Fireplace Mega Deals

As the name suggests these fires generally require a hole which can accommodate the dimensions (width, height and depth of the inset body of the fire) much the same as say an oven housing in a kitchen.  Basically a tall cupboard unit that the depth of the oven fits into allowing for a flush appearance of the frame.

If the property has a chimney breast as found generally in older properties and suitable for a solid fuel fire, then the brickwork can be opened up to the desired dimensions at whatever height from the floor.  A reinforced concrete lintel inserted above the top of the opening and bricked up from the floor to the required height. This new brickwork can then be plastered and decorated. Behind the brickwork should then be infilled to form a floor for the fire to sit on and be fully supported.

Because the chimney breast was built to extract smoke through to the chimney pot, there will be a ‘draw’ of air from the room. To eliminate this, a plastic bin liner partially filled with crumpled newspaper then tied to resemble a balloon can be pushed up into the flue opening.  This will also serve the purpose of preventing any soot deposits etc., falling onto the fire from above. It’s also advisable to have a rain cowl fitted to the chimney pot to avoid rain water ingress into the chimney. 

The electric fire will then heat and convect the air sourced from the room when the heater is in use.  This results in the electric fire having a 100% efficiency rating as no heat is lost, as opposed to an open flued appliance.

As many modern homes do not have a chimney breast, this does not mean that an inset fire cannot be accommodated with relatively modest cost and disruption. As with the oven housing, a mock chimney breast can be easily constructed by means of some simple D.I.Y joinery.

Firstly, the depth of the mock breast only needs to be as deep as the inset body of the fire. For example the popular Flamerite Corello electric fire only requires 125mm/(5″) inset depth and even the deepest of their models the Flamerite Landscape only requires 160mm/(6.3″).

The overall width of the mock breast can be any desired width after the overall width of the fire is accommodated. Thus having a minimal loss of space within the room, but providing a stunning feature focal point.

The frame (studwork) I would suggest is best made from 3″ x 2″ timbers with plasterboards then nailed to the frame. The studwork construction is very similar to that of constructing a wall partition, but without the need for sound insulation. This method is quick to construct, lightweight and does not require specialist building skills. There are many articles available for this kind of project online, or from D.I.Y. stores. In essence this will be a shallow three sided floor to ceiling housing unit.

Once the opening height and width has been decided, a frame cross member can be fixed and a corresponding batten to the wall you are building off from. A piece of plywood or similar board can then be cut to size to provide a floor for the fire. Ensure that there is a batten or wooden noggin provided where the fire needs to be screwed up against. A suitable electric socket can be located at a convenient point within the void of the breast, but not directly behind where the fire will sit. A competent electrician will be able to advise regarding this aspect. This conceals and  avoids any unsightly trailing of the fires electric supply cable.

There is much to be said for Flamerite’s Ultra Slim inset electric fires when there is restricted space available to inset within a fireplace. For example within an existing, or for an intended fireplace to be fitted against a flat wall.

As with many recently built properties, they do not have a chimney breast or flue recess. In which case the shallow depth to allow an inset fire to fit against the back panel of the fireplace is limited. Let’s say the available space (known as the fireplace rebate) is 75mm and the chosen fire exceeds this measurement, then simply the fire will not sit back fully into the opening and would be partially protruding from the fireplace. (See Information – ‘The Elements of a Fireplace’ on our website for example visual image descriptions).

A fireplace rebate can vary considerably but commonly is between 25mm to 75mm. The ‘cut-out’ in the back panel (which allows the fire to sit through) will commonly be approx 410mm wide x 565mm high and will accomodate the majority of inset fires on the market today. The minimum rebate size required to accomodate a marble or granite back panel is 25mm which allows for the thickness of the material.  Installed against a flat wall, then this is the maximum inset depth available for a fire. This is where the latest Flamerite Ultra-Slim fires offer the perfect solution, plus the latest advanced technology. 

