For anyone who wants the sound and smell of a real fire, a wood-burning fireplace is still the right answer. Straight, corner, double-sided and three-sided bodies adapt to any room.
Every model we build uses a closed firebox, which delivers far higher efficiency and far less smoke than an open fireplace.
The question of efficiency
In a classic open fireplace most of the heat produced escapes up the flue. In a closed, glazed firebox with controlled air intake the opposite is true: you get noticeably more heat from the same wood. Every wood-burning fireplace we build today works on the closed-firebox principle.
Model types
- Straight fireplace — Glazed on one face, set into the wall. The most common choice.
- Corner fireplace — Glazed on two faces; makes use of the corner and saves space in smaller rooms.
- Double-sided fireplace — Visible from two opposite faces, linking two spaces.
- Three-sided fireplace — Peninsula form, showing the flame from almost every angle. A striking focal point in large rooms.
Flue and safety
In a wood-burning fireplace the flue matters as much as the fireplace itself. Insufficient diameter, too many bends or an uninsulated flue lead to smoke blowback and lost efficiency. During the survey we always measure the diameter, height and draught of the existing flue and, where needed, install a stainless steel liner.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will a wood-burning fireplace really heat the room?
A closed-firebox wood fireplace is not merely decorative — it is a serious heater. An 8 kW firebox will comfortably heat around 80 m² of well-insulated space. With a water-jacket system it can also feed radiators.
Which wood should be burned?
Hardwoods such as oak, hornbeam and beech give the most heat. The wood should be seasoned for at least a year, with moisture below 20%. Resinous woods such as pine build tar in the flue.
Why does the glass blacken?
The usual causes are wet wood and insufficient air. With dry wood and the air control opened enough during burning, the glass stays largely clean. Most fireboxes have an air-wash system that passes air across the glass.
How often is servicing needed?
With heavy use the flue should be swept once a year, at the start of the season. Checking the glass gasket and ash pan at the same time prevents problems before they start.
