fire recess cladding log burner

Huskymumma

Hello

I am buying a new home and it has a log burner built into the wall. Currently the recess is just painted and looks a little shabby, so I would like it to look better.  I looked at tiling it but I don't have the skills, so I figured some cladding but when I looked the cheapest I could find was about £500.  Is there a cheaper and safe (fire proof) way of doing this?  I have added a pic so you can see what I mean. 

MysteryMe

You could use specialist paint like this https://www.tikkurila.co.uk/muuri

TheGreenFrog

If you can find a cheap heat resistant mantlepiece to fix around the fireplace, that would, in addition to painting the recess, be a big improvement (and hide the view of the top of the recess).

FreeBear

TheGreenFrog said:

If you can find a cheap heat resistant mantlepiece to fix around the fireplace, that would, in addition to painting the recess, be a big improvement (and hide the view of the top of the recess).

I'd agree - A decent mantle would help to direct hot air in to the room rather than letting it waft up the chimney breast. Anything used within the recess is going to be subjected to a lot of heat. I'd go for a high temperature paint, perhaps black as it won't show soot stains so much.

If you have never had a stove like that, one piece of advice - Don't stack logs in the recess. It might seem like a good spot, but the heat from the stove could cause them to start smoldering.

Oh, and get a new carbon monoxide (that is CO, not CO2) alarm. Even if there is one already in the house, they only have a 5-7 year life span.

secla

brick slips ?

Eldi_Dos

Painting the area in a marble effect could be a quick and cost effective way to improve appearance.

You could practice in a area that will not be seen, like the inside of a cupboard, till you are happy with the technique.

stuart45

secla said:

brick slips ?

This would be my choice. Even though the OP says they don't have tiling skills, brickwork inside a fireplace can still look good when it's really rustic.

Huskymumma

Thanks for your help everyone, really appreciate it, sorry for the slow reply busy packing.

I love the look of the brickslips, didn't even know that option existed - I will just have to find someone skilled in doing those.

Cheers

the_lunatic_is_in_my_head

Tiling can be easy OP, these as an example:

https://www.victorianplumbing.co.uk/palamas-slate-black-split-face-natural-stone-wall-tiles-100-x-360mm

no grouting required and they are uneven to begin with so you don't have to be perfect. 

Quite a few of these tile types in different styles, and very likely places cheaper than Victorian Plumbing