The Flamerite Addison has a modern but more traditional look with coal fuel effect, available in a choice of Brass or Silver finish. The Flamerite Bailey leans more towards a contemporary look with coal fuel effect, available in Brass or Silver finishes. Then the Flamerite Iona with both pebble or coal effect has a silver only finish within a minimalist contemporary style. The 18mm Ultra Slim inset depth allows these fires to be fitted virtually into any fireplace.

All are designed to sit onto a hearth, having the patented Flamerite Solar Flare flame effect, Low energy 3 watt LED illumination giving an approximate 40,000 hours of life and a 2 year LED warranty. Combined with low energy, LED’s eliminate the need for replacement lamps. With a single 1500W more efficient heat setting, these fires are also very easy to operate with discreet controls located beneath the canopy. Perhaps also of importance is the fact that all Flamerite fires are manufactured in the U.K. at their factory in Staffordshire and come with an excellent customer after sales service backed up with 12 months manufacturer guarantee.

For those homes providing a deeper fire opening recess to accomodate deeper inset fires, Flamerite have an attractive range of fires to suite all applications.

Please can you spare 2-3 minutes to complete our short market research survey and be in with a chance to win a £50 voucher to spend at Fireplace Megadeals.

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Draw to take place 30th November 2012, winners will be notified by email.

The efficient and practical, open fronted radiant gas fire has the three, four or even five white ceramic radiant’s sitting behind a metal safety guard. These radiants are heated over a single gas burner until they glow red to bright orange on the high setting. These fires took some beating when considering efficiency and running costs alone.

Then we were introduced to the open living flame gas fire, which had glowing coals and flickering flames. In fact, all the charm of a coal or log fire, but is instantly controllable and without all the associated mess of a solid fuel fire. It was a revelation for the aesthetic visual overall effect. In fact a ‘must have’ for many families as the living space generally became more fashionable and ‘chic’ compared to the somewhat uninspiring previous space heater. A similar comparison would be that of when colour television was introduced compared to the established black and white sets. In short, they were much more appealing.

The radiant fires soon became less popular and all gas fire manufacturers came to realise that the demand for this new generation of fire was rapidly increasing. Hence there is currently a wide choice of gas fires available from traditional to contemporary in design and to suit all budgets.

In recent years, due inevitably to the energy price hikes and household budgets generally being under scrutiny, many bill payers have become much more aware of the affordability and efficiency for heating the living room.

Although retaining the desired visual impact and realistic living flame effect, the latest HE (High Efficiency) gas fires from ‘The Gallery Collection’ have a coal or pebble fuel effect bed set behind glass. Namely the Gallery Aurora, Gallery Lunar and Gallery Solaris, all of which achieve a potential heat output of 4KW combined with an efficiency rating of 88.7%. This efficiency rating actually compares most favourably with that of the majority, (If not all), of the ceramic radiant fires that are available today.

These fires are all available with a choice of high quality arched cast fascias in either chrome, gold or black finishes. Having a realistic deep fuel bed replicating a coal fire, they are also supplied with attractive brick effect ceramic liners. A pebble fuel effect bed is available as a cost option for those requiring a contemporary look. For ease of operation these fires are supplied with a high level frame slide control, avoiding the need to bend or kneel down to reach the controls.

All three models of the Gallery HE gas fires are available from Fireplace Mega Deals now with a discount saving of £145.00.

As fashion undoubtedly changes interior design, so global influences have an almost immediate impact on the way homeowners evaluate and respond. Take for instance the hike in energy costs over recent years that have transformed most peoples attitude to cost effectiveness and efficiency for home heating.

So, should we buy real quality at a moderately higher price, or accept less costly inferior products in the knowledge that they are not expected to be durable or even desirable in say a year or two.  Is it to be laminated chipboard that we choose for our homes or something much more appealing in stylish solid natural hardwoods.

