Installing Inset Log Burner in Stone Surround

jhinks37

Hi All - I know there's quite a few knowledgeable people out there about this sort of thing so here goes.

We have a gas fire and want to replace with a log burner but ideally keep the surround as we love the stone. We have been told because of this and build of the fireplace, that an 'Inset' log burner is the way to go. We are concerned about what type of stone this is and whether it can withstand the heat of the burner. The installer doesn't seem concerned but we don't want to make a costly mistake. 

Wondered if anyone could identify this stone / has an opinion on this.

TIA for any support.

Belenus

It looks similar to a Portuguese Limestone fireplace we once had.

It could be another type of Limestone.

We had a gas fire in it and not a log burner so I can't comment on its suitability for that.



Our cat liked it.

FreeBear

It could be limestone... A couple of points though.

Do not underestimate just how hot the wall will get above an inset stove. I regularly see temperatures in excess of 150°C (have a sensor embedded in the wall and hooked up to a home automation system).

Whilst stone will cope with elevated temperatures, there is a chance that cracks will appear. White & pale stone will discolour due to the escape of fumes each time you open the door to put a log on. Limestone is porous, so will be difficult to keep clean unless it is sealed.

jhinks37

FreeBear said:

It could be limestone... A couple of points though.

Do not underestimate just how hot the wall will get above an inset stove. I regularly see temperatures in excess of 150°C (have a sensor embedded in the wall and hooked up to a home automation system).

Whilst stone will cope with elevated temperatures, there is a chance that cracks will appear. White & pale stone will discolour due to the escape of fumes each time you open the door to put a log on. Limestone is porous, so will be difficult to keep clean unless it is sealed.

Thanks for that reply, some good points for us to think about. Nice to hear about the stone and I can see most comments do recommend that Limestone will take the heat and yes as you said more comments about the wall than anything to do with the stone.

moneysavingdan21

We have at two stoves installed to two different homes replacing gas fires.

The first was a inset gas burner direct in the wall, the second was as per your current fireplace with a stone surround. In both cases we got a new hearth so for house two the whole fire place at to be taken out to install.

Both times we have gone for free standing (which also then needed/ included a bit of widening of both fire places). I guess in your case it will be important to check what depth you have for the insert stove to fit well (on the existing surround?)  plus there is the added challenge of cutting the surround to fit as well (if that is what you intend?). 

At first we at first wanted to keep the stone pillars and mantel (but not the surround), but once removed we actually preferred without - there is always the option for a new mantel to be installed if you miss a place to stick pictures etc?  

If the installers need to remove it - why not ask to get to that stage and see what you think on if you want it back or not and go from there?