How Grate Are These?

I’ve spent the weekend, amongst other things, looking at secondary heating options in my eventually-to-be new home. 

There are two chimneys, thus two fireplace holes designed into this project. One of them would be considered large enough for an Inglenook type design.  The other much smaller and in the hall of the property. 

I’ve decided to hold off on doing anything with the second fireplace, as I don’t have gas and therefore the ability to put a half-decent north-sea-reserve-burning bad-boy in it. 

I had a quick look at the electric suite, flush with, or in, the wall jobs.  General rule of thumb with them seems to be spend more to look less chavish. 

And seeing as they can be added later without changing a lot, I’ll see if I can keep my money in my pocket. After all I should really reserve pride-of-place for my signed photograph of Britney. 

Anyway,  after some research I’m going to get hold of a wood-burning stove for the main fireplace and lounge. An apparent good decision for my CO2 output and SAP rating. 

It seems that they mustn’t use powered chainsaws in restainable forests, and the workers and wood must be transported in cars and trucks fitted with hydrogen fuel cells. 

There’s a massive and surprising selection. And because of the rise in price of steel, the vast majority are made from cast iron, much as the all once were. 

How many different styles of Inglenook fire places are there? Loads. 

The trick for me is not making it too traditional or modern without looking daft.  So the spec is: not too anything. After consulting with the builder, and a couple of suppliers, I’m going for an inside-out fireplace. 

This means I’ll be using the lovely bricks I have for the outside, on the inside of this large fireplace, this time, with a raked joint. 

Here’s wishing this piece of kit looks good in it, or I’ll need to buy some extra thermalites and a really big picture of Ms Spears.