When it comes to the focal point of the sitting room, the fireplace creates the lasting impression. If you watch any home improvement or relocation based television programme and if an opinion is expressed, inevitably it will be something like “love the fireplace”.

  There is however an important consideration when choosing fireplace products that need to stand up to heat and it’s effect. Also the amount of potential heat that a fire can generate. Will it warp, split, crack, discolour, burn, melt or simply self destruct over a period of sustained heat. Help is at hand to assist with this decision, see our ‘Information’ article on our Fireplace Mega Deals home page.

High quality products hand finished in solid oak are the fireplace surround of choice for the discerning and practical minded purchaser. Beautiful to look at with unique and distinctive natural grains with durable strength that will stand the test of time. As with the impressive ‘Eden’ and ‘Nene’ surrounds shown here taken from the gb Mantels Oak Collection, they will also be timeless in design whithin traditonal or contemporary homes. These individual fireplace surrounds make a bold statement with or without the optional matching Washington overmantel mirror, crafted to the same high quality from stunning natural European Oak. There is a choice of seven standard oak finishes. Shown here in clear oak finish.

So versatile yet affordable is the freestanding electric fireplace suite. The effect can be similar to that of laying turf in a new garden, they have an immediate impact to transform what was an unusable area into a haven of desireabilty. If you have a living space, a study or even a work space where you spend any amount of time, why not make that space a comfortable and visually attractive place to be. 

Subtle background lighting and a controlable ambient temperature
can have a real positive effect, bound to greatly enhance the human spirit. The electric suite is not only instant but easily installed with the minimum of disruption.    

These can be placed against any wall, only requiring a plug socket within reach of the cable. The range of suites available from the gb Mantels collection do not include an electric fire. This allows you the freedom to choose your style preference from a particular manufacturer, or even to use your existing freestanding or inset fire.

A standard fire opening is provided which will accomodate the majority of electric fires now available with an inset depth of just 3″/75mm.  The gb Mantels range of suites are manufactured from the finest hardwood veneers and supplied with integral downlights operated by a subtly placed on/off switch.

Such is the versatile nature of these electric suites that if you wish to change the furniture positions within a room, the fireplace can also be easily moved to suit. Even room to room or should you move home at any time, the fireplace suite can be taken with you. Again an ideal solution should space be at a premium.

There are five striking mantel finishes available Clear Oak, Mango, Olde England White, White Stone or Beige Stone to cater for every taste. Flexible colour choices of the back panel and hearth allow either one colour throughout the suite, or you can select contrasting colours to suit. We think you will agree, you can’t get any more versatile than that.

With today’s modern design technology, advanced finishes and techniques plus newly sourced materials, many styles have been introduced by leading bespoke fireplace surround manufacturers. None more so than by the well respected manufacturer GB Mantels with an established reputation for quality and excellence.

GB Mantels consistently produce state of the art timber fireplace surrounds manufactured entirely in South Yorkshire. The latest technology combined with age old experience of skilled craftsmen create the most versatile ranges of individually handmade wooden mantelpieces available today.

Fireplace Mega Deals offers the GB Mantels range from classic to contemporary together with the distinctly ultramodern.  We offer these surrounds safe in the knowledge that your fireplace has been crafted from the finest natural materials and treated with absolute tender loving care.

Timbers sourced include European Oak known as the king of woods due to its unique character and strength. Also Pine sourced from the forests of North America (Southern Yellow Pine) is very dense and hard wearing also possessing  striking decorative knots.

gb Mantels Eden Fire Surround in Solid European Oak 

Due to the nature of natural materials, it is common for surrounds to vary in colour due to natural shading and wood grains. Stunning natural materials provide individuality as no two surrounds will ever be identical. Solid and veneered woods are subject to grain differences, knots and blemishes which are all natural occurrences.

The interior design and features are what make the difference to the ‘feel’ of a room when you enter.  It’s that instant  ”Oh! I do like this room” or “If I lived here I would have to change this and that”.

