stove before measuring up for a hearth. If the heat from your free standing stove doesn’t raise the temperature of the hearth above 100°C, the following measurements must be met:
The hearth must extend at least 300mm to the front and 150mm to either side
It must be at least 12mm thick
It must be made from non-combustible materials
It must also cover a minimum area of 840 x 840mm
If your stove heats your hearth to over 100°C, or it hasn’t been tested, the required thickness of your hearth increases to 250mm.
If you are placing your stove into a fireplace recess, it needs to have something called a ‘constructional hearth’ in place. This is the floor of your fireplace area that is usually made of a thick layer of concrete that should be at least 250mm thick.
This should then project at least 500mm outwards into your room and be wider than the recess by a minimum of 150mm.
If there are any combustible materials beneath your constructional hearth (eg: floorboards or wooden battens), there needs to be a 50mm air gap between them.
Headland Natural Stone are able to cut bespoke sized slate hearths in any thickness and configuration. We are able to provide custom shapes and edge profiles. If you have measurements, please contact us for a quotation including delivery.