Fireplace with wooden surround - building regs

bizgirl

Hi all,

I'm in the process of reinstating an open fire in my lounge at home. I've seen some wooden mantelpieces I like but one of the fireplace dealers I visited recently said I will have to choose a metal or stone surround as wooden will be dangerous.

The house currently has a wooden mantelpiece and a previous flat I lived in (also with an open fire) had a wooden mantelpiece too. The mantelpiece will obviously be a fair distance from the fire itself as I'm having a metal surround fitted too.

What are everyone's thoughts - are wooden mantelpieces a complete no-no and if so, how come you can buy one in pretty much every fireplace shop?

Thanks!

teneighty

The Building Regulations have lesser requirements for superficial timbers such as mantle shelf, skirting board, floorboard etc. Generally they are OK provided there is at least 200mm from inner surface of flue to face of wall, but if you are reinstating an existing fireplace the current rules will not apply.

magn8p

I recently removed a wooden mantle which I think is over 20 years old. While removing, the inside of the mantle plate had a fire grade plasterboard similar to http://amzn.to/2Aos7PX

I guess if you decide to purchase a wooden mantle, make sure it is internally insulated using something of this sort.

All the best.

chappers

A wooden surround and mantel in the usual positions is highly unlikely to contravene any regs.

John_the_Boy

I had a wooden surround with an inset stove fitted about 5 years ago. Perfectly fine as long as there are sufficient clearances.