This almost indescribable ’feeling’ is what makes us all individual and is governed by the human senses of  being either Visual, Auditory or Kinesthetic. It explains why one person instantly falls in love with something and another  absolutely hates it.  We experienced this scenario several times over the 20 years whilst operating our fireplace showroom. To the degree that even a compromise could not be reached when a couple were choosing say a fireplace or even a fire.  However, this fascinating piece of psychology can be researched elsewhere.

The reason I mention this is that I could imagine the appeal of one against the other of two identical fireplace package options manufactured by a leading UK manufacturer gb Mantels.The two surrounds appear surprisingly unrecognisable when shown in completely different finishes.  Also with a change of  micrograin marble or black granite hearth and back panel along with the style of fire.

Welland shown in Tudor Oak with Black Oak Inlay

 

 

 

Some will be indifferent to one of the finishes, maybe even dislike one and find the other striking. It’s a fair bet that not everybody will prefer the same one, even within the same family.

 

It has been said that “it’s a good job we don’t all like the same things” as there would then be no choice. It is therefore choice that abounds when choosing the focal point for any living space. This undeniably has to be the fireplace and although an initial overall look may not be to your particular taste, it is worth considering the available options.

Many designs being contemporary, traditional or some that even suit both interior styles. Colour finishes, natural grains or textures, lighting, the fire fuel effects and fascias can transform a living room into very desirable ‘chic’. With the addition of a matching mirror which is now available also by gb Mantels, the designer look is complete.

Each individual taste can be catered for … but YOU have to love it and there is plenty to love. Why not take a look at our fireplace packages and also see the affordable mega deals for yourself.

Why you should consider a versatile stand-alone Dimplex or Manor electric stove.

When entering a living room with a free standing electric stove instantly a cosy warm ambiance is created. During winter months many of us long to arrive home, sit down comfortably in front of a fire and relax.

Radiators are great for generating a desired ambient temperature. However have you ever seen anybody drawing their chair closer to sit in front of a radiator. It would surely be similar to watching paint dry.

It is fire that has satisfied man’s desire. Dancing flames provide a unique visual experience. This can be simply provided even without heat from an electric stove. Just the flame effect glow of the electric stove gives a sense of warmth. Thanks to the latest design improvements the fire effect is very realistic.

The running costs of the fire effect only are minimal for electric stoves. When the heater is required a low and high setting is generally available. Heat is provided by means of a fan heater which convects heat into the room. Electrical heating is 100% efficient, meaning there is no loss of heat from the room. Unlike other forms of fuel that need to be burnt and require a flue or chimney. A selected room temperature can also be maintained by the thermostatic control setting.

Dimplex electric stoves offer a range of accessories. Slate effect hearth slabs on which to stand the stove upon to add realism and avoid the need for a fire surround. Easy fit stove pipes and alternative fuel beds.

A major advantage of the freestanding fire or stove is the ease of installation, requiring only a domestic electrical socket. With no regulations or restrictions these are ideal for any room in the house including conservatories. Some Manor electric stoves have a fan only operation for use on those hot summer days. Also the low maintenance required together with the fact that an electric stove will last considerably longer when compared to a gas boiler.

The latest generation of Opti-Myst flame and smoke effects from Dimplex have to be seen to be believed for the ultimate solid fuel burning realism effect.

It’s unwise to pay too much, but it’s unwise to pay too little.

When you pay too much you lose a little money, that is all.

When you pay too little, you sometimes lose everything, because the thing you bought was incapable of doing the thing you bought it to do.

The common law of business balance prohibits saving a little and getting a lot. It can’t be done. If you deal with the lowest bidder, it’s well to add something for the risk you run.

And if you do that, you will have enough to pay for something better.

QUALITY……….

There is hardly anything in the world today that some man can’t make just a little worse and sell just a little cheaper, and the people who buy on price alone are this man’s lawful prey.