Fireplace Facts:
Learn everything you need to know about fireplaces.
Fire Resistance
Gas Fires
Using Firewood
Fire Safety Advice
Period Fireplaces
Design tips and materials
Frequently Asked Questions
Fire Resistance
The fireplace and the immediate surrounding area need to be constructed from fireproof or fire-resistant materials.
To satisfy fire safety requirements for both open fires and gas fires it is advisable to consult a fireplace specialist or manufacturer.
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Gas fires
Gas fires avoid the sterility of electric fires by virtue of the fact that they use real flames to create their effect - thus providing the sense of well-being normally associated with real fireplaces.
Gas fires are not only economical but also alleviate the need to provide space for wood storage for an open fireplace.
Gas fires lack the fumes of an open fireplace and avoid the need for constant supervision.
Firewood - seek advice from a professional as to the best type for heat and the optimal storage conditions.
Fire Safety Advice
It is advisable to use cast iron grates and fire dogs when setting an open fireplace - this allows for sufficient oxygenation of the flames.
With open fireplaces use a fire screen to prevent accidents from flying sparks.
An open fireplace requires constant supervision.
French provincial fireplaces were typically made of limestone, and were in fact common throughout Europe, not just France.
French Classical fireplaces were typically made of marble and limestone during the reigns of Louis 13th, 14th, 15th, & 16th.
Period Dates:
France: |
Louis 13th |
1610-1643 |
|
Louis 14th |
1643-1715 |
|
Louis 15th |
1715-1774 |
|
Louis 16th |
1774-1792 |
Australia and England: |
Georgian Era |
1714-1830 |
|
William 4th |
1830-1837 |
|
Victoria |
1837-1901 |
|
Edward 7th |
1901-1910 |
|
Federation Era |
1890-1910 |
DesignTips and Materials
Limestone fireplace designs of this type are typical of the 16th, 17th and 18th Centuries, but are also suitable for use in Contemporary homes
The most popular stones for fireplace construction are limestone and marble.
Fireplace hearths are normally made of slate to prevent staining caused by coals falling out of the fire. With gas fireplaces this problem does not exist and as a consequence it is possible to use light coloured stone for this purpose.
Slate hearths look best with polished timber floors.
It is often appropriate to use a fireplace style that is not of the period of the house when the house is being extended - the extension of the average Victorian house normally calls for a design of a more contemporary style.
Many Neoclassical fireplace designs sit comfortably within a more modern setting.
Limestone, marble and sandstone fireplaces are built to suit any of the following applications:
- open fires
- cast-iron register grates of the Georgian, Victorian, Edwardian and Federation eras
- modern heating units such as:
- Cheminees Philippe
- Jetmaster
- Real Flame
Frequently Asked Questions
A site visit (where possible) and a scaled drawing of the proposed fireplace, or perhaps fireplaces, are all part of the design process.
Packing and freight of fireplaces can be arranged for interstate and overseas clients.
Prices start from approximately AUD$2000.
Where possible it is advisable to order your fireplace at least 3 months in advance as the materials used may be in transit from overseas.
It is often advisable to organize a site visit early in the construction process as this may result in reduced costs and you achieving the best end result for your choice of fireplace.