Wharfe Valley Hearths Blog

So, summer is almost here, we are all thinking of warmer days ahead and winter is so far away ….

This makes it the perfect time to be thinking about installing a new stove and hearth from Wharfe Valley…. Why?

Choice of Hearths

Choosing to install your stove and hearth during the summer months often means you have greater choice of dates as traditionally, we begin thinking about a new fire when our homes become chillier with the onset of Autumn and installers are much busier then. It can be frustrating when you need your new stove yesterday!

Planning

Allow plenty of time to choose your hearth! It should be one of the first things on your list after picking the perfect stove for your home. The two need each other and your hearth needs to be with you prior to your installation date to avoid any delay.

Wharfe Valley Hearths offer so much choice of hearths for stoves, you may need to have a good look, ensuring the hearth meets your stove requirements and then, book your installer!

Advantages

Drier weather means that doors and windows can be opened, maintaining good ventilation during the stove and hearth installation whilst reducing the amount of dust and mess in your home and less dirt being brought inside.

Perhaps most importantly, your new fire will be ready to use as soon as the days become cooler; you will be warm and cosy whilst those who haven’t been so forward-thinking will look on with envy!

When it comes to choosing a hearth plate for standalone stoves, concrete is often the first choice and not without reason. Concrete is a composite material that is versatile enough to have a wide range of applications in construction. Add to that the several unique features and you have a material that is just perfect for the hearth plate of your fireplace.

Customisable

Concrete can be moulded in various shapes and sizes including the Teardrop, Square and Clipped Corner Square and are made to order. Concrete hearths not only complement your standalone stoves perfectly but are astonishingly affordable.

Furthermore, concrete hearths add a touch of raw strength and beauty to your room and look extremely trendy when paired with the right decor.

Unparalleled Longevity, Strength and Durability

Concrete is one of the strongest and most durable materials available for various purposes including hearth plates. Few other materials last as long as concrete hearths do. Concrete hearths are a great long-term investment meaning you can enjoy them for generations as the material is extremely durable, can withstand extreme heat without cracking. In fact, concrete becomes stronger over the years however concrete can chip due to being made up of lots 1000’s of particles.

Total Safety

Concrete can not only absorb high heat but it is non-combustible too. This means objects adjacent to your fireplace will never be affected due to transmission of heat.

Being an inert composite material, concrete once set, has zero emissions. With concrete hearths in your rooms, you will not be exposed to any toxic vapours or emissions from volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from this product.

Easy to Maintain

Concrete is a material that does not rot, rust or burn. It is resistant to moisture and does not encourage the growth of bacteria or mould. Maintaining a concrete hearth is therefore very easy and just perfect for busy families.

Quick Installation

Another huge benefit of concrete hearths is quick and fuss-free installation. Whether your stove occupies the pride of place right in the centre of the wall or a tidy corner, we have a design for you.

Concrete hearths are made to order. Once it arrives, all you need to do is unpack your bespoke concrete hearth and place it beneath the stove. It’s that simple!

Before central heating systems made their way into our homes, people depended on fireplaces to keep their interiors warm during winter. These days, the modern heating system has made the fireplace redundant. However, fireplaces can add a lot of charm and character to your space. This is all the more true of trendy standalone stoves with their outstanding looks and modern design. Paired with the perfectly styled hearth plate, your fireplace can become the focal point of your room.

With the winter setting in, this is the right time to install a fireplace to recreate the elegance of old-world ambience. A fireplace with the right hearth will make your winter evenings extra special, cosy and extremely relaxing.

When it comes to choosing the right floor plate for your fireplace, slate hearths are an excellent option. Let’s take a look at the various advantages it offers.

Slate Hearths Have Stylish Looks

Slate is a fine-grained rock that can be cut and shaped into smooth and stylish pieces. It is available in shades of grey from dark to pale, which creates an aura of subdued sophistication in any space. However, slate can also be cyan, bluish, purple or even green in colour. The variations in colour offer you complete flexibility when using slate hearths for your fireplace.

Irrespective of your decor, you are sure a find a shade of slate that will be fit in perfectly with your interiors.

Excellent Performance

Slate hearths not only look stunningly beautiful but are high in performance too. Slate is totally fire proof and extremely energy efficient. It has great thermal stability, which means the heat does not transfer easily to the exterior of your fireplace.

Slate hearths are compatible with electricity, gas or solid fuels like coal or wood. What’s more, these hearths are extremely durable and resistant to staining. Slate is also inert to chemicals and does not encourage the growth of bacteria or fungus.

Easy to Install

Slate hearth plates are very easy to install. Simply choose the style and shape of your slate hearth from our collection and place your order. We will deliver your chosen hearth plate to your home or place of business in no time. Simply remove the slate hearth from the packing and place it on the floor and you’re done.

Low on Maintenance

Maintaining your slate hearth is easy and totally fuss-free. Since slate is fire proof, chemically inert and resistant to staining and bacterial growth, it does not require elaborate scrubbing or cleaning. Regular dusting is enough to keep your slate hearth plates bright and shining through the years.

Bespoke Fireplace

Slate can be cut and crafted in different dimensions to suit various spaces. At Wharfe Valley Hearths, slate hearths are available in standard sizes that comply with the building regulations. Our slate hearths offer complete safety as they’re sure to catch any glowing embers and flying ash before they damage your floor.

And with different colour options, you can enjoy your unique bespoke fireplace with slate hearths that are available in different designs like semicircle, square or teardrop.

The primary factor to consider when buying a hearth is the kind of material it is made of. Stove hearths are made of highly fire-resistant materials as they need to catch flying embers, ash and sparks, and prevent them from causing any fire accident.

Hearth plates are available in wide variety of attractive and durable materials. Let’s take a look at some wonderful options.

Sandstone Hearths

Sandstone is one of the earliest known materials to be used for stove hearths. Sandstone is non-combustible and it’s natural density makes sandstone more fire resistant as flames find it difficult to wade through it.

These sandstone hearths boast a timeless appeal. They are highly tough and durable and easy to clean and maintain too. These hearths retain their colour for a long time.

Limestone Hearths

If you are looking for an inexpensive hearth plate, limestone hearths fit the bill. Limestone hearths are highly resistant to daily wear and tear. These hearths are a great option if you are looking for lighter shades.

Concrete Hearths

Concrete hearths are timeless in their appeal and go with any kind of décor. Whether you are looking for a traditional or contemporary look, concrete hearths can deliver the desired effect.

Given its natural composition, concrete is a highly non-combustible material. Moreover, concrete spreads heat slowly, which serves as an extreme protection against fires.

Granite Hearths

Granite is a popular material used for its unmatched beauty, durability and versatility. Granite hearths are great for gas, electric as well as stoves with solid fuel. These hearths are less expensive than soapstone and marble and are available in different patterns and colours.

Slate Hearths

If you are looking for darker shades, get a slate hearth. These hearths are extremely durable, usually lasting for years. But, slate hearths need to be used only with electric and gas stoves, and not with solid-fuel stoves, for they crack under the pressure.

Glass Hearths

If you want to show off your floor without covering it with a hearth, glass hearths are the ultimate choice. They are timeless in looks, and extremely tough and durable.

Hearth Size

The hearth size is also an important consideration. The Building Regulations Act specifies the dimensions needed for the hearth so that it protects occupants from fire hazards.

If you are thinking of hearths, think of Wharfe Valley Hearths. We have a range of hearths in slate, granite, sandstone, limestone, granite, concrete and glass, in different shades and shapes. Whether you want to position your stove in a corner or edge, we have a shape to suit your priorities. We also cut hearths to your specifications.

Call us at 01937 859243 for more information.

When used within safety limits, wood burning stoves are great to have, in any home. They keep you warm and cosy during the cold, harsh, winters. With modern stylish wood stoves, you can also enhance the décor of your home.

With the right safety precautions in place, you can enjoy this amazing appliance for a long time.

Keep Combustible Materials Away

Ensure that the carpet or other combustible materials such as rugs are away from the stove – even small embers can cause fires.

Choose your flooring covers carefully. Floors made of brick or linoleum are ideally suited for the purpose.

Adjust Air Vents Appropriately

The air vents on a stove allow you to adjust the oxygen levels so that you can fire the fuel per your requirements. However, an overdose of oxygen can burn up all the fuel and overheat your stove.

It is crucial to keep the air vents at lower levels during the nights. Remember to adjust them when you are planning to take a long vacation. Leaving them at a higher level can result in fire accidents.

Use Safe Fuel and Lighting Sources

Avoid using lighter fluids to start a fire in the stove. This could result in an explosion. Avoid using charcoal too. Charcoal emits carbon-monoxide, which when inhaled steadily, can even lead to death.

Use split, well-seasoned hardwood instead of green or damp wood. This ensures better fuel efficiency. Green or damp wood, on the other hand, produces heavy smoke and odour. Creosote is another toxic by-product that’s released when you burn wood. Left uncleaned, it can pile up in the stove’s chimney resulting in fire mishaps. It can even damage your stove.

Install a Hearth

A hearth is a non-combustible platform on which the wood burning stove sits. In addition to being a safety mechanism, a hearth is also a legal requirement per the Building Regulations. The dimensions of a stove hearth should be such that it prevents fire accidents that could be caused by embers falling on nearby materials.

For the best hearths, look no further than Wharfe Valley Hearths. All our hearths meet the safety regulations. They are made of premium-grade materials including granite, glass, slate and stone. We specialise in bespoke hearths – discover hearths customised to your choice of colour, shape and size.

Schedule Professional Safety Checks Regularly

Have a professional to check your stove and chimney at least every year. An annual inspection ensures that any issues can be identified early, preventing risks of fire mishaps. The inspector can also certify if your stove is in proper working condition.

With these safety precautions in place, you can enjoy the warmth of your stove with your loved ones without worry and fear!

Hearths are there for a purpose – they surround the stove to prevent fire hazards from falling embers. When you install a stove, it becomes the focal point of the space. Therefore, the hearth you use should be equally fascinating.

It is, therefore, important to ensure that they are made of materials that offer excellent fire safety. It is equally important that they look attractive. Why not choose sandstone hearths then?

Need more reasons? Here’s a look at the benefits of installing sandstone hearth plates.

Extremely Fire Resistant

Sandstone is a non-combustible natural product. It is also denser, which means fire takes more time to penetrate through this natural stone. These properties make sandstone a preferable material for building hearths.

Sandstone hearths capture glowing embers, sparks and ash with great efficiency. They are great at protecting you from possible fire accidents and hazards.

Fine Thermal Insulation

Sandstone exhibits excellent thermal insulation properties. They retain heat longer, which can be a great advantage during colder months when biting cold demands all the warmth you can get!

Attractive Colours

Sandstone is basically grains of rock and sand-sized mineral particulates. Quartz and clay are the main ingredients of this rock. It looks like sand and is available in a variety of colours including beige, golden and grey.

Whether you are looking for a brighter finish or a lighter shade, sandstone hearths are available in a riot of colours to suit your aesthetic taste and interior décor!

For example, a grey hearth can be a great addition to a room with a light-coloured flooring and walls. It can also bring in a rustic effect with other elements rightly complemented!

Customisable

Sandstone hearths can be cut and customised to any shape.

At Wharfe Valley Hearths, we offer sandstone hearths in an array of attractive shapes including teardrop, large and small semicircle, truncated, quadrant and square. This means that you’ll have a hearth that fits in anywhere in your space, be it a corner or an edge!

Easy Maintenance

Sandstone hearths are easy to maintain. Vacuuming can remove loose dust and dirt particles. For cleaning stubborn stains such as soot, dry clean the area with a vacuum or dry cloth first.

Then, use a specialised hearth cleaner on the entire stained area. After 5 to 10 minutes, use a damp cloth on the area, gently pressing on and lifting the cloth so that the stain sticks to the cloth. Repeat till entire stain is removed.

You can choose to seal the hearth to prevent staining.

Buy the Best Sandstone Hearths at Wharfe Valley Hearths

Explore a range of sandstone hearths at Wharfe Valley Hearths’ online store. Our hearths are made of premium grade sandstone, so you get an extremely durable and beautiful product. We can create customised hearths, cut to the size and shape specified by you. We also have a range of attractive colours.