Fireplace Mega Deals

The fireplace can be crafted from natural materials (e.g. Stone/Granite/Marble) which have formed over many millions of years, in many cases over 300 million years. Extracted directly out of the earth containing fossils and layers of organic material which, when worked, form the exquisite beauty of stone that ancient nature has created. Therefore you can expect to find markings and veining running throughout the material which would either not be present, or removed in a man-made manufactured product, which is then seen as flawless and consistant. Both have their place, those of us who appreciate natural materials in their homes and undeniably those who wish for products made from manufactured materials without inperfections (e.g. Corian).

Natural materials are sourced from different areas found in countries all over the world, all having individual characteristics, strengths and practical uses. These have to be considered when choosing a fireplace together with the method of heating appliance which is intended to be used within the fireplace.

The utmost consideration would have to be for that of solid fuel burning, where heat output can vary considerably depending on the fuel used for the fire (e.g. Logs, Coal, Briquettes etc) how much fuel is used, plus the aesthetic effect on the material with regard to marking and staining. Specialist slabbing of any stone is required to allow for expansion for fireplaces intended for solid fuel.

A survey from a HETAS registered fitter who’s responsibility is also to check the suitability of the flue, install the fireplace correctly and allow for adequate ventilation required to meet regulations. For this reason the fireplaces offered on this website are suitable for gas fires or electric fires only.

Appreciation of Natural Stones:-

They are from parts of the world that have been under continuous movements by the continents and oceans, and through earthquakes and volcanic eruptions. For example the famous stones of Portland and Bath were laid more than 150 million years ago when what is now an area of England, was more like the Bahamas of today. Limestone starts as floors of shallow, tropical seas. You can find today, some perfectly formed hard stones no more than 30-40 years old. These floors contain animals, insects and have even been known to contain Cola bottles!

Limestone is commonly light in colouration, usually beige or white. However limestone can occur in other colour variations according to impurities in the stone such as metals, sand, clays, or organic matter.

The finish of limestone can also differ. For example, the reason that French limestone can be highly polished is due to the mix up in the formation of the Alps resulting from Africa bumping into Europe over the past 50 million years. As the land buckled and folded, the limestone became heated causing large crystals to form in the stone, allowing a finer polished finish. This can also cause veining as a result of uneven pressures on the stone.

Today, in the course of developing the quarry, considerable variation may occur in the colour, texture and grade of the stone being extracted. Therefore, uniformity of appearance should not be expected. Each piece has different characteristics and no two pieces can ever be the same.

It is common in limestone to find remains of shells, fish & metal fragments. These elements in no way detract from or weaken its wearing qualities. In fact they are considered to enhance its appearance and distinquish real stone from imitations and is the sign by which nature authenticates her own handiwork.

In a world of man-made materials a stone fireplace remains a natural product with it’s own unique characteristics.This provides the stone it’s expensive looks, style and ageless elegance combined with